Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl – Sweet, Savory, and Satisfying

Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl is your next weeknight dinner win. Picture this: juicy ground turkey simmered in a sticky-sweet teriyaki sauce, nestled on fluffy white rice, and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and crisp green onions. The best part? It’s all done in under 35 minutes, no culinary degree required.

Whether your kids are picky eaters or you’re just plain tired after work, this teriyaki ground turkey bowl brings full flavor without the fuss. And yes, it reheats like a dream, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to. If you’ve been looking for an easy dinner that hits that sweet-savory spot, this is it. Plus, it’s totally customizable—you can toss in veggies, spice it up, or keep it simple. Ready to shake up your dinner routine with something quick, comforting, and undeniably delicious? This one’s calling your name.

Table of Contents

What is a Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl?

A Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl is a hearty and flavorful dish where lean ground turkey is cooked with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then served over rice and topped with crunchy, fresh garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds. It’s kind of like the love child of your favorite takeout and a wholesome home-cooked meal.

The sauce is the star here—think soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and ginger all coming together to coat the turkey in a glossy, sticky glaze. What makes this bowl special is the balance: you’ve got protein, carbs, and flavor in every bite. And because it’s made with ground turkey, it’s a lighter twist on more traditional teriyaki chicken dishes. This bowl is perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Reasons to Try Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl

First of all, it’s ridiculously easy. If you can stir and sauté, you’re already qualified to make this dinner. It’s done in one pan and hits the table in about 30 minutes—less time than it takes to scroll through your takeout app. Also, let’s talk about flavor. The teriyaki sauce is sweet, tangy, garlicky, and just the right amount of sticky. It turns humble ground turkey into something you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. It’s also endlessly customizable—got bell peppers? Toss ’em in.

Want it spicy? Add some red pepper flakes. Looking to meal prep? This dish stores beautifully. And for the health-conscious crowd, it’s a lean protein dream. Basically, it checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, family-friendly, and full of feel-good ingredients. Oh, and it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Ingredients Needed to Make Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup cold water (for slurry)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions to Make Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl

Ready to bring this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl to life? Follow this step by step guide, and you’ll be enjoying a flavorful, comforting meal in no time. Whether you’re new to cooking or just need something easy for a busy night, these directions are laid out to make the process simple, clear, and even a little fun. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Sauté the Onion for Flavor Foundation

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm (you’ll see it shimmer a bit), add in your diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is essential—it’s where the flavor begins. Cooking the onion first gives the dish a subtle sweetness and savory depth that balances beautifully with the teriyaki sauce later on.

Pro Tip: Want more help with foundational flavor techniques? Check out our garlic parmesan crockpot chicken and potatoes for another example of building flavor from simple pantry staples.

Step 2: Add the Garlic for an Aromatic Boost

Once your onions are softened, toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir and cook for just about 1 minute—no more, or you risk burning it. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes fragrant (a little like your favorite takeout spot). This quick step infuses the oil and onions with an aromatic punch that will carry through the entire dish.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up using a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, so it crumbles evenly. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and no longer pink. It should look slightly golden in spots, but still juicy.

Step by step tip: If your turkey releases a lot of liquid, feel free to drain off any excess before moving on. This helps the sauce cling better to the meat later.

Swap Alert: If you’re out of turkey, no worries. Ground chicken works just as well! For more protein-packed dinner inspiration, peek at our high-protein chicken orzo recipe.

Step 4: Whisk Together Your Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

While the turkey finishes cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together your ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup water, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger. This is your homemade teriyaki sauce—way better than store-bought. It’s sweet, salty, tangy, and rich all at once.

You can also adjust the sweetness here. Prefer a sweeter sauce? Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. Need it gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce—learn more in our healthy ground turkey teriyaki rice bowl post.

Step 5: Create and Stir in the Slurry

Now, let’s thicken things up. In a separate small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water until fully dissolved. This is your slurry—a simple mixture that thickens the teriyaki sauce without lumps.

Step by step cooking tip: Always use cold water to dissolve cornstarch. Warm or hot water will cause it to clump.

Step 6: Combine the Sauce with the Turkey

Once the turkey is fully cooked, pour your teriyaki sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The aroma at this point? Mouthwatering.

Then, pour in your slurry while stirring constantly. Keep simmering for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to that perfect glossy finish. It should coat the turkey beautifully without feeling too heavy.

Step 7: Spice It Up (Optional)

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more if you’re feeling bold). Stir it in and taste-test. You can always add more heat later at the table with a dash of sriracha or chili oil.

Want another cozy dinner that balances sweet and spicy? Try our brown sugar pineapple chicken—it brings the same flavor magic.

Step 8: Assemble the Bowls

Now it’s time to build your bowl. Scoop cooked rice into serving bowls (we recommend 2 cups total, divided between 4 bowls), then top with a generous helping of the teriyaki turkey. Add sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy finish.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Steamed broccoli
• Shredded carrots
• Snap peas
• A soft-boiled egg (just sayin’)

This step by step assembly keeps things stress-free while letting you personalize each bowl based on what you have on hand—or who’s at the dinner table.

What to Serve with Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl

This bowl is a full meal on its own, but if you want to bulk it up or serve it family-style, here are some simple ideas. Steamed broccoli or snap peas pair beautifully and add some crunch. A cucumber salad with a light rice vinegar dressing can give a fresh, cooling contrast. Or try roasted carrots tossed with sesame oil for a pop of color. Want to go all out? Serve it alongside Chicken Ramen Noodles for an Asian-inspired feast. If you’re short on time, even a side of edamame or a miso soup packet works wonders. Oh, and don’t forget a drizzle of extra teriyaki or sriracha on the side for those who like to play with heat.

Key Tips for Making Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl

Use lean ground turkey to keep things lighter, but not too lean—85% works well so it doesn’t dry out. Don’t skip the fresh ginger; it gives the sauce that zing you can’t fake. If your sauce feels too salty, try low-sodium soy sauce or add a splash more water to mellow it out. Want a thicker sauce? Let it simmer a bit longer after adding the slurry.

And if you’re feeding picky eaters, keep the spice out and let folks add red pepper flakes at the table. You can also stir in some steamed veggies like broccoli or snow peas to make it even more of a one-bowl wonder. Finally, double the sauce if you like your rice drenched—you won’t regret it.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl

This dish is a meal-prepper’s dream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop a portion in the microwave with a splash of water and cover loosely—this helps keep the turkey juicy. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, again with a little water to loosen the sauce. It freezes well too! Just let everything cool, portion it out (rice and turkey together or separately), and freeze in containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above. It’s the kind of dish that actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! It swaps in beautifully with no changes to the recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Just swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Can I add vegetables to the bowl?
Totally. Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even spinach work great.
Can I make this spicier?
Yes—just up the red pepper flakes or add a squirt of sriracha.
What rice works best?
Jasmine or white rice is classic, but brown rice or cauliflower rice works too!

Final Thoughts

The Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl is everything a weeknight meal should be—quick, hearty, and wildly tasty. It’s budget-friendly, endlessly adaptable, and a total hit with kids and grownups alike. Whether you’re a meal-prep queen or a “what’s-for-dinner” scrambler, this bowl’s got your back. And if you’re into easy bowls like this, you might also love our Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl for another simple twist. Keep this one in your rotation—you’ll thank yourself later.

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