Ingredients
Rice
- 1 1/2 cups white rice, dry
- 3 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Turkey and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (or other red chili paste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 2 cups carrots, shredded
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds, to serve
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a pot, combine the dry rice with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and can be fluffed with a fork.
- Make the Sauce: While the rice cooks, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Cook the Turkey: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break it apart using a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for 2-3 minutes until partially cooked.
- Add Aromatics: Add the white parts of the sliced green onions to the pan and cook for another minute until the turkey is mostly cooked through.
- Combine Turkey and Sauce: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the turkey. Add minced garlic and gochujang to the pan. Stir to incorporate everything evenly. Lower the heat to medium, cooking for 2-3 minutes more until the sauce thickens and coats the turkey nicely.
- Prepare Carrots (Optional): While the turkey finishes cooking, heat a small drizzle of sesame oil in another small pan. Add shredded carrots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. This step is optional; carrots can be served raw if preferred.
- Assemble the Bowls: Place a generous layer of cooked rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top with the cooked ground turkey mixture, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and the green parts of the sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with plant-based protein.
- Shrimp or chicken can also be used in place of turkey.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of gochujang.
- Shredded carrots can be served raw to add crunch and freshness.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Leftover rice can be refrigerated and reheated for quick meal prep.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian