Asian Ground Turkey Rice Bowl

Are you dying to read about something other than the coronavirus?

YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE. *Hello and Welcome.*

Before we get into the recipe, I want to tell you a little about FoodxFeels. If you’re new here, FoodxFeels was founded to create conversations around food that deserves to be seen, heard and tasted. It’s where culinary marketing and photography meet, hold hands and run off into the sunset together.

When I first started the company two years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t know how to find or pitch clients. Or what software to use for time tracking and invoicing. Or how to translate the value of my services into dollar signs that would define my professional worth. Seriously, putting a price tag on your talents is NOT EASY. Through all of the inevitable learnings and tear-filled phone calls to mentors, there’s only one thing I was entirely sure of - my passion for food.

It’s what keeps me motivated and excited to roll out of bed everyday, put on a new pair of yoga paints and continue dreaming up recipes. It’s the reason why I’ve made it my life’s work to help restaurants and chefs photograph their incredible creations and attract their ideal guests. I love standing in their corner and helping my clients win.

It’s also why I decided to write a cookbook filled with recipes for every day moments. (Pssst… Hi, I’m Hungry is officially launching this month!) PASSION, will make you do crazy things, my friends.

If you’re here reading this blog, you probably share my love for food. And I want to THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for joining me on this incredible journey. I’m stoked to be here for YOU.

Now, back to the recipe.

It’s no secret that we’re in the era of comfort food. There’s an uncertainty consuming everyone, everywhere, but meals like this Asian Ground Turkey Bowl can feel like the hug we aren’t allowed to have right now. No 6 foot distancing required.

What I love most about this recipe is that there’s no wrong way to assemble it. All of the ingredients live together in perfect harmony inside one bowl. I’m the weirdo who instead of having a favorite coffee mug, has a favorite bowl. I reach for the same blue bowl that’s covered in white and black hand-painted flowers, every single day. Sadly, it wasn’t big enough to hold all of the ingredients in this case, so you’ll see I opted for stark white Crate and Barrel bowls in the blog photo. #firstworldproblems

The rice is seasoned with freshly grated ginger and butter, which makes for a fragrant, creamy base. When the ground turkey and veggie mixture sits upon its rice throne, it’s pretty irresistible. In fact, the first time I made this recipe I set a gigantic bowl down in front of my boyfriend, fully expecting him to finish half of the bowl and not a single forkful more. He demolished the entire thing. That usually indicates I did well.

In the spirit of being just a little healthier, ground turkey is the subtle star of this dish. It’s packed with protein, B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus, and all of the nutrients you need to increase and maintain muscle growth. Ground turkey is also typically leaner than ground beef, deeming it the option with less unhealthy fats. People in the health world debate over this all the time, but honestly, if you’re team ground beef, I’m team go for it.

You’ll also notice the use of coconut sugar in this recipe. If you don’t have any lying around, feel free to substitute with brown sugar. Either one will do the trick.

Before you start InstaCarting all of these ingredients, read these careful instructions regarding how to make a perfectly jammy soft boiled egg. It really adds SO much to the final dish:

Step 1: Place eggs in a pot and cover them with water. There should be about an inch of water above the eggs.

Step 2: Bring to a boil. Boil for 6 minutes. NOT A SECOND MORE.

Step 3: Immediately remove eggs from boiling water and place them into a large bowl filled with ice. Let chill for 5-10 minutes before peeling.

And just like that - you’ve unlocked the final piece to this delicious puzzle.

If you have any questions about the recipe, feel free to send me a message on Instagram or better yet, scroll down to subscribe to my email list. I’ll be sending out cooking tips and tricks before you know it.

Enjoy!! xo

Ingredients 

Roasted Zucchini

• 2 zucchini, cut into spears

• Drizzle of olive oil

• Salt + pepper, for seasoning

• 3 thyme sprigs

Rice

• 1 cup of rice

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 

• 2 tablespoons butter 

• Pinch of salt

The Good Stuff

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 

• 1/4 red pepper flakes

• 1/2 teaspoon salt  

• 1/2 onion, chopped 

• 3 garlic cloves, minced 

• 2 carrots, diced 

• 2 celery stalks, chopped diagonally 

• 1 pound ground turkey 

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce 

• 1/4 cup soy sauce 

• 1 tsp fish sauce 

• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar 

Garnish with freshly cut chives, soft boiled egg, avocado slices, sesame seeds + sriracha

Directions 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Arrange zucchini in a single layer on an aluminum-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper and scattered thyme sprigs. Shake the sheet to coat all ingredients. Roast for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

3. While the zucchini is roasting, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot. Add rice, fresh ginger, salt and butter. Return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. When ready, remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

4. In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes, salt and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes until onions begin to soften.

5. Mix in garlic, carrots and celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently. 

6. Push vegetables to one side of the pan. Add ground turkey and use a wooden spoon to “chop” it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for 2-3 minutes until turkey is almost fully cooked.  

7. Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce and coconut sugar; mixing all ingredients together. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. 

8. To serve, scoop ground turkey mixture over rice. Garnish with freshly cut chives, soft boiled egg, avocado slices, sesame seeds and a little sriracha, if you want to turn up the heat. 

9. Dig into that bowl!