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Easy Mongolian Turkey and Rice Bowls Recipe – deliciously easy ground turkey and rice bowls in a spicy sweet Mongolian sauce that the whole family loves!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of contents
Easy Mongolian Turkey Bowls
Mongolian Turkey Bowls offer a delectable twist on the traditional Mongolian beef dish, swapping the red meat for ground turkey, which brings a lighter but equally savory profile to the table. The ground turkey is sautéed until perfectly browned and then bathed in a glossy, aromatic sauce that strikes a divine balance between sweet and savory. This sauce, typically a concoction of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar or honey, clings to the crumbled pieces of turkey, ensuring that each bite is infused with flavor. The turkey is then nestled atop a bed of steaming rice, which serves as a fluffy pillow to soak up the extra sauce, providing a satisfying contrast to the meat’s rich taste and adding a heartiness to the dish that makes it both comforting and filling.
In the preparation of Mongolian turkey bowls, there is also a delightful opportunity to weave in a tapestry of vegetables, turning the meal into a colorful and nutritious affair. Bell peppers, onions, and carrots are frequently sautéed alongside the turkey, their crisp textures and sweet notes offering a counterpoint to the meat’s savory depth. The beauty of the dish lies in its versatility; it welcomes customization with open arms, whether that be through the addition of spicy chili flakes for heat, a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a burst of sharpness, or a dash of sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness and crunch. Mongolian turkey bowls are not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes, with the vibrant veggies and glossy sauce creating an inviting mosaic that beckons diners to dive in. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or as part of a larger feast, these bowls are a testament to the magic that can happen when simple ingredients are treated with care and creativity.
How to Make Mongolian Sauce
Mongolian Turkey gets it’s rich sweet and spicy flavor from Mongolian sauce – a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and garlic – as well as some red pepper for heat!
This sauce is incredibly simple and goes perfectly with ground turkey for a healthy and filling meal your whole family will love.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and use over meats, vegetables, or seafood.
This sauce makes perfect Mongolian Beef, Chicken, and even shrimp – so be sure to write it down for later!
Tips and Tricks for Mongolian Turkey Bowl
Creating the perfect Mongolian turkey bowl is about balancing flavors, ensuring the meat is tender, and pairing it with the right components. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make a delicious Mongolian turkey bowl:
Marinate the Turkey: Marinating the ground turkey in a bit of the sauce before cooking can infuse it with more flavor.
Velveting the Meat: Although more common with beef or chicken, a similar method can be applied to turkey. Briefly marinate the turkey in a mixture of cornstarch and soy sauce to keep it tender.
Use High Heat: To mimic the traditional cooking style of Mongolian cuisine, cook the turkey over high heat quickly. This method will help in getting a nice sear on the meat, locking in flavors.
Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Use fresh garlic and ginger rather than powdered for a more pungent and fresh taste which is characteristic of Mongolian sauce.
Balancing the Sauce: Mongolian sauce is a blend of sweet and salty. Adjust the quantities of soy sauce for saltiness and brown sugar or honey for sweetness according to your taste.
Thicken the Sauce: A slurry of water and cornstarch can help thicken your sauce if it’s too runny. Add it at the end of cooking and heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
Make it Healthy: Use low-sodium soy sauce and lean ground turkey. Add lots of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots to make it a more balanced meal.
Rest the Meat: Let the cooked turkey sit for a few minutes before serving; this allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
Perfect Pairings: Serve with a base of steamed white or brown rice, or for a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables.
Garnish and Texture: Add a garnish of green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra texture and a pop of color.
Adjust the Heat: Mongolian dishes can be spicy. Control the heat by adding more or fewer chili flakes or fresh chili to the sauce.
Prep in Advance: Chop all your vegetables and prepare the sauce ahead of time for a quick and easy meal assembly.
Storage: If you have leftovers, they can usually be stored in the fridge for a few days. The flavors often meld and intensify, making the turkey bowl even more delicious the next day.
Consistent Pieces: Cut all your vegetables in uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
Use a Wok: If available, use a wok to cook the ingredients. Its shape is perfect for quick stirring and tossing which is essential in Asian cooking.
FAQs
You can use ground beef, chicken, or even ground pork in this recipe if you’d like to swap out the turkey.
You can store this dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to four months.
Create a slurry with cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch to 2 tablespoons water is a good starting point), and stir it into the simmering sauce. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed.
Yes, the cooked turkey and sauce freeze well. However, freeze them separately from the rice or noodles to maintain the best texture upon reheating. Use within 3 months for optimal taste and quality.
Certainly, if you’re short on time, a store-bought Mongolian sauce can be a quick substitute. Just be aware of the added sugars and salts when using pre-made sauces.
The options are numerous. Consider adding broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn to add variety and extra nutrition to your bowls.
What to Serve with Mongolian Turkey Bowls
Enjoying Mongolian turkey bowls can be a fulfilling meal by itself, but pairing it with complementary sides can enhance the dining experience. Here’s a list of items you can enjoy with Mongolian turkey bowls:
Grains and Noodles:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The perfect blank canvas to soak up the sauce.
- Brown Rice: Offers a nuttier, healthier alternative.
- Udon Noodles: Thick, chewy noodles that can be mixed in with the turkey.
- Ramen Noodles: Provides a fun twist and extra slurp to the meal.
Vegetables:
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Like bok choy, broccoli, or bell peppers for added crunch and nutrition.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side that cleanses the palate.
- Pickled Vegetables: Such as daikon or carrots for a tangy contrast.
Salads:
- Asian Slaw: With cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing.
- Edamame Salad: For a protein-packed, fresh side.
- Seaweed Salad: Adds a unique, oceanic flavor that complements the bowl.
Appetizers:
- Dumplings or Potstickers: Filled with vegetables or meat, pan-fried to perfection.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried, these are a light appetizer option.
- Crab Rangoon: For a crispy, creamy beginning to your meal.
Soups:
- Egg Drop Soup: A light and eggy broth to start the meal.
- Hot and Sour Soup: Offers a punch of flavor and warmth.
- Miso Soup: A light, soothing option that is umami-rich.
Sauces and Condiments:
- Soy Sauce: For extra umami and saltiness if needed.
- Chili Oil: For a spicy kick.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweetness and depth to the bowls.
Breads:
- Scallion Pancakes: A crispy, flaky side that’s great for dipping.
- Steamed Buns: Soft and warm, perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.
Beverages:
- Green Tea: A traditional drink that balances the rich flavors.
- Iced Jasmine Tea: A cool, fragrant option to complement the meal.
- Beer: Choose a light lager for a refreshing pairing.
Desserts:
- Mochi: A sweet rice cake dessert that’s chewy and comes in various flavors.
- Fortune Cookies: For a light and fun finish with a message.
- Fruit Platter: With pineapple, lychee, and melon to cleanse the palate.
Try these other Asian inspired favorites:
Try these other Asian inspired favorites:
If you’re looking for easy, delicious sides to go along with these Mongolian Ground Turkey Bowls, please check out these other recipes like Garlic Chinese Style Green Beans, The Best Ever Cauliflower Rice, Shoyu Sesame Shabu Shabu Dipping Sauce, 10 Minute Broccolini Recipe, and Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad.
Easy Mongolian Turkey and Rice Bowls Recipe
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Easy Mongolian Turkey and Rice Bowls Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Turkey:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 red bell pepper, diced finely
- 1 onion, diced finely
- 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
For the Mongolian Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, optional
For the rice:
- 1 cup rice
- 1 ¾ cup water
- 1 tsp salt
For Garnish:
- green onions, to garnish
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
For the Rice:
- Start boiling water and add salt as you begin to cook ground turkey.
- Watch for water to boil, and add rice.
- Let rice boil 2-3 minutes, stirring 1-2 times to prevent clumping.
- Reduce heat to as low as possible and cover to cook for 19 minutes.
- When rice is cooked, remove from heat and let sit covered for another 5 minutes (do not lift lid.)
- Fluff rice with fork just before serving.
For Ground Turkey (as rice boils/simmers, cook the ground turkey):
- In a large, heavy pan, add olive oil and heat on medium high heat until shimmery.
- Add ground turkey and break apart with a spatula as turkey browns.
- Add in onion, pepper, and garlic and brown with turkey, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
- In a small bowl, add sauce ingredients and stir.
- Add sauce to pan and toss turkey and vegetables.
- Turn heat to low and wait for rice to finish.
- When rice is done, fluff and scoop into bowls. Top with ground turkey in sauce, and garnish with seasame seeds and green onions.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This was so good. I doubled the sauce but didn’t double the red pepper flakes. And only used half an onion. Will definitely make again!
I also like to double the sauce since I like having the flavor of it in the rice, so glad you loved it, thanks for the nice comment!
I have made this recipe twice now
My family loves this recipe and it is so easy to make. I put in about half the red pepper flakes and that is enough heat for us.
Glad to hear!
Wonderful recipe. Unfortunately, my Thai green curry paste wasn’t as spicy as I’d hoped, but it was still good. Will undoubtedly produce again.