This Asian style ground turkey and rice is savory, sweet, and slightly spicy — and it’s customizable for whatever’s hanging out in your fridge.
P.S. I think you'll love my Steak and Rice Bowl with sticky Asian sauce recipe next time!
Easy dinner for a win! 👆🏼
💰 WHY IS THIS BUDGET FRIENDLY?
- Uses ground turkey, which is cheaper than steak or chicken breast.
- Rice is an inexpensive, filling staple. You can swap rice for pasta/noodles.
- Made with pantry sauces like soy and chili sauce—no fancy ingredients.
- Can easily stretch leftovers for meal prep or lunch the next day.
🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED
1 pound (450 g) ground turkey – or swap with ground chicken, beef, or pork.
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger – adds that Asian flavor.
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce – for that deep, savory base.
⅓ cup sweet chili sauce – adds sweetness and mild spice. See the ❓FAQS below for a healthier alternative.
1 cup Italian basil, chopped – Thai basil is great if you can find it.
Sesame seeds, for garnish – Adds a little crunch
TO SERVE: SLAW AND RICE
👩🏼🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Cook Rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions. (About 2 cups of cooked rice will be good for this recipe)
Brown the turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground turkey until it’s no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add flavor: Toss in the chopped garlic and grated ginger. Stir for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant (your kitchen will smell incredible).
Make it saucy: Pour in the soy sauce and sweet chili sauce. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the mixture gets glossy and slightly thickened.
Add basil: Stir in the chopped basil right before serving.
Serve: Spoon it over sticky rice, jasmine rice, or even pasta. A side of slaw for extra veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds and dig in!
❓FAQS
Mix:
3 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon chili sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.
RECIPES TO TRY NEXT TIME
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
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ASIAN STYLE GROUND TURKEY AND RICE
- Total Time: 10 min Prep + 12 min Cook Time = 22 min Total Time
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Asian style ground turkey and rice is savory, sweet, and slightly spicy — and it’s customizable for whatever’s hanging out in your fridge.
Ingredients
1 pound (450 g) ground turkey - or swap with ground chicken, beef, or pork.
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger – adds that Asian flavor.
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce – for that deep, savory base.
⅓ cup sweet chili sauce – adds sweetness and mild spice. See the ❓FAQS above for a healthier alternative.
1 cup Italian basil, chopped – Thai basil is great if you can find it.
Sesame seeds, for garnish – Adds a little crunch
Slaw and Rice to serve
Instructions
Cook Rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions. (About 2 cups of cooked rice will be good for this recipe)
Brown the turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground turkey until it’s no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add flavor: Toss in the chopped garlic and grated ginger. Stir for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Make it saucy: Pour in the soy sauce and sweet chili sauce. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the mixture gets glossy and slightly thickened.
Add basil: Stir in the chopped basil right before serving.
Serve: Spoon it over sticky rice, jasmine rice, or even pasta. A side of slaw for extra veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds and dig in!
Notes
Tips & Add-Ins:
Green beans or mushrooms: Toss them into the pan while cooking for extra veggies and texture.
Black beans: Great for extra protein and fiber.
Teriyaki: Add a splash of teriyaki sauce instead of (or in addition to) the sweet chili for a sweeter glaze.
Leftovers: This makes the best lunch the next day — warm it up and serve with a fried egg on top.
- Category: Main Course, Family Dinners, Sauces
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Asian
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