Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl: Quick, Easy & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

If you’re craving that classic sweet-and-savory Japanese teriyaki flavor but want to keep things light and easy, this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl will hit the spot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like takeout but comes together in under 40 minutes.

Juicy ground turkey simmers in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce that clings perfectly to fluffy rice. The best part? It’s all made in one skillet—less mess, more flavor. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or meal prepping for the week, this bowl delivers all the comfort of takeout with none of the guilt.

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What is Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl?

A Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl is a simple, wholesome take on traditional teriyaki dishes, swapping out chicken or beef for lean ground turkey. It’s the perfect example of fast food made healthy—loaded with flavor, low in fat, and packed with protein.

The ground turkey absorbs the homemade teriyaki sauce, which balances soy sauce’s saltiness with brown sugar’s sweetness, rice vinegar’s tang, and a hint of ginger warmth. Served over a bed of rice, it’s comforting yet light, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or next-day lunches. Think of it as a “cleaner comfort food” that still satisfies your cravings for something bold and saucy.

Reasons to Try Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl

Why make this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl? Because it checks every box. It’s healthy without being bland, quick without being boring, and family-friendly without a long ingredient list. Ground turkey cooks faster than chicken breasts and absorbs flavors beautifully, so you get that signature teriyaki taste in minutes. Plus, it’s affordable and perfect for meal prepping.

You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. If you’ve got kids who turn their noses up at “healthy food,” this dish might just change their minds—it’s slightly sweet, savory, and totally addictive. And for those nights when you don’t want to stare at your stove for an hour, this 30-minute dinner feels like a small victory.

Ingredients Needed to Make Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup cold water
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups cooked rice
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions to Make Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl – Step by Step

Cooking this Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl is all about simplicity and flavor, but the step by step process makes it completely foolproof. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who’s just trying to get dinner on the table before 7 PM, this guide will walk you through each step with confidence (and a few time-saving tips).

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start your Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl step by step journey by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, toss in the diced onion. Stir occasionally and let it cook for about 3–4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. This stage builds the base flavor — don’t rush it. The gentle caramelization of onions adds sweetness that will balance the savory teriyaki sauce later.
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Keep stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn — burnt garlic tastes bitter and can overpower the dish. You’ll know it’s perfect when it becomes fragrant and your kitchen smells amazing.

Pro tip: If you love the combo of garlic and onion (who doesn’t?), try my Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for another easy, flavor-packed dinner idea.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Now, it’s time to add the star of the show — ground turkey. Break it up using a wooden spoon or spatula, stirring frequently so it cooks evenly. As it browns, you’ll see it release a bit of moisture; that’s normal. Let it cook for about 6–7 minutes until there’s no pink left and it develops some golden bits. Those little caramelized pieces are pure flavor gold.
If you prefer a slightly crisp texture, let the turkey sit undisturbed for 30 seconds before stirring — that’s the secret to a bit of browning magic.

Want to mix things up? You can swap in ground chicken or beef if that’s what you have on hand. For a similar Asian-inspired flavor profile, check out my Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken — it’s another bold, saucy favorite that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.

Step 3: Make the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

While the turkey cooks, whisk up your homemade teriyaki sauce in a small bowl. Combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. This sauce hits all the right notes — salty, sweet, tangy, and a touch nutty. If you’re feeling creative, you can add a dash of honey for extra sweetness or a splash of pineapple juice for tropical flair.
Making your own sauce is not only quick (it takes two minutes!) but also healthier than store-bought versions, which are often loaded with preservatives and extra sugar.

If you’re into easy, homemade sauces that transform meals, you might love my Teriyaki Chicken Recipe — it’s another simple sauce-meets-protein favorite that uses similar ingredients.

Step 4: Create the Cornstarch Slurry

Next, in a separate small bowl, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water until smooth. This simple step by step trick is what thickens the sauce later and gives it that glossy, restaurant-style finish. If you skip this, the sauce will be thin and won’t coat the turkey as nicely.
Tip: Always use cold water for your slurry. Warm or hot water can make the cornstarch clump, and nobody wants lumpy sauce!

If you enjoy these types of “kitchen science” tricks, you might want to peek at my One Pot Green Enchiladas Soup — it uses a similar thickening method to achieve a creamy, luscious texture without heavy cream.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Once your ground turkey is cooked and beautifully browned, pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir well to coat every piece of turkey with that savory-sweet goodness. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer — not a rapid boil — and cook for 2–3 minutes.
During this step by step simmering phase, the flavors start to deepen. The soy sauce and ginger mingle with the caramelized onions, and your kitchen will smell incredible. This is also the perfect time to taste and adjust the sauce: add a splash more soy sauce for saltiness or a sprinkle of brown sugar for sweetness.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Now, pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet while stirring continuously. You’ll notice the sauce start to thicken within a minute or two — it should look shiny and cling to the turkey beautifully. If it becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes here. Adjust according to your spice tolerance. Remember, you can always add more later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!

Looking for another dish with a perfectly thick and flavorful sauce? Try my Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles — it’s another weeknight favorite that’ll give you those same satisfying glossy-sauce vibes.

Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls

Here comes the fun part — assembly! Grab your bowls and add a base layer of warm, fluffy rice. You can use white, jasmine, or brown rice — whatever your family loves. Spoon the teriyaki turkey mixture generously over the top, making sure to drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet. That sauce is pure flavor gold; don’t waste a drop!
If you’re watching your carbs, you can swap the rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa. It’s an easy, healthy substitution that still tastes delicious.

If you’re a fan of customizable “bowl-style” meals, check out my Greek Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki — it’s another great example of a protein-packed, quick-assembly meal that fits perfectly into busy routines.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

To finish your Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for that restaurant-style presentation. The sesame seeds add a subtle crunch, while the green onions bring a pop of freshness that balances the richness of the sauce.
Serve immediately while it’s hot and glossy. If you’re prepping lunches, divide it into containers and store it in the fridge — it reheats beautifully and makes weekday meals a total breeze.

For a complete meal, you can serve this bowl with a side of Easy Greek Lemon Rice or even a light soup like my Savory Asian Dumpling Soup. Both options complement the teriyaki flavors beautifully.

What to Serve with Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl

This Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl is satisfying on its own, but you can easily round out the meal with simple sides. Steamed broccoli, roasted edamame, or a crisp Asian slaw all pair beautifully. If you want to stay in the “bowl” theme, try it with my Miso Peanut Ramen Bowls for a fun Asian-inspired dinner spread. You can also pair it with some Easy Greek Lemon Rice for a twist that adds a citrusy balance to the rich teriyaki flavor.

Key Tips for Making Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl

1. Don’t rush the sauce: Let it simmer a few minutes so the flavors deepen.
2. Use fresh ginger: It gives a noticeable punch that jarred versions can’t match.
3. Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweet, cut the brown sugar slightly.
4. Meal prep win: Store the turkey and rice separately to keep texture fresh.
5. Add veggies: Stir-fry some bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to sneak in extra color and crunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep the rice separate if possible. To reheat, pop it in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist. For stovetop reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of water or soy sauce. You can even freeze the cooked turkey for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Just use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Can I substitute the turkey? Absolutely. Ground chicken or beef works well, too.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce? Sure, but homemade tastes fresher and lets you control sweetness and salt levels.
Can I make it spicy? Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha at the end.

Final Thoughts

This Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl is the kind of meal that makes weeknight cooking actually enjoyable. It’s quick, flavorful, and feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re chasing a better dinner routine or just need something the whole family will eat without complaint, this recipe is a keeper. For more comforting Asian-inspired recipes, don’t miss my Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken or Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles.

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