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Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl

A fast, family-friendly teriyaki ground turkey bowl that combines sweet-savory flavors and is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the teriyaki bowl
  • 1 pound ground turkey (use 93/7 for a balance of flavor and leanness)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or neutral oil)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger (fresh preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cold water (for slurry)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and warm until shimmering.
  2. Add the diced onion. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook 6–7 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains.
  5. While the turkey cooks, whisk together soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger in a small bowl.
  6. In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch into 1/4 cup cold water to create a slurry.
  7. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the cooked turkey and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.
  8. Add the cornstarch slurry while stirring. Simmer 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  9. Stir in red pepper flakes if you like heat; taste and adjust salt/sweetness.
  10. Spoon the teriyaki turkey over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Cool and freeze turkey separately for up to 3 months. Use fresh grated ginger for brightness; jarred ginger is convenient but milder. Adjust sweetness using brown sugar.