Save Weeknight dinner desperation birthed this recipe in my tiny apartment kitchen when I had ground turkey, aging vegetables, and a serious craving for something with bold flavors. The name bang bang always made me smile, and I figured I could create that restaurant-style sauce magic at home without the restaurant price tag. Now it is the meal my friends actually request when they come over, because they can not believe something this flavorful comes together in under 30 minutes.
Last Tuesday my roommate walked in mid-chop and immediately asked what smelled so incredible. I had barely finished cooking the turkey when she was already setting the table, abandoning her planned dinner for a bowl of this instead. We sat on the floor with our knees touching, squeezing lime wedges over our bowls and making happy noises between bites, completely ignoring the TV show we had put on.
Ingredients
- Rice vinegar: This adds brightness that cuts through the rich mayonnaise and grounds the sweetness of the chili sauce
- Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone that transforms the sharp flavors into something luscious and coating
- Sweet chili sauce: Look for the bottle with floating chili bits, it brings fruitiness and body that plain hot sauce can not match
- Sriracha: Start with one tablespoon if you are heat-sensitive, but two tablespoons gives it that addictive kick
- Honey: Balances the acidity and helps the sauce cling to every crumb of turkey
- Fresh garlic and ginger: Do not substitute with powdered versions, the fresh stuff makes the sauce taste alive and vibrant
- Ground turkey: Choose 93% lean for the best ratio of flavor without excess grease
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth that makes the turkey taste seasoned throughout, not just on the surface
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way, this is the finish that makes everything taste restaurant-quality
- White rice: Fluffy long-grain rice creates the perfect neutral canvas for all these bold flavors
- Carrot, cucumber, and red cabbage: The crunch trio that keeps every bite interesting and makes the bowls feel abundant
- Sesame seeds: Toast them in a dry pan for two minutes first if you want next-level nuttiness
- Fresh cilantro: The herbal brightness that wakes up the whole bowl, do not skip it
Instructions
- Get your rice going first:
- Start the rice immediately since it needs the most time, and keep it warm so it does not cool down your entire bowl
- Whisk up the magic sauce:
- Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and taste it now, adjusting the heat or sweetness before it coats the meat
- Crisp the turkey:
- Let the ground turkey develop some golden-brown bits in the hot oil before breaking it apart completely, those crispy edges are where the flavor lives
- Season it right:
- Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil while the turkey is still hot so it absorbs every drop of seasoning
- Build your bowls:
- Lay down a foundation of warm rice first, then arrange the turkey and vegetables in sections so you can see all the colors
- The grand finish:
- Drizzle that sauce generously over everything and add your toppings while the turkey is still hot enough to slightly wilt the cabbage
Save My mother called me during her lunch break while I was testing this recipe, and I described the bowl in such detail that she asked for the recipe before we even said goodbye. She texted me a photo two days later of her version with extra vegetables, saying she had already made it three times that week.
Make It Yours
Ground chicken works beautifully here too, and actually stays slightly juicier than turkey if you are cooking it longer than necessary. I have also used crumbled tofu for a completely plant-based version, pressing it first to remove excess water so it can brown properly.
Vegetable Hacks
Pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the produce section saves you knife work and usually contains both cabbage and carrots. Just add fresh cucumber and scallions to round it out. Snow peas or bell peppers add even more crunch and color if you want to stretch the servings.
Sauce Secrets
This sauce keeps in the refrigerator for two weeks and gets better as the flavors meld together. I make double and use it on everything from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables. If you do not have sweet chili sauce, apricot preserves with a splash of rice vinegar works in a pinch.
- Warm the sauce slightly for 10 seconds in the microwave if it has been refrigerated, it drapes over food better when slightly warm
- Add a teaspoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a Thai-inspired twist
- Thin with water or coconut milk if you want it more pourable
Save This bowl has saved more busy weeknights than I can count, and somehow it never feels like a compromise. I hope it becomes your back pocket dinner too.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes the Bang Bang sauce so flavorful?
The signature Bang Bang sauce combines creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, a kick of Sriracha, tangy rice vinegar, a touch of honey, and fresh garlic and ginger. This blend creates its unique balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! The heat primarily comes from the Sriracha. You can reduce or increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to match your preference. For less heat, omit it or use just a dash; for more, add an extra tablespoon or two.
- → What are some good variations for the vegetables?
Beyond carrots, cucumbers, and cabbage, you can easily add other fresh or lightly cooked vegetables. Try chopped bell peppers, snap peas, edamame, or even blanched broccoli florets for extra crunch and nutrients. Cauliflower rice can also replace white rice for a lighter option.
- → How should I store leftover bowls?
Leftover bowls (without the fresh garnishes like cilantro and lime) can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet, and add fresh garnishes before serving.
- → Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
This dish can be made gluten-free by ensuring you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of traditional soy sauce. Always check labels for other ingredients, especially sauces, to confirm they are gluten-free.
- → What's the best way to serve these bowls for maximum enjoyment?
Serve the components warm: rice, then turkey, topped with fresh vegetables and a generous drizzle of the Bang Bang sauce. Garnish immediately with scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. A fresh lime wedge for squeezing just before eating really brightens all the flavors.