Description
A flavorful and healthy ground turkey teriyaki rice bowl packed with tender turkey, crisp vegetables, and a savory homemade teriyaki sauce served over nutty brown rice. This quick and easy skillet recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
Grains
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
Sauces and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Flavorings and Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground turkey: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Drain excess fat: After the turkey is fully cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light and healthy.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and julienned carrots to the skillet with the ground turkey. Stir-fry the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become tender-crisp but still retain some crunch.
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create a balanced, flavorful sauce.
- Add the sauce to the skillet: Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the turkey and vegetables and stir well to evenly coat all ingredients with the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture into the skillet and continuously stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Simmer and meld flavors: Reduce the heat to low and let the skillet mixture simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to fully meld together.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among serving bowls as a base for the dish.
- Add the turkey mixture: Spoon the teriyaki turkey and vegetable mixture over the brown rice in each bowl.
- Garnish and serve: Top each bowl with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired, serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your hearty, healthy meal!
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or lean pork for the ground turkey if preferred.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels low and make the dish healthier.
- If you want more veggies, add snap peas or mushrooms along with the other vegetables.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
