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Quick & Easy Sesame Ground Turkey Rice Bowls

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring savory sesame ground turkey served over rice with fresh toppings. Ready in under 25 minutes, this forgiving recipe is perfect for busy nights and uses simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 works best)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil (toasted)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or short-grain)
  • 4 scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted white or black)
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli or snap peas (optional)
  • Pickled cucumbers or radishes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start the rice: Rinse 1 cup of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rice and 1½ cups water to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. Make the sauce: While the rice cooks, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sriracha (if using), and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons sesame oil. Heat until it shimmers, about 30 seconds.
  4. Cook the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pan. Break it up with a spatula into small crumbles. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a brown crust, then stir and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked turkey. Stir to coat. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat.
  7. Toast the sesame seeds: In a separate small dry pan over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds for 1-2 minutes, shaking frequently, until golden and fragrant.
  8. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the sesame turkey mixture. Add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side. Garnish with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and pickled cucumbers if using. Drizzle any remaining pan sauce over the top.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best texture, use 93/7 ground turkey. If using very lean turkey (99/1), add a tablespoon of oil when cooking. Day-old rice works even better as it’s slightly drier. Store leftover turkey and rice separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The turkey freezes well for up to 3 months. For meal prep, keep components separate and assemble just before eating.

Nutrition

Keywords: sesame ground turkey, rice bowls, quick dinner, weeknight meal, ground turkey recipe, easy dinner, sesame turkey

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/quick-and-easy-sesame-ground-turkey-rice-bowls/