I love rice bowls, they are so fun to eat and versatile! If you’re anything like me, you always look for new and exciting meal prep ideas to keep things interesting during the week. Try these 17 healthy rice bowl ideas that will shake up your lunch routine as best as possible. From Korean Bibimbap to Shrimp Sushi Bowls with Cauliflower Rice, there’s something for everyone on this list of flavorful and nutritious recipes. So, prepare your meal prep game with these delicious rice bowl ideas that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
17 Healthy Rice Bowl Ideas That Are Perfect for Meal Prep
1. Korean Bibimbap
Indulge in the freshness of poached salmon, perfectly paired with a zesty coconut lime sauce in this irresistible recipe! With cooked rice as the base, this dish is topped with a delicious mix of sautéed vegetables, marinated beef, a perfectly fried egg, and a spicy gochujang sauce. What sets bibimbap apart is its versatility – you can customize it with your favorite veggies and proteins. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a balanced and hearty meal. To make it, simply cook your rice, prepare your veggies and proteins, assemble everything in a bowl, and top it off with sesame oil and gochujang. Mix it all up before eating, and you’re in for a treat!
2. Poached Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce
Prepare to be delighted by this poached salmon in coconut lime sauce recipe! Featuring simple yet exotic ingredients like garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and coconut milk, this dish tastes like a Thai coconut curry in just a fraction of the time. To whip it up, start by searing your salmon fillets in a skillet until golden, then caramelize garlic, ginger, and lemongrass with a touch of sugar before adding the coconut milk and simmering until creamy. Serve the salmon over noodles or rice, spoon over the flavorful sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced red chilies for a pop of color and heat. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer.
3. Sticky Garlic Tofu
I’m loving this Sticky Garlic Tofu Bowl – it’s a flavor bomb that’s ridiculously easy to make! I start by pressing and cubing a block of firm tofu, then marinating it in a savory mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic. After a quick chill in the fridge, I pan-fry the tofu until it’s crispy and golden, adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for added crunch. Served over a bed of fluffy brown rice, this sticky garlic tofu is the perfect meal prep solution – it’s healthy, satisfying, and packed with umami flavor!
4. Crispy Sesame Tempeh Bowl
This Crispy Sesame Tempeh Bowl is a game-changer for meal prep! I start by marinating tempeh cubes in a mixture of soy sauce, salt, and olive oil, then crisping them up to perfection. Next, make a sticky sesame stir-fry sauce with soy sauce, mirin, maple syrup, and sesame oil, adding in some garlic, ginger, and sriracha for an extra kick. To assemble the bowl, I serve the crispy tempeh over a bed of brown rice, surrounded by a colorful mix of steamed veggies and topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of that amazing sauce. It’s an easy, healthy, and ridiculously delicious meal prep option that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
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5. Shrimp Burrito Bowl
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal prep option, check out these mouthwatering shrimp burrito bowl recipes! Packed with flavor and served with cauliflower rice, this bowl is the perfect balance of healthy and satisfying. Start by marinating the shrimp in a zesty lime and garlic mixture, then sauté them until perfectly cooked. Next, mix a creamy Greek yoghurt dressing with a kick of Dijon mustard and smoked paprika. Assemble your bowl with cauliflower rice, black beans, avocado, corn, and all the fixings, then drizzle with that tasty dressing. With a burst of fresh lime and a sprinkle of cilantro, this bowl is sure to become a meal prep favorite.
6. Shrimp Sushi Bowls With Cauliflower Rice
Craving a taste of sushi without breaking the bank or the effort? You must try these shrimp sushi bowls with cauliflower rice! It’s like a mini sushi party in a bowl, minus the fancy chef skills. all you need is some shrimp, cauliflower rice, and a dash of creativity. Simply season your shrimp, cook up that cauliflower rice, and start assembling your bowls with all the fixings – avocado, cucumber, carrots, and edamame. Top it all off with a drizzle of spicy mayo (homemade, of course) and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. voila, dinner is served!
7. Crispy Baked Peanut Tofu Bowl
The crispy baked peanut tofu bowl recipe is a game-changer for your weeknight dinner routine and also high in protein! Packed with simple and delicious ingredients like cooked rice (or quinoa), avocado, red bell peppers, kale, and green onions, this vegan and gluten-free Buddha bowl is sure to please both kids and adults alike. The star of the show is the crispy tofu, marinated in a savory tamari, sesame oil, and maple syrup mixture, then coated in cornstarch and breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch. While the tofu is baking to golden perfection, spread the creamy peanut sauce and sauté your veggies. Once everything is ready, assemble your bowls with rice, veggies, avocado, scallions, and of course, the crispy tofu.
8. Thai Peanut Chicken Buddha Bowls
Looking to add a little excitement to your meal prep game? Check out these delicious Thai peanut chicken Buddha bowls! Packed with flavor and loaded with all the good stuff, these bowls are perfect for a light, healthy, and satisfying meal. Start with a base of quinoa and kale, then pile on the veggies like peppers, cucumber, carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts. Top it off with chicken satay and peanut dressing for a flavor explosion! These bowls are super easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Trust me, once you try these Thai peanut chicken buddha bowls, you’ll be making them all the time!
9. Hawaiian Inspired Chicken Poke Bowl
Get ready for a taste bud adventure with our Hawaiian chicken poke bowl recipe! Picture succulent chicken swimming in a sweet and spicy sauce, mingling with crisp veggies, juicy pineapple, creamy avocado, and fluffy rice – all topped off with a drizzle of sriracha-infused mayo. To make this mouthwatering dish, start by mixing mayo and sriracha for a zesty kick. Then, cook your chicken in a flavorful marinade until caramelized and sticky. Finally, assemble your poke bowl by layering rice with chicken, cucumber, pineapple, avocado, red onion, carrot, edamame, and green onions. Drizzle on the spicy mayo and get ready to dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness!
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10. Avocado Salmon Rice Bowl
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this avocado salmon rice bowl recipe! This Cilantro Lime Salmon with Avocado Cream recipe is a masterful blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender salmon fillets roasted to perfection in a zesty honey, lime, and cilantro glaze, served atop a bed of fragrant cilantro lime rice infused with chicken or vegetable stock, lime juice, honey, and cilantro, and finished with a creamy avocado mixture adding a refreshing pop to every bite. While the rice is cooking, prepare your salmon by rubbing it with a mixture of lime juice, honey, and cilantro before popping it in the oven to bake.
11. Korean Beef Bowl
This superfast Korean beef bowl is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner dilemma. With just a handful of ingredients like ground beef, onion, garlic, and a delicious stir-fried sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and gochujang, this savory, sweet, and spicy dish comes together in one pan in no time. Simply sauté the veggies, brown the beef, pour in the sauce, and voilà! You have a flavorful meal ready to serve over a steaming bowl of rice. Top it off with some sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor. It’s the perfect meal prep option for when you crave something delicious but don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen.
12. Buffalo Chicken Bowls
Get ready to spice up your meal prep game with these Buffalo Chicken Bowls! Packed with a sassy flavor and loaded with veggies, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. To prepare this saucy masterpiece, start by cooking some rice and gathering your veggies. Season and brown some chicken in a skillet, then add in buffalo sauce and butter for that extra kick. Blend up a quick herby ranch dressing to drizzle on top of your bowl. Once everything is cooked, assemble your bowls with rice, chicken, cheese, onions, cilantro, green onions, cucumbers, and banana peppers, then drizzle on that delicious ranch dressing. Voila! Dinner is served!
13. Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
If you’re craving a flavorful and satisfying meal prep option, don’t hesitate to try the bang-bang chicken bowl! This delicious dish features cubes of seasoned chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, served over a bed of warm rice and crisp veggies. Top it off with creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and crunchy sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch. the best part? You can make the chicken in an air fryer for a healthier twist, with skillet instructions included for those who prefer a more traditional method. Inspired by the popular bang bang chicken skewers, this bowl is sure to become a staple in your meal prep rotation. Just get ready a batch on Sunday and enjoy a week of delicious lunches that will leave you feeling satisfied and healthy.
14. Greek Chicken Meatballs
Get ready to travel straight to Greece with these flavorful Greek chicken meatballs! Made with juicy ground chicken, a medley of herbs and spices, and a hint of lemon zest, these meatballs are super easy to arrange for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Simply mix all the ingredients, form into meatballs, and fry them up until golden and juicy. Serve them over a bed of chopped romaine lettuce with feta, cucumber, tomato, white rice, and a generous scoop of homemade tzatziki sauce. It’s like a little taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!
15. Teriyaki Tofu & Sesame Avocado Rice Poké Bowl
Get ready to indulge in a delicious and nutritious teriyaki tofu & sesame avocado rice poke bowl! This vibrant dish is perfect for meal prep and will satisfy your tastebuds any day of the week. Start by coating diced avocado in a mixture of white and black sesame seeds for a crunchy twist. Next, fry up some firm tofu until golden brown and toss it in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Assemble your poke bowl by layering cooked brown rice, edamame beans, purple cabbage, sesame avocado, cucumber, and the flavorful teriyaki tofu. Top it off with some sliced spring onions for an extra pop of color.
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16. Lentil Curry
For a nutritious and mouth-watering meal prep idea that’s sure to satisfy, our creamy lentil curry recipe is a game-changer, offering a delicious and healthy solution for busy lives. It’s packed with a rich, velvety texture and bold, fragrant flavors that will have you coming back for more. The best part? It’s super easy to make in just one pot in 30 minutes! Start by sautéing onion, garlic, and ginger with a mix of spices like curry powder, cumin, and turmeric for an aromatic flavor base. Then add in vegetable stock, crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, and split red lentils, simmering until everything is cooked to perfection.
17. Mediterranean Bowl With Turkey Meatballs
Get ready to elevate your meal prep game with this mouthwatering Mediterranean bowl with turkey meatballs recipe. Juicy ground turkey meatballs packed with flavor, paired with fluffy rice, crisp cucumber, tangy kalamata olives, and a dollop of zesty tzatziki sauce – what’s not to love? Make a batch of turkey meatballs by mixing ground turkey with Italian breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and seasoning, then pop them in the oven for a quick and easy cook. Assemble your bowls by layering cooked rice with cucumber, olives, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice for that extra pop of freshness. These bowls are not only delicious, but they’re also perfect for meal prep!
Final Thoughts
With these 17 mouth-watering and nutritious rice bowl ideas, you’re now equipped to take your meal prep to new heights! Whether you’re a meal prep beginner or a seasoned pro, these creative and healthy recipes are sure to revolutionize your meal prep game. From Korean bibimbap to Greek chicken meatballs, there’s a rice bowl for every craving and dietary preference. So grab your favorite ingredients, mix and match flavors, and get ready to impress yourself with your culinary skills. Remember, meal prep doesn’t have to be bland – it can be fun, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious! So go ahead, give these rice bowl ideas a try and let me know which one is your favorite. Happy cooking!
