Description
This Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl features tender ground turkey cooked in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, served over steamed rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a weeknight meal, combining sweet, savory, and tangy elements with a subtle hint of ginger and garlic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked rice
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Thickening Agents and Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up before cooking.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the hot oil and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, releasing its sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir occasionally and cook for 6-7 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger until well combined.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water to create a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Sauce to Turkey: Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the cooked turkey in the skillet and stir well to incorporate the flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Thicken Sauce: Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet while stirring, and continue simmering for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: If desired, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir to evenly distribute for a gentle heat kick.
- Serve: Spoon the teriyaki ground turkey over prepared cooked rice, dividing the portions into individual bowls.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Top each bowl with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, then serve immediately while hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a mild flavor.
- Substitute ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
- The sauce thickens quickly once the cornstarch slurry is added, so stir continuously to avoid clumping.
