Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey (450g)

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (60ml)

2 tablespoons brown sugar (25g)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15ml)

1 teaspoon sesame oil (5ml)

1 teaspoon cornstarch (3g, optional)

1 medium bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow preferred)

1 1/2 cups broccoli florets (150g), steamed

1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced

2 stalks green onions, sliced

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (9g), toasted

4 cups cooked white or brown rice (600g cooked)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking turkey)

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups (270g) of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions, usually using 3 cups water for 1 1/2 cups rice. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and keep warm.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If using, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to create a slurry and set aside.

Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.

Step 4: Add sliced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and steamed broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the turkey and vegetables. If using the cornstarch slurry, add it now. Stir well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

Step 6: Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Spoon the teriyaki turkey and vegetables over the rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the turkey in half of the teriyaki sauce for 15 minutes before cooking.

Swap broccoli with snap peas or green beans for a different vegetable mix.

Use ground chicken or beef if you want a different protein option.

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or leftover rice?

Yes, pre-cooked or leftover rice works well. Just make sure it’s reheated thoroughly before assembling the bowls.

Is cornstarch necessary for the sauce?

Cornstarch helps thicken the teriyaki sauce for better coating, but it’s optional. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip it without affecting the flavor significantly.