10 Healthy Rice Bowls + Inspired by Different Countries, Affordable & Good for You

I’m not doing a long intro, let’s get to the recipes. These are simple and easy to make!

Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

Ingredients:
Grilled chicken breast
Teriyaki sauce
Steamed broccoli
Steamed carrots
Jasmine rice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Season the chicken breast with a pinch of salt and pepper.
    • Heat a grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat.
    • Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until it’s fully cooked and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can baste the chicken with teriyaki sauce during grilling if you like.
  2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
    • If you’re making your own teriyaki sauce, combine the following ingredients in a saucepan and heat over low to medium heat until it thickens:
      • 1/2 cup soy sauce
      • 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
      • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
      • 1 clove garlic, minced
      • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
    • Once the sauce thickens to your liking, remove it from the heat.
  3. Steam the Vegetables:
    • Steam the broccoli and carrots until they are tender but still slightly crisp. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Cook the Jasmine Rice:
    • Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of jasmine rice and 2 cups of water.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
  5. Assemble the Rice Bowl:
    • Slice the grilled chicken breast into thin strips.
    • Place a serving of cooked jasmine rice at the bottom of a bowl.
    • Arrange the sliced chicken, steamed broccoli, and steamed carrots on top of the rice.
    • Drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
  6. Serve:
    • Your Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl is ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!


Salmon Avocado Rice Bowl

Ingredients:
Baked or grilled salmon
Avocado slices
Cucumber slices
Pickled ginger
Sushi rice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Sushi Rice:
    • Rinse 1 cup of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 1 1/4 cups of water.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
    • Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to steam.
  2. Prepare the Salmon:
    • If you’re using baked or grilled salmon, ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness. You can season the salmon with a little salt and pepper or a teriyaki glaze for extra flavor.
  3. Slice the Avocado and Cucumber:
    • Cut the avocado into slices or chunks, and the cucumber into thin slices.
  4. Assemble the Rice Bowl:
    • Place a serving of sushi rice at the bottom of a bowl or a plate.
  5. Arrange the Ingredients:
    • Lay the cooked salmon over the sushi rice.
    • Add the avocado slices and cucumber slices on top of the salmon.
  6. Serve with Pickled Ginger:
    • Serve the Salmon Avocado Rice Bowl with pickled ginger on the side. Pickled ginger is traditionally used as a palate cleanser between bites of sushi.
  7. Enjoy:
    • Your Salmon Avocado Rice Bowl is ready to enjoy. You can also drizzle a little soy sauce or soy sauce mixed with wasabi over the salmon and rice if you like.

Feel free to customize your bowl with additional toppings like sesame seeds, nori (seaweed) strips, or a drizzle of eel sauce or spicy mayo for extra flavor. Adjust the quantities of each ingredient to your liking, and enjoy this fresh and delicious dish.


Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry Rice Bowl

Ingredients:
Crispy tofu
Stir-fried vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, carrots)
Savory stir-fry sauce
Brown rice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crispy Tofu:
    • You can use pre-packaged crispy tofu or make your own by draining and pressing extra-firm tofu, cutting it into cubes, coating it with cornstarch, and pan-frying or baking it until it’s golden and crispy.
  2. Cook the Brown Rice:
    • Rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 1/4 cups of water.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
    • Remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to steam.
  3. Prepare the Stir-Fried Vegetables:
    • In a large pan or wok, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat.
    • Add the sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots to the pan.
    • Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You can season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Make the Savory Stir-Fry Sauce:
    • Prepare the stir-fry sauce by combining ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a sweetener (like honey or brown sugar) to taste. You can also add a thickening agent like cornstarch to make the sauce thicker.
  5. Combine and Serve:
    • In a serving bowl, layer the cooked brown rice at the bottom.
    • Arrange the crispy tofu on top of the rice.
    • Pour the stir-fried vegetables over the tofu.
    • Drizzle the savory stir-fry sauce over the tofu and vegetables.
  6. Enjoy:
    • Your Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry Rice Bowl is ready to be enjoyed. You can garnish it with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor and presentation.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients, sauces, and seasonings to your taste. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with healthy vegetables and plant-based protein from the tofu.


Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl

Ingredients:
Sliced flank steak
Broccoli florets
Garlic soy sauce
White or brown rice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Rice:
    • Rinse 1 cup of white or brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with the appropriate amount of water (usually 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice for white rice, or 2.5 cups for brown rice).
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer. Cooking times may vary (typically 15-20 minutes for white rice and 45-50 minutes for brown rice), so check the packaging instructions for specific guidelines.
  2. Cook the Steak:
    • Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat.
    • Add a little oil to the pan and let it heat up.
    • Add the sliced flank steak to the hot pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until it’s browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. You can season the steak with a bit of salt and pepper.
  3. Steam the Broccoli:
    • While the steak is cooking, steam the broccoli florets separately. You can steam them on the stovetop or in the microwave until they are tender but still slightly crisp. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Prepare the Garlic Soy Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, combine the garlic soy sauce. You can use a mixture of soy sauce and minced garlic to taste. You can also add a bit of sugar or honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
  5. Slice the Steak:
    • Once the steak is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain.
  6. Assemble the Rice Bowl:
    • Place a serving of cooked white or brown rice at the bottom of a bowl.
  7. Add the Ingredients:
    • Arrange the sliced steak on top of the rice.
    • Add the steamed broccoli on the side.
  8. Drizzle with Garlic Soy Sauce:
    • Drizzle the garlic soy sauce over the steak and broccoli. You can also pour it over the rice for extra flavor.
  9. Serve:
    • Your Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl is ready to be served. You can garnish it with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

This dish is a delicious and satisfying meal with a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and flavorful sauce. Enjoy!


Shrimp and Mango Rice Bowl

Ingredients:
Sautéed shrimp
Fresh mango chunks
Red bell pepper slices
Cilantro
Coconut jasmine rice

Ingredients:

  • Sautéed shrimp (you can season with salt, pepper, and a little oil)
  • Fresh mango chunks
  • Red bell pepper slices
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Coconut jasmine rice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Coconut Jasmine Rice:
    • Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 1 1/2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of coconut milk.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
    • Remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
  2. Sauté the Shrimp:
    • In a separate pan, heat a little oil over medium-high heat.
    • Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
    • Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are pink and cooked through.
  3. Slice the Mango and Red Bell Pepper:
    • Slice the fresh mango into chunks or thin strips.
    • Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips.
  4. Assemble the Rice Bowl:
    • Place a serving of coconut jasmine rice at the bottom of a bowl.
  5. Arrange the Ingredients:
    • Arrange the sautéed shrimp, mango chunks, and red bell pepper slices on top of the rice.
  6. Garnish with Cilantro:
    • Sprinkle the rice bowl with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and flavor.
  7. Serve:
    • Your Shrimp and Mango Rice Bowl is ready to be served. You can enjoy it as is or drizzle a little sweet chili sauce or a lime dressing for extra flavor, if you prefer.

This dish combines the sweetness of fresh mango with the savory sautéed shrimp and the creamy coconut jasmine rice for a delightful balance of flavors. It’s a refreshing and tropical-inspired meal. Enjoy!

BBQ Pulled Pork Rice Bowl

Ingredients:
Slow-cooked pulled pork
Coleslaw
Pickles
White rice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Rice:
    • Rinse 1 cup of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
    • Remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
  2. Prepare the Pulled Pork:
    • If you’re using store-bought pulled pork, follow the heating instructions on the package until it’s warmed through. If you’re preparing your own pulled pork, you can slow-cook it in a crockpot or oven with your favorite BBQ sauce until it’s tender and easily pulled apart.
  3. Prepare the Coleslaw:
    • If you’re making your own coleslaw, shred cabbage and carrots, and toss them with coleslaw dressing (mayonnaise-based or vinegar-based, depending on your preference). You can also add a bit of sugar and vinegar to taste.
  4. Assemble the Rice Bowl:
    • Place a serving of cooked white rice at the bottom of a bowl.
  5. Add the Ingredients:
    • Layer the slow-cooked pulled pork on top of the rice.
  6. Top with Coleslaw:
    • Add a generous portion of coleslaw on one side of the bowl, next to the pulled pork.
  7. Garnish with Pickles:
    • Place pickles on the other side of the bowl or scatter them over the coleslaw.
  8. Serve:
    • Your BBQ Pulled Pork Rice Bowl is ready to be served. You can drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the pulled pork if you like. Enjoy this savory and tangy dish with a balance of flavors and textures.

Feel free to adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your preferences. This dish combines the smoky and tender pulled pork with the crisp and creamy coleslaw for a delicious meal.

Spicy Chickpea and Spinach Rice Bowl

Ingredients:
Spiced chickpeas
Sautéed spinach
Sliced red onions
Tahini dressing
Basmati rice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Basmati Rice:
    • Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
    • Remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
  2. Spice and Cook the Chickpeas:
    • If you’re using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them.
    • Season the chickpeas with your choice of spices. You can use a combination of cumin, paprika, chili powder, or any spices you prefer.
    • Heat a pan with a little oil over medium-high heat.
    • Add the spiced chickpeas and sauté them until they are heated through and have a slightly crispy texture. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Sauté the Spinach:
    • In a separate pan, heat a little oil over medium heat.
    • Add the sliced red onions and sauté them until they start to soften, usually for 2-3 minutes.
    • Add the spinach and sauté until it wilts and is cooked. Season it with a bit of minced garlic and a pinch of salt for added flavor.
  4. Prepare the Tahini Dressing:
    • You can make your own tahini dressing by combining tahini paste with lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the thickness and taste to your preference.
  5. Assemble the Rice Bowl:
    • Place a serving of cooked basmati rice at the bottom of a bowl.
  6. Add the Ingredients:
    • Layer the spiced chickpeas over the rice.
  7. Top with Spinach and Onions:
    • Add the sautéed spinach and sliced red onions on top of the chickpeas.
  8. Drizzle with Tahini Dressing:
    • Drizzle the tahini dressing over the chickpeas and vegetables.
  9. Serve:
    • Your Spicy Chickpea and Spinach Rice Bowl is ready to be served. You can garnish it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation.

This dish offers a combination of bold flavors, from the spiced chickpeas to the creamy tahini dressing, and the earthy notes of spinach. Enjoy!

Korean Bibimbap Rice Bowl

Ingredients:
Sliced beef or tofu
Sautéed vegetables
Fried egg
Gochujang sauce
Steamed white or brown rice

  1. Marinate the Beef or Tofu:
    • If you’re using beef, thinly slice it, and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger for about 15-30 minutes. For tofu, cut it into cubes and marinate it in the same mixture.
  2. Prepare the Steamed Rice:
    • Rinse 1 cup of white or brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with the appropriate amount of water (usually 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice for white rice, or 2.5 cups for brown rice).
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes for white rice or 45-50 minutes for brown rice, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
    • Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Sauté each type of vegetable separately in a pan with a small amount of sesame oil and a pinch of salt until they’re tender and lightly cooked. Arrange them in individual piles on a serving platter.
  4. Cook the Beef or Tofu:
    • In the same pan you used for the vegetables, stir-fry the marinated beef or tofu until it’s cooked through and slightly caramelized. Set it aside.
  5. Fry the Egg:
    • In a clean pan, fry an egg sunny-side up or over-easy.
  6. Assemble the Bibimbap:
    • In a large serving bowl or on a plate, add a generous portion of steamed rice as the base.
    • Arrange the sautéed vegetables, cooked beef or tofu, and the fried egg on top of the rice, each in its own section.
  7. Serve with Gochujang Sauce:
    • Serve the Bibimbap with a dollop of Gochujang sauce in the center. The amount of sauce you use depends on your spice tolerance.
  8. Mix and Enjoy:
    • Before eating, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. Bibimbap is meant to be mixed, so stir everything, including the Gochujang sauce, into a delightful and flavorful bowl of goodness.

Hawaiian Poke Bowl

Ingredients:
Cubed raw fish (tuna or salmon)
Avocado
Seaweed
Cucumber
Soy sauce
Sushi rice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Sushi Rice:
    • Rinse 1 cup of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 1 1/4 cups of water.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
    • Remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to steam.
  2. Prepare the Fish:
    • Ensure that the raw fish (tuna or salmon) is fresh, and it has been cubed into bite-sized pieces. You can also marinate it in a little soy sauce if you like.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Slice the avocado, cucumber, and seaweed into your preferred shapes and sizes. Commonly, they are sliced into thin strips.
  4. Assemble the Poke Bowl:
    • Place a serving of sushi rice at the bottom of a bowl.
  5. Add the Ingredients:
    • Arrange the cubed raw fish, avocado slices, cucumber, and seaweed on top of the rice.
  6. Drizzle with Soy Sauce:
    • Drizzle the poke bowl with a bit of soy sauce for flavor. You can also use a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds for extra seasoning.
  7. Serve:
    • Your Hawaiian Poke Bowl is ready to be served. You can enjoy it as is or customize it with additional toppings like sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of spicy mayo, if desired.

Poke bowls are known for their fresh and vibrant flavors. The combination of fresh fish, creamy avocado, and crunchy vegetables with the sushi rice makes for a delightful and healthy meal. Enjoy!


Black Bean and Corn Rice Bowl

Ingredients:
Black beans
Corn
Diced tomatoes
Avocado
Lime-cilantro dressing
Brown rice

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Brown Rice:
    • Rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 1/4 cups of water.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
    • Remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to steam.
  2. Prepare the Black Beans:
    • If you’re using canned black beans, rinse them under cold water. If you’re using dried black beans, cook them until they’re tender, following the package instructions.
  3. Prepare the Corn:
    • If using fresh corn, you can either grill the ears of corn or cook the corn kernels in a pan with a little butter until they’re slightly browned. If using frozen or canned corn, you can heat them through in a pan.
  4. Assemble the Rice Bowl:
    • Place a serving of cooked brown rice at the bottom of a bowl.
  5. Add the Ingredients:
    • Layer the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado on top of the rice.
  6. Drizzle with Lime-Cilantro Dressing:
    • Drizzle the rice bowl with a generous portion of lime-cilantro dressing. You can also squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowl for added zest.
  7. Serve:
    • Your Black Bean and Corn Rice Bowl is ready to be served. Enjoy this wholesome, colorful, and nutritious dish. You can also garnish it with fresh cilantro leaves for added flavor and presentation.

This dish offers a combination of hearty black beans, sweet corn, and creamy avocado with the zesty lime-cilantro dressing for a delightful and satisfying meal.

In conclusion, these rice bowl recipes offer a versatile and delicious way to enjoy a variety of flavors and ingredients in a single, satisfying meal. Whether you’re craving a savory teriyaki chicken bowl, a refreshing shrimp and mango bowl, or a spicy chickpea and spinach bowl, there’s something for everyone. With simple instructions and customizable options, these recipes allow you to personalize your rice bowl to your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, get creative in the kitchen, and indulge in these flavorful and nutritious rice bowl creations. Bon appétit!

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