Description
Slow Cooker Banh Mi Bowls combine tender smoked turkey, crisp pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and fragrant jasmine rice to deliver vibrant Vietnamese-inspired flavors in an easy, wholesome meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish balances savory, tangy, and fresh elements in a convenient bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Smoked Turkey and Marinade
- 1.5 to 2 pounds smoked turkey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons natural soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Pickled Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup daikon radish, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon natural sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Other Bowl Components
- 1 cup fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- Fresh mint, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pickled Vegetables: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced carrots and daikon radish with apple cider vinegar, water, natural sugar, and salt. Stir gently until the sugar and salt dissolve. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to develop a tangy crunch.
- Season the Smoked Turkey: In a separate bowl, mix minced garlic, grated ginger, natural soy sauce, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and chili flakes. Coat the smoked turkey thoroughly with this marinade and allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors can penetrate.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Place the marinated smoked turkey into the slow cooker along with any remaining marinade. Cook on low heat for 6 hours or until the turkey is tender and easy to shred.
- Cook the Jasmine Rice: While the turkey cooks, prepare the jasmine rice according to package instructions. Aim for fluffy, fragrant grains that will absorb the turkey juices.
- Assemble the Bowls: Once the turkey is cooked and shredded, build the bowls by layering cooked jasmine rice, a generous portion of the smoked turkey, a handful of pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber slices, and finish with chopped cilantro and mint for a fresh, aromatic touch.
Notes
- Marinate the smoked turkey well to maximize the depth of flavor.
- Use fresh cilantro and mint just before serving for best aroma and taste.
- Keep pickled vegetables thinly sliced and pickled briefly to maintain their crispness.
- Cook the turkey low and slow for tender, juicy results.
- Rinse jasmine rice before cooking to achieve fluffy, separate grains.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Vietnamese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: slow cooker, banh mi bowls, smoked turkey, Vietnamese flavors, pickled vegetables, jasmine rice, meal prep, healthy dinner