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High Protein Spicy Turkey Rice Bowls - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground turkey (93% lean works best for flavor and moisture)
  • Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine; microwave pouches are fine)
  • Yellow onion
  • Garlic
  • Fresh ginger (or ginger paste)
  • Red bell pepper (or any color)
  • Scallions (green onions)
  • Carrots (shredded or matchstick)
  • Spinach or finely shredded cabbage
  • Chili paste (such as sambal oelek) or sriracha
  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Rice vinegar or lime juice
  • Honey or brown sugar
  • Sesame oil
  • Neutral oil (avocado or canola)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional toppers: avocado, plain Greek yogurt, cilantro, sesame seeds, lime wedges, cucumber

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice. Make your rice according to package directions. If you’re short on time, use microwaveable pouches. Fluff and keep warm.
  2. Prep the aromatics. Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Slice the bell pepper and scallions. Have carrots and greens ready.
  3. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1–2 tablespoons chili paste (to taste), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Adjust heat and sweetness to your preference.
  4. Sauté the aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Brown the turkey. Add ground turkey, season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and break it up with a spatula. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink.
  6. Add the pepper and sauce. Toss in the bell pepper and cook 2 minutes for some tenderness but a little crunch. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. Wilt the greens. Stir in a few handfuls of spinach or cabbage. Cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust with more soy, chili, or lime/vinegar.
  8. Assemble the bowls. Spoon rice into bowls. Top with the spicy turkey mixture. Add carrots, scallions, and any extras like avocado, yogurt, sesame seeds, cucumber slices, cilantro, or lime wedges.
  9. Serve hot. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil or a squeeze of lime for brightness.