Save A vibrant, protein-packed bowl featuring plant-based meat alternatives, fresh vegetables, and bold, globally inspired seasonings. Perfect for a satisfying, wholesome meal.
I first created this bowl when trying to add more vibrant vegan options for family dinners. The fusion of flavors and colors made it a staple in our weekly meal rotation.
Ingredients
- Plant-Based Protein: 400 g plant-based ground meat (soy, pea, or fava bean based), 1 tbsp olive oil
- Seasoning Blend: 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- Bowl Base & Toppings: 200 g cooked brown rice or quinoa, 1 large avocado (sliced), 1 medium carrot (julienned), 1 small cucumber (thinly sliced), 100 g red cabbage (shredded), 100 g cherry tomatoes (halved), 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped), 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- Sauce: 3 tbsp vegan mayonnaise, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tsp lime juice
Instructions
- Cook Plant-Based Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add plant-based ground meat and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Season and Sauté:
- Add minced garlic and all spices (smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, pepper). Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Soy Sauce:
- Stir in soy sauce and cook another 2 minutes until protein is well coated and heated through. Remove from heat.
- Make Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice.
- Assemble Bowl:
- Divide cooked brown rice or quinoa among 4 bowls. Top each with seasoned plant-based meat.
- Add Toppings:
- Arrange avocado, carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, and cherry tomatoes around the protein.
- Garnish:
- Drizzle spicy mayo sauce and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately.
Save This dish quickly became a favorite for weekend lunches because everyone could customize their bowls with their preferred toppings. Even picky eaters got excited by the variety of textures and colors.
Required Tools
Large skillet, spatula, cutting board and knife, small bowl, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains soy and mustard. May contain gluten without tamari. Always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 410 calories, 19 g fat, 39 g carbs, 23 g protein
Save Serve this vibrant bowl immediately for optimal freshness. Squeeze extra lime on top for a zesty finish.
Common Questions
- → What plant-based meat works best?
Brands using soy, pea, or fava bean bases yield great texture and flavor in this bowl.
- → Can I use different grains?
Yes, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are all suitable bases depending on preference.
- → How can I make the bowl less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit sriracha in the sauce for a milder flavor profile.
- → What vegetables can I substitute?
Feel free to swap in bell peppers, radishes, or edamame for seasonal variety and extra crunch.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and check product labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- → Which garnishes add extra texture?
Toasted seeds, nuts, and fresh herbs like cilantro enhance crunch and flavor in the bowl.