Name: Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce; 1/4 cup Water; 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar; 2 tablespoons Brown sugar (adjust to taste); 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar (adjust to taste); 2 teaspoons Minced garlic; 1 teaspoon Ground ginger; 1 tablespoon Cornstarch; 2 tablespoons Warm water; 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil; 1/2 cup Diced onion; 2 tablespoons Minced garlic; 1 pound Ground Turkey; 1 cup Broccoli, finely chopped; 2 Large carrots, peeled and grated; 2 Green onions, diced (for garnish); 4 cups Cooked white or brown rice

If you’re craving an easy, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want something quick, healthy, and totally satisfying. The ground turkey simmers in a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, then piled over fluffy rice with vibrant veggies. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a weekday dinner favorite in your house too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy and Balanced: Ground turkey is lean and the addition of fresh veggies makes it a guilt-free meal.
Delicious Homemade Sauce: This teriyaki sauce is made from scratch, so you control the sweetness and savoriness exactly how you like it.
Super Versatile: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or grain to customize it your way.

A white bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer of soft, white rice with a slightly fluffy texture and the top layer of cooked minced meat mixed with small broccoli pieces, finely chopped carrots, and green onions, all coated in a rich brown sauce with a glossy finish. A woman's hand is using wooden chopsticks to pick up some of the meat and vegetables, with a small brown bowl of white sesame seeds visible in the background on a white marbled surface. Another bowl with a similar meal is out of focus behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl, healthy ground turkey recipes, quick dinner ideas, easy weeknight meals, flavorful rice bowl recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a harmonious, flavorful bowl. The mix of lean ground turkey, crunchy fresh veggies, and that rich, homemade teriyaki sauce is pure magic. Plus, sourcing simple pantry staples keeps this recipe super approachable.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of low-sodium soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of water, a small white ceramic bowl of red wine vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of ground ginger, a small white ceramic bowl of cornstarch, a small white ceramic bowl of warm water, a whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl of diced onion, a small white ceramic bowl of minced garlic, a mound of raw ground turkey, a small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped broccoli, two large peeled whole carrots, a small white ceramic bowl of diced green onions, a small white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl, healthy ground turkey recipes, quick dinner ideas, easy weeknight meals, flavorful rice bowl recipes

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium helps control the saltiness so the sauce doesn’t overpower the dish.
Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the sauce beautifully.
Brown and Granulated Sugar: You can adjust these to your taste; I like a good balance of both to deepen the flavor.
Minced Garlic & Ground Ginger: These are key aromatics for that classic teriyaki flavor.
Cornstarch: It thickens the sauce perfectly without making it gloopy.
Ground Turkey: Lean and healthy, it soaks up the sauce wonderfully.
Vegetable Oil: Just enough to cook the turkey and veggies without being greasy.
Diced Onion, Grated Carrots, Chopped Broccoli: These add texture, color, and nutrition to the bowl.
Green Onions: A fresh topping that adds a nice pop of flavor and crunch.
Cooked Rice: White or brown rice works, depending on your preference. I usually go with whichever I have on hand.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe is! Over time, I’ve tweaked it a bunch to fit whatever veggies or dietary needs we’re juggling. Feel free to make it your own — that’s part of the fun.

Veggie Swap: I often switch out broccoli and carrots for snap peas, bell peppers, or shredded cabbage when I want a different crunch and flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe gluten-free without losing the flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a splash of sriracha or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for a little heat — my hubby loves that twist!
Rice Alternatives: Try served over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower-carb or protein boost.

How to Make Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by mixing the cornstarch with warm water until it dissolves completely — this little step ensures your sauce gets that perfect silky thickness. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the soy sauce, water, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir gently until the sugars dissolve. Then, slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture and let it simmer until it thickens up, about 2-3 minutes. Once thick and shiny, remove it from the heat and set it aside. The aroma here always gets me excited for dinner!

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey and Veggies

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in diced onions and cook until they soften but don’t brown. If you catch them starting to brown too much, just lower the heat — no one likes burnt onions! Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook it until it’s halfway done — about 4-5 minutes. Then, stir in grated carrots and finely chopped broccoli, cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the turkey is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Pour your homemade teriyaki sauce over the turkey and veggie mix, stirring well to coat every bite in that luscious glaze. Let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. I love this part because the kitchen starts smelling like a cozy Asian bistro!

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Divide your warm cooked rice into bowls, then top with the saucy teriyaki turkey and veggies. Finally, sprinkle the diced green onions on top for freshness and crunch. Serve immediately and watch how fast it disappears!

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Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe

Don’t Rush the Sauce Thickening: Give the cornstarch mixture a minute or two to fully thicken the sauce while simmering — that glossy finish makes tons of difference.
Break Apart Turkey Thoroughly: I learned that breaking the ground turkey into fine pieces helps it cook evenly and soak up the sauce better.
Mind Your Heat Levels: Cooking onions on medium heat prevents scorching and keeps that natural sweetness intact.
Taste and Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet, start with half the sugar, then add more after tasting—customizing is key!

How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe

Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always top mine with fresh diced green onions for that burst of color and sharp hint, but you can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or even a drizzle of sriracha if you want some extra heat. These simple garnishes make a huge flavor impact and take your bowls to the next level.

Side Dishes

This dish stands well on its own, but my family loves pairing it with some steamed edamame or a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. If you’re feeling fancy, serving it with a side of miso soup makes the meal feel restaurant-worthy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during special occasions, I like to serve this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe in mini lettuce cups — it turns the meal into a finger-food style dinner that’s always a hit at parties. You could also layer it in glass jars for make-ahead lunches that look as good as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I portion any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. The meat and veggies keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner prep super convenient during the week.

Freezing

I’ve found that this teriyaki ground turkey freezes well when stored without the rice. Just cool the cooked turkey mixture completely, freeze it in portioned freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the turkey moist. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but cover the bowl to trap steam and keep things juicy.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will absorb the teriyaki flavors beautifully. You may want to slightly adjust cooking time since ground chicken can be a little more delicate.
How can I make the teriyaki sauce less sweet?

I recommend reducing the brown and granulated sugar to 1 tablespoon each instead of 2, and then tasting the sauce before adding more. The vinegar and ginger help balance the sweetness nicely.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just switch the soy sauce to a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that your other ingredients don’t contain gluten. The dish will taste just as delicious.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can make the sauce and cook the ground turkey mixture up to two days in advance — just store separately from the rice and reheat together when ready to serve to keep the rice fluffy.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl Recipe comes together — it’s comforting, flavorful, and versatile enough to fit any weeknight routine. When I first made this, my family went crazy over the homemade sauce and the way the veggies add texture without extra fuss. I used to struggle finding quick dinners that felt both fresh and hearty, but this recipe checks all those boxes every time. I really encourage you to give it a try; it’s like a warm, tasty hug in a bowl that you and your loved ones will want again and again.