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Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

Enjoy a nourishing bowl featuring ground turkey cooked with minced garlic, chopped broccoli, and grated carrots, all blanketed in a glossy teriyaki sauce made from soy, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. Served over warm white or brown rice and garnished with green onions, this dish balances sweet, savory, and fresh notes. Easily customize with your favorite vegetables, adjust sugar for your preferred sweetness, and use brown rice to keep it lighter. Simple steps and wholesome ingredients make this a convenient, flavorful choice for weekly dinners or quick lunches.

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Updated on Wed, 09 Jul 2025 23:58:47 GMT
A bowl of meat and rice. Pin
A bowl of meat and rice. | easydiyrecipes.com

This Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl always saves our busy weeknights thanks to its healthy balance of lean protein and colorful veggies all drenched in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Simple ingredients and fast cooking make this a go-to family meal everyone asks for by name.

My family asked for this the first time I made it and it quickly became a Tuesday ritual. Even my youngest who avoids veggies usually asks for seconds.

Ingredients

  • low sodium soy sauce: brings all the classic teriyaki flavor without extra salt tip choose naturally brewed for best depth
  • red wine vinegar: adds tang that balances sweetness make sure it is fresh and not too old
  • brown sugar and granulated sugar: just enough to add sweetness without overwhelming cut back if you prefer
  • minced garlic: lifts the sauce and the meat feel free to use fresh garlic for bolder taste
  • ground ginger: adds a gentle heat
  • cornstarch: thickens the sauce to that glossy restaurant finish make sure it is lump free
  • vegetable oil: helps brown the turkey and keeps it moist use a neutral oil for best flavor
  • diced onion: forms the aromatic base choose yellow or sweet onions for mellow flavor
  • ground turkey: lean protein choice that soaks up the sauce make sure not to overcook
  • finely chopped broccoli: sneaks in the greens cut into small pieces for quick cooking
  • carrots: add color and natural sweetness grate them for even mixing
  • green onions: bring bright garnish flavor slice thin and use both green and white parts
  • white or brown cooked rice: forms the perfect base short grain works well for stickiness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cornstarch Slurry:
Whisk cornstarch with warm water in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. This step keeps your sauce silky and thickens it evenly.
Cook the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat gently whisk together soy sauce water red wine vinegar both sugars minced garlic and ground ginger. Keep stirring until the sugars have completely dissolved and the mixture smells fragrant about four minutes.
Thicken the Sauce:
Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan continuing to whisk. Let the mixture simmer so it thickens to a glossy syrup. Remove from heat and set aside so flavors can meld.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high. Add diced onions and cook stirring often until soft and nearly golden. If they start browning too quickly lower your heat right away.
Brown the Turkey:
Add minced garlic to the onions cooking just until it smells toasty. Add ground turkey and break it apart with your spatula. Keep cooking until about half cooked and some pink remains this helps flavor stay juicy.
Add Veggies:
Toss in grated carrots and finely chopped broccoli. Stir them in well letting the turkey cook through and the vegetables soften. This takes about five to six minutes so the carrots taste slightly sweet and the broccoli gets nice and tender.
Combine with Sauce:
Pour prepared teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Stir it all together so every piece is coated. Let it simmer a bit longer to thicken the sauce even more and blend all the savory sweet notes.
Assemble and Serve:
Spoon warm rice into bowls forming a bed. Top with generous scoops of the turkey teriyaki and vegetables. Garnish each bowl with fresh green onions and dig in while hot.
A bowl of food with meat and vegetables. Pin
A bowl of food with meat and vegetables. | easydiyrecipes.com

One of my favorite parts is the magical sauce because it does not come from a bottle and always tastes fresher. My oldest son asked if we could bottle it up for school lunches which is definitely the highest praise around here.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. I find the flavors deepen overnight making these bowls even better as quick lunches. If you plan to freeze it keep the rice and turkey veggie mixture separate for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Almost any fresh crunchy veggie works here so do not feel limited to the listed types. I have swapped in bell pepper snap peas or even zucchini depending on what is in the crisper. For a gluten free version use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These rice bowls stand alone as a complete meal but you can round it out with a green salad or a side of steamed edamame. Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor punch.

A bowl of food with a wooden spoon. Pin
A bowl of food with a wooden spoon. | easydiyrecipes.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking method where foods are broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce mirin and sugar. Here we borrow those traditional flavors but adapt them for a weeknight skillet dinner with ground turkey. It is an easy introduction to Japanese flavors for new cooks at home.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of turkey works best?

Lean ground turkey is ideal for a lighter bowl, but any ground turkey can be used depending on your preference.

→ Can I substitute the vegetables?

Absolutely—swap in snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms for variety and use up what’s on hand.

→ How do I adjust the sweetness?

Reduce the brown and granulated sugar to taste; start with one tablespoon each for a more savory bowl.

→ Do I need to use white rice?

Brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa all make wholesome base options for this dish.

→ How do I thicken the sauce?

Mix cornstarch with warm water and whisk into the sauce, simmering until the desired consistency is reached.

Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl

Savory turkey, tender veggies, and flavorful teriyaki sauce served over fluffy rice for a tasty meal.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Teriyaki Sauce

01 120 ml low-sodium soy sauce
02 60 ml water
03 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
04 2 tablespoons brown sugar
05 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 2 teaspoons minced garlic
07 1 teaspoon ground ginger
08 1 tablespoon cornstarch
09 2 tablespoons warm water

→ Turkey and Rice Bowl

10 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
11 80 g diced onion
12 2 tablespoons minced garlic
13 450 g ground turkey
14 100 g finely chopped broccoli
15 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
16 2 green onions, diced (for garnish)
17 4 cups cooked white or brown rice

Steps

Step 01

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and warm water. Whisk until smooth and the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

Step 02

In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, water, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir until the sugars dissolve completely.

Step 03

Slowly whisk in the prepared cornstarch slurry. Continue simmering, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 04

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and translucent. If onions begin to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.

Step 05

Add minced garlic and cook briefly, then add ground turkey. Break the turkey apart with a spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until about half cooked (4–5 minutes). Add grated carrots and chopped broccoli, then continue to cook until the turkey is cooked through and the vegetables are soft (5–6 minutes).

Step 06

Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly and simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavours to meld.

Step 07

Divide the cooked rice evenly among bowls. Top each portion of rice with teriyaki turkey and vegetables. Garnish with diced green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown and granulated sugar by half.
  2. Use brown rice or reduce rice quantity to lower the carbohydrate content.
  3. Feel free to substitute or add different vegetables as desired.
  4. A standard serving consists of approximately 180 ml of rice and 240 ml of turkey with vegetables.
  5. Portion sizes may vary depending on the preparation and cut size of vegetables.

Tools Required

  • Small saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains soy
  • Contains gluten (from soy sauce; use gluten-free soy sauce if necessary)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 28 g