Save The first time I made bang bang sauce, I accidentally doubled the Sriracha and my husband spent the entire meal fanning his mouth between gasps about how incredible it was. That happy mistake taught me that this sauce thrives on adjustment, and now I taste it obsessively with a spoon until the sweet heat hits just right. These rice bowls became our weeknight savior because they come together faster than delivery arrives, with that restaurant quality sauce that makes everything taste special.
Last Tuesday my friend Sarah dropped by unexpectedly while I was browning the turkey. She ended up staying for dinner and texted me the next morning asking for the recipe because her kids had requested it again that same night. Theres something about the combination of cool crisp vegetables against that warm seasoned turkey that makes people clean their plates every single time.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: This cuts through the rich mayonnaise and adds brightness that makes the sauce sing
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: The creamy backbone that transforms the sauce into something irresistible and velvety
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds a fruity sweetness that balances the heat beautifully
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Sriracha: Start with one tablespoon and taste, the sauce should have a gentle hum not a scream
- 1 tablespoon honey: Rounds out all the sharp flavors and helps everything meld together
- 1 clove garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives you that aromatic punch that powder never achieves
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger: Grate this finely so it melts into the sauce without any fibrous bits
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil lets the turkey flavors shine without competing
- 1 pound ground turkey: Lean ground turkey absorbs all the seasonings while staying tender and juicy
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: This is where the umami depth comes from, do not skip it
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A little goes a long way, this adds that nutty finish that tastes like takeout
- Salt and pepper: The foundational seasoning that brings everything into focus
- 1 cup long grain white rice: Fluffy separate grains are perfect for catching all that sauce
- 1 small carrot: Julienned or shredded, this stays crunchy even when dressed
- ½ cucumber: Thin half moons provide refreshing coolness against the warm turkey
- ½ cup red cabbage: Adds beautiful purple color and satisfying crunch in every bite
- 2 scallions: Both white and green parts bring mild onion flavor and fresh contrast
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness and incredible texture
- Fresh cilantro: Bright herbaceous freshness cuts through the rich elements
- Lime wedges: That final squeeze of acid right before eating pulls everything together
Instructions
- Get your rice going first:
- Cook the rice according to package directions and keep it warm, fluffing with a fork before serving so each grain stays separate and ready to soak up sauce.
- Whisk up the magic sauce:
- In a small bowl combine the rice vinegar mayonnaise sweet chili sauce Sriracha honey garlic and ginger, whisking until completely smooth, then taste and adjust the heat or sweetness until it makes you want to drink it with a spoon.
- Crisp the turkey:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and add the ground turkey breaking it up with your spatula and letting it get deeply browned in spots for maximum flavor.
- Season it perfectly:
- Stir in the soy sauce sesame oil salt and pepper and let everything cook together for another couple minutes so the turkey really absorbs all those savory notes.
- Build your bowls:
- Divide the warm rice among four bowls then top with generous portions of that seasoned turkey arranging the carrots cucumber and cabbage around the edges like a colorful rainbow.
- Sauce and garnish:
- Drizzle that incredible bang bang sauce all over everything then finish with scallions sesame seeds fresh cilantro and lime wedges for squeezing at the table.
Save My mother in law who claims she does not like spicy food took one bite and asked if I could make it milder next time, then proceeded to have seconds and thirds. Watching people customize their bowls with more sauce or extra lime has become one of my favorite dinner table moments because everyone makes it exactly how they love it.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I swap the turkey for ground chicken when it is on sale and the result is just as delicious. The sauce works beautifully with shrimp or even crispy tofu cubes if you want to go vegetarian, and I have even used leftover rotisserie chicken in a pinch. Brown rice adds a nutty dimension that stands up well to the bold sauce while cauliflower rice keeps things light without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect Pairings
A cold cucumber salad with rice vinegar echoes the flavors in the bowls while adding another refreshing element. Edamame with sea salt makes an easy protein rich starter that keeps with the Asian inspired theme. For something warm, miso soup comes together quickly and feels like a complete restaurant experience at home.
Make Ahead Magic
The bang bang sauce actually gets better after a day in the refrigerator so whisk up a double batch and keep it jarred for quick meals all week. Ground turkey can be seasoned and cooked up to three days ahead then just warmed up when you are ready to eat. I like to prep all my vegetables into containers so bowl assembly becomes a grab and assemble situation on busy nights.
- Store the sauce separately from the vegetables to keep everything crisp and fresh
- Rice reheats beautifully with a splash of water and a quick fluff with a fork
- The turkey freezes well for up to a month if you want to batch cook protein for future bowls
Save These bowls have saved more hectic weeknights than I can count, and the way my family lights up when they see me reaching for the Sriracha bottle tells me everything I need to know. Hope they become a regular in your dinner rotation too.
Recipe Guide
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
The heat in this dish comes primarily from the Sriracha in the bang bang sauce. You can easily increase or decrease the amount of Sriracha to suit your preference. A little extra honey can also balance out increased spice.
- → What are some good substitutions for rice?
For a different texture or to lighten the meal, you can swap white rice for brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa. These alternatives pair well with the flavorful turkey and sauce.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this meal gluten-free, ensure you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden gluten.
- → How long do leftovers last?
Leftover bowls, without the fresh garnishes, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best to add fresh scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro just before serving when reheating.
- → What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize your bowls with additional vegetables. Chopped bell peppers, snap peas, edamame, or even blanched broccoli florets would add extra crunch, color, and nutrients to the dish.
- → Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the bang bang sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can help save time on the day you plan to serve the bowls.