If you’re craving a meal that is both vibrant and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Sweet & Spicy Ground Turkey & Broccoli Bowls Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of savory ground turkey, tender steamed broccoli, and a sticky, flavorful sauce that blends sweet honey and spicy Sriracha, all served over hearty brown rice. Not only is this dish incredibly satisfying, but it’s also quick to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Sweet & Spicy Ground Turkey & Broccoli Bowls Recipe simple yet full of flavor is all about choosing the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the perfect taste and texture combination, from the juicy ground turkey to the fresh broccoli and vibrant sauce.
- Olive oil: The foundation for browning the turkey, adding subtle richness.
- Ground turkey (lean or extra lean): The star protein, tender and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings a tangy sweetness with a hint of spice.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the heat.
- Sriracha: Adjust the spice level to your wonder – gives that signature kick.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness to brighten the dish.
- Toasted sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a nutty aroma and complexity.
- Garlic powder: Enhances savory flavors without overpowering.
- Freshly grated ginger: Provides a warm, zesty freshness.
- Broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces: Adds crunch, color, and nutrients.
- Cooked brown rice: The wholesome base that holds all the delicious flavors.
- Sesame seeds: For a toasty garnish and extra texture.
- Green onions: Bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color.
- Extra Sriracha and sweet chili sauce: For those who want a bit more punch on top.
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Ground Turkey & Broccoli Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir regularly until the turkey is completely cooked through and lightly browned, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is essential for developing a good texture and building flavor in the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the turkey finishes cooking, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha (start with 2 teaspoons and adjust to taste), soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, and freshly grated ginger in a small bowl. This mixture strikes the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and savory notes that make the Sweet & Spicy Ground Turkey & Broccoli Bowls Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey with Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce directly over the cooked ground turkey in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the meat evenly. Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens a bit and clings to the turkey. Taste and season with salt if needed. This step is where the flavors really come together and intensify.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
While the turkey simmers, steam the broccoli florets until they are vibrant green and just tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Steaming keeps the broccoli crisp-tender and ensures it retains its bright color and nutritional goodness, providing a perfect contrast to the rich turkey.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among four bowls. Spoon generous portions of the saucy ground turkey mixture on top, then add the steamed broccoli. The layering of textures and flavors makes each bite exciting and satisfying.
How to Serve Sweet & Spicy Ground Turkey & Broccoli Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions on top for extra texture and freshness. Adding a drizzle of extra Sriracha or sweet chili sauce on the finished bowls is a wonderful way to customize the heat and sweetness level based on your preference.
Side Dishes
This Sweet & Spicy Ground Turkey & Broccoli Bowls Recipe is hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with a simple cucumber salad or a light miso soup can create a well-rounded meal. The crispness of a cucumber salad can cool down the spice, and miso soup adds a soothing, savory element that complements the bold bowl flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the ingredients deconstructed in separate small bowls alongside a platter of brown rice. This allows everyone to customize their own bowls with desired amounts of turkey, broccoli, and sauces. Alternatively, wrap the mixture in warm lettuce leaves for a refreshing, handheld twist on your Sweet & Spicy Ground Turkey & Broccoli Bowls Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover turkey mixture and steamed broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice can be stored separately to maintain its texture. This makes for an easy grab-and-go lunch or quick dinner solution.
Freezing
You can freeze the ground turkey mixture without the broccoli, as the texture of steamed broccoli tends to change after freezing. Portion the turkey mix into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the turkey mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave works well too, just cover to retain moisture. Reheat steamed broccoli separately or freshly steam again for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will absorb the sweet and spicy sauce just as well, providing a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and confirm that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free as well. Always double-check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is adaptable depending on how much Sriracha you add. The base recipe typically has a mild to medium heat, but you can easily kick it up or down to suit your taste.
Can I prep any parts of this dish in advance?
Yes! You can cook the brown rice and prepare the sauce mixture ahead of time. Having the sauce ready to pour makes the cooking process super quick and smooth on busy days.
What’s the best rice to use?
Brown rice is recommended for its nutty flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with this dish, but feel free to use your favorite rice variety like jasmine, basmati, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Sweet & Spicy Ground Turkey & Broccoli Bowls Recipe is the type of dish you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s easy to whip up, bursting with flavor, and perfectly balanced between sweet heat and wholesome greens. Give it a try for your next meal and get ready to impress your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table.
Print
Sweet & Spicy Ground Turkey & Broccoli Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet & Spicy Ground Turkey & Broccoli Bowls recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner option combining lean ground turkey with a rich, sweet chili sauce, tender steamed broccoli, and wholesome brown rice. Perfectly balanced with the heat of Sriracha and the sweetness of honey, it’s an easy stovetop meal ready in just 25 minutes, ideal for meal prep or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean or extra lean)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 to 4 teaspoons Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
Vegetables
- 12 oz broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
Base
- 3 cups cooked brown rice, or rice of your choice
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced
- Extra Sriracha sauce (optional)
- Extra sweet chili sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the turkey cooks, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, and freshly grated ginger in a bowl or glass measuring cup until well combined.
- Cook the Turkey with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked ground turkey in the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer on medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt to taste if needed.
- Steam the Broccoli: Meanwhile, steam the broccoli florets until just tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes. This can be done using a steaming basket over boiling water or in the microwave with a bit of water.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among 4 bowls. Top each bowl with an equal portion of the saucy ground turkey and steamed broccoli.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the bowls. Add extra sweet chili sauce and/or Sriracha as desired for additional flavor and heat.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your spice tolerance.
- To save time, use pre-cut broccoli florets and pre-cooked rice from the store.
- This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before garnishing.
