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- Ground turkey - Brown rice - Fresh baby spinach - Onion - Garlic - Bell pepper - Low-sodium soy sauce - Sesame oil - Grated ginger - Salt and pepper - Green onion (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (optional) The ingredients in this Low Calorie Turkey Rice Bowl are simple but packed with flavor. You start with ground turkey, which is lean and full of protein. Brown rice serves as a hearty base. It is a smart choice because it has more fiber than white rice. Adding fresh baby spinach boosts the nutrition. Spinach is low in calories and high in vitamins. The onion and garlic give a nice aroma and taste. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch and color to the dish. For flavor, low-sodium soy sauce provides a savory touch without too much salt. Sesame oil adds depth and a hint of nuttiness. Grated ginger gives a warm spice that brightens the entire bowl. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all these wonderful flavors. You can garnish with green onion for a fresh bite and sesame seeds for a bit of crunch. This combination of ingredients creates a balanced meal that is both tasty and healthy. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the brown rice, follow the package instructions. Usually, you will need about 30-35 minutes. Here’s how to get it just right: - Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. - Bring the water to a boil, then add the rice. - Cover the pot and lower the heat to simmer. - Check it after 30 minutes. If it is tender and absorbs all the water, it's ready. Perfect rice should be fluffy, not sticky. For best results, let it sit covered for a few minutes after cooking. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add: - 1 small chopped onion Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add: - 2 cloves of minced garlic - 1 teaspoon of grated ginger Stir these for an additional 1-2 minutes. You want to release their wonderful aromas without burning them. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add: - 1 pound of ground turkey Cook it until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. When the turkey is no longer pink, add: - 1 diced bell pepper Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens. Finally, add: - 2 cups of fresh baby spinach This will wilt quickly. Drizzle in: - 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce Mix everything well and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Once the brown rice is ready, fluff it with a fork. Divide the rice into serving bowls. Top each bowl with the turkey and vegetable mixture. For a nice finish, garnish with: - Sliced green onions - Sesame seeds (if you like) This adds a lovely crunch and flavor! Enjoy your meal, packed with healthy ingredients and delicious taste. To boost flavor in your turkey rice bowl, try adding herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. Dried herbs, such as oregano or thyme, work well too. They add depth without extra calories. You can also explore alternative sauces. Instead of low-sodium soy sauce, try teriyaki or a splash of lime juice. These options enhance the taste and add a unique twist. A drizzle of sriracha brings heat, while a touch of honey can add sweetness. Batch cooking is an easy way to enjoy this dish all week. Make double the amount of turkey and rice. Store the extra in separate containers. This way, you can mix and match for quick meals. For storage, let your turkey rice bowl cool before sealing. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. This helps prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Each ingredient in your turkey rice bowl brings health benefits. Ground turkey is lean protein, helping build muscle. Brown rice offers fiber, which supports digestion. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C, boosting your immune system. To lower calorie content further, use less sesame oil. You can also reduce soy sauce for less sodium. Swap brown rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. This keeps the meal light while still being filling. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baby spinach and vibrant bell peppers not only enhance the flavor but also add essential nutrients to your meal. Customize the Protein: Feel free to substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based protein for a different flavor profile. Perfect Rice Cooking: Rinse the brown rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a fluffier texture. Enhance with Spices: Experiment with adding spices like chili flakes or a dash of five-spice powder for an extra kick of flavor in your rice bowl. {{image_2}} You can swap ground turkey for plant-based protein. Options like lentils or chickpeas work well. These proteins give your dish a hearty feel without meat. They also add fiber, making your meal filling and healthy. Plus, using plant-based protein can lower calorie content. If you want a low-carb option, replace the rice with cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice is light and easy to make. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice. Sauté it in the same skillet for a quick, tasty base. This swap cuts carbs and calories while keeping flavor. Explore different vegetables and seasonings for diverse flavors. Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for more texture. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. You can also change up the sauce; teriyaki or hoisin will add a sweet twist. Each variation brings a new taste to your turkey rice bowl. To store your turkey rice bowl, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the dish cools down before sealing. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps avoid steam build-up, which can make your meal soggy. Reheat your turkey rice bowl on the stove for best results. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave. Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. In the fridge, your turkey rice bowl lasts up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use white rice. However, the nutrition changes a bit. White rice has fewer fibers than brown rice. If you use white rice, cook it for about 15-20 minutes instead of 30-35 minutes. This change can make the dish lighter, but you miss out on some health benefits. This recipe is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce. You can swap it for gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. These options taste great and keep the dish gluten-free. Always check the labels when you buy these products to be sure. Yes, you can freeze this dish. To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. It will last about three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until hot. You can serve many things with this turkey rice bowl. Try a fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots also work well. You can even add some fruit, like sliced apples, for a sweet crunch. This blog post showed how to make a tasty turkey rice bowl. We covered the main ingredients and their health benefits. I shared step-by-step ways to cook rice, sauté veggies, and combine all the parts. You learned tips for flavor, storage, and meal prep. In the end, you have a flexible recipe. You can change it to fit your needs. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with others! Your kitchen adventures await!

Turkey & Spinach Rice Bowl

A healthy and delicious rice bowl featuring ground turkey and fresh spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 green onion sliced (for garnish)
  • optional sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Start by cooking the brown rice according to package instructions. Typically, it takes about 30-35 minutes to cook.
  • In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens.
  • Add the baby spinach to the skillet and drizzle the low-sodium soy sauce over the mixture. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Once the brown rice is ready, fluff it with a fork and divide it into serving bowls. Top each bowl with the turkey and vegetable mixture.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to customize the flavor.
Keyword healthy, rice bowl, spinach, turkey