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 made this plant-based meat bowl for my vegan friends and we all loved how colorful and hearty it turned out. It’s such a crowd-pleaser for lunch or dinner, especially when everyone wants something both nutritious and flavorful.
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 for gluten-free)
- 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 the 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 the Protein:
- Add minced garlic and all the 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, making sure protein is well coated and heated through. Remove from heat.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice.
- Assemble Bowls:
- Divide cooked rice or quinoa among 4 bowls. Top each with the seasoned plant-based meat.
- Arrange Toppings:
- Arrange avocado, carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, and cherry tomatoes around the protein.
- Add Sauce and Garnish:
- Drizzle spicy mayo sauce. Garnish bowls with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately.
Save My family enjoys this meal on busy weeknights because it comes together quickly and everyone can build their own bowl with their favorite toppings. It’s a fun way to get kids involved in meal prep, too.
Required Tools
Large skillet, spatula, cutting board and sharp knife, small mixing bowl, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains soy (from plant-based meat and soy sauce) and mustard (vegan mayo). May contain gluten (if using regular soy sauce), use tamari for gluten-free option. Always check product labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 410, Total Fat: 19 g, Carbohydrates: 39 g, Protein: 23 g
Save The plant-based meat bowl is colorful, hearty, and easily adaptable for your tastes or pantry. Enjoy building your own bowl and savor every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different base instead of brown rice or quinoa?
Yes, you can substitute with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option or any preferred whole grain base.
- → What plant-based protein works best?
Any soy, pea, or fava bean-based ground meat will work well. Choose your favorite or combine for texture.
- → How can I make the dish gluten-free?
Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the bowl gluten-free.
- → Are there vegetable substitutions?
Absolutely. Swap in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or edamame for variety.
- → How do I make the sauce milder?
Reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce for a less spicy flavor.
- → What toppings add extra crunch?
Try sprinkling toasted seeds or chopped nuts over the bowl before serving for added texture.