Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients for the Rice Bowl Base:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine, or sushi rice—your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
Protein Options (choose one or more):
- 1 chicken breast, grilled or sautéed, sliced
- 1 cup cooked shrimp
- 1 cup tofu, cubed and pan-fried
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, roasted or sautéed
- 1 egg, fried or scrambled (for that extra protein boost)
Veggies (mix and match to your liking):
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned or sliced
- 1/2 cup spinach or kale, sautéed
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup edamame, cooked
- 1/4 cup roasted sweet potato cubes
Sauce (choose one for maximum flavor):
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Optional: 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (for heat)
- Optional: 1 tbsp tahini (for a creamy kick)
Instructions:
- Cook the Rice:
- Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. You can use leftover rice for an even quicker meal—it’s a great way to clean out the fridge!
- Cook the Protein:
- While the rice is cooking, heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add your protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas) and cook until done. For chicken or tofu, slice it into bite-sized pieces. For shrimp or chickpeas, simply heat them up. If you’re doing an egg, scramble or fry it in a separate pan.
- Prepare the Veggies:
- While the protein is cooking, prep your veggies. You can sauté some, like spinach or bell peppers, or just use fresh veggies, like cucumbers and avocado. Don’t forget to season the veggies with a pinch of salt and pepper!
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and any extras you like (sriracha, tahini, etc.). Taste it and adjust the flavors as needed. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Want it spicier? Go wild with the sriracha.
- Assemble the Bowl:
- Start with a base of rice in each bowl. Top with your protein, veggies, and a drizzle of that delicious sauce. You can layer everything neatly or just throw it all in there—it’s a rice bowl, not a beauty contest.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with optional toppings like sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. Mix it all together and dig in!
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Get creative! Rice bowls are super customizable—use whatever leftovers you have, or mix up the sauces.
- Add some crunch with toppings like roasted nuts, seeds, or crispy fried onions.
- Taste the sauce as you go—balance is key.
DON’T:
- Overcrowd the bowl with too many ingredients—you want to taste everything, not just the rice.
- Skip the sauce—this is what pulls everything together and adds the flavor punch!
- Forget to top with something fresh—herbs, avocado, or a squeeze of lime can take your bowl to the next level.
Variations:
- Mexican Rice Bowl: Use seasoned rice, grilled chicken or beef, black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa. Top with sour cream and a squeeze of lime.
- Bowl of Buddha: For a more plant-based version, use brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, kale, avocado, and tahini sauce.
- Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl: Add sushi rice, tuna (seared or raw), cucumber, avocado, and a spicy mayo drizzle (mix mayo with sriracha).
Rice Bowls are your blank canvas for whatever you’re craving. They’re easy to make, customizable, and always satisfying. Plus, they’re a perfect way to use up leftovers and make a meal that feels fancy without the effort. 🍚🥑
