I want to fully turn my brain off, go into full autopilot mode, and still get a fantastic dinner on the table. This is how I arrived here, at the perfect answer to weeknight chaos: the humble rice bowl. It's absolutely mindless in the best possible way.
1. Tamago Kake Gohan
Simple and cozy eats always have a place in my dinner plans.
It doesn’t get more heartwarming than this traditional Japanese recipe, where you season raw eggs with soy sauce and other savory elements and mix it into a bowl of fluffy, freshly steamed rice. Top it with a few veggies, and you’ve got a tasty meal!
2. Shrimp Puttanesca Rice Bowl Recipe
I’m at a loss how I have ever lived without this recipe! The fragrant shrimp puttanesca is well balanced and a fantastic twist on the classic pasta dish.
At its heart is shrimp prepared with olives, tomatoes, capers, garlic, and anchovies. If you haven’t tasted puttanesca before, trust me; you’re in for a treat!
3. Asian Rice Bowls (Build Your Own)
With these rice bowl recipes, almost all of them are “build your own,” meaning you can shake things up! But once you taste this bowl, you might not even need any other recipes!
The flavor-packed sauce will pull you in and never let go. It’s like your very own DIY sushi bowl!
4. 20 Minute Greek Chicken Rice Bowl
I like to think of this dish as a gyro, deconstructed.
It has loads of tasty chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and hummus. For a cool and creamy finish, try a spoonful of tzatziki!
5. Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Need to perk up some leftover rice? I’ve got you!
Pan-fry that cold rice with bell pepper, eggs, and pineapple to produce some fried rice unlike anything you’ve had before. I love for this recipe to have a kick, so I throw in a bit of chili oil with the soy sauce and Sriracha. It’s so good!
6. BBQ Chicken Bowls with Grilled Veggies & Sweet Potatoes
Tell me I’m not the only one who always has an abundance of barbecue chicken on hand after a summer party? Well, if that is your story, this recipe needs to be tried.
The sweet potatoes, red onion, and bell pepper go so well in a BBQ bowl.
7. Sesame-Ginger Forbidden Rice Bowl
Maybe this dish is called forbidden rice since it’s among the best-kept secrets of the world? I almost feel as though we should use a secret password to unlock the recipe – which is pretty darn extensive.
Trust me, this dish is worth the work!
8. Bibimbap – Korean Mixed Rice with Meat and Assorted Vegetables
For a taste of Korea, you should taste bibimbap! Throwing everything together is quite easy!
Once the rice, beef, and fried egg have been cooked, all that remains is to put it all together using your favorite veggies. Give it a stir and dig in!
9. Vegan Poke Bowl
As folks become more interested in meatless meals, it is always helpful to have vegan recipes at hand.
Rather than using fish, find some tofu to use instead in this wonderfully unique rice bowl. Carrots, watermelon radish, edamame, cucumber, avocado, and red cabbage make this dish a fiesta of textures and color.
10. Kimchi Brown Rice Bliss Bowls
I’m always amazed by how creative vegetarian dishes are today! Gone are the times of sad meatless bowls that left you hungry.
This bowl is topped with plant-based protein, tempeh, paired with crisp veggies tossed with a vibrant peanut sauce. Meatless Mondays just received a major upgrade!
11. Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowl
You can get this recipe ready in just 25 minutes! Gently seasoned with garlic and a touch of Asian flavor, this shrimp dish is so yummy!
Of course, when you serve it, you can throw in all of the veggies you love for a bit of extra texture and color.
12. Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
Looking for a family-friendly dinner that’s kind to your wallet and will fill everyone up? This Korean beef recipe has a flavor that is rich and intense, but it’s economical because of the ground beef.
Over rice, the family will feel happy and full after this dinner!
13. Vegan Burrito Bowl
Here’s a recipe that combines vegan soul food and the robust flavors of a Chipotle bowl! You’ll appreciate how tasty and clean this dish is.
Instead of beef or chicken, portobello mushrooms, grilled to perfection, provide a hearty and meaty foundation.
14. Roasted Broccoli and Farro Bowls
Instead of using rice, these bowls use farro, which is similar to quinoa and millet. Sadly, because it is in the grains family, people with gluten problems will have to locate a different carb for this recipe.
Those without this issue will enjoy assembling this bowl with roasted broccoli, chickpeas, red onion, and arugula!
15. Easy Fried Egg, Rice, Avocado Bowl
Many cultures across Asia have relied on rice as a breakfast dish for ages, and with good reason! It’s mild, so it pairs so well with almost everything. Better still, it’s not expensive, and it is very filling!
For your next morning meal, why not swap the toast for a bed of rice and your favorite toppings?
16. Adzuki Bean Bowls
The star of the show in these bowls are the adzuki beans!
These tasty beans are very flexible and provide loads of nutrients, especially in your best-loved rice bowls! A miso sauce is included here and delivers the ideal umami balance.
17. Easy Vegetarian Taco Bowl
Taco bowls are a staple in all good recipe collections.
You can enjoy those wonderful Mexican tastes without preparing meat by using this meatless taco bowl. To make preparation quick, use canned or frozen components!
18. Detox Salad Bowl
Give your system a chance to rest and refresh thanks to this bowl packed with fiber. With adzuki beans and quinoa, you’ll get all the healthy protein you want without tough-to-digest meats.
For lunch, this dish will fill you up and keep you satisfied through your day. Or, add some grilled chicken to turn this into a healthy and filling supper.
19. Cuban Mojo Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Mango Salsa and Black Beans
You simply must try this awesome quinoa bowl from this list! I cannot resist a great mango salsa, so I was immediately sold on sweet mango chunks combined with mojo chicken.
Quinoa rounds it all out with fiber and protein!
20. Chicken Meatball Rice Bowls
At my house, these chicken meatballs are always a big success.
The meatballs are smothered with a balsamic strawberry glaze that meshes incredibly well with the cucumber salad, jasmine rice, and cashews. This sweetness just can’t be beat!
21. Spicy Mango & Avocado Rice Bowl
This spectacular rice bowl is so much better than your expectations! The creamy, rich coconut peanut sauce is something else, and all the various things you can toss in create a flavor profile unlike any other.
Plus, it looks great for parties!
22. Steak Fajita Bowls with Garlic Lime Rice
Fajita bowls are a staple in my kitchen. They’re bursting with bright, bold flavor, and I want to eat them every day!
To get your meal prep done in a snap, you really should try this super easy-to-assemble recipe. Preparing shrimp and chicken at the same time would also increase the variety of your meals!
23. Coconut-Ginger Rice
With this recipe, you’ll have the directions for preparing an island-inspired, creamy dish. I suggest saving this, as you’re sure to want it on the side with everything!
Once the rice is done, top it with pineapple and mango, chicken, veggies, teriyaki sauce, and toasted coconut.
24. Cauliflower Rice Veggie Burrito Bowl
Long live the almighty cauliflower! Thanks to this humble veggie and cauliflower rice, you’re able to enjoy all the tastes of your favorite burrito without the carbs!
To make it a snap, this recipe relies on frozen cauliflower rice and veggies, with pre-made pico and canned beans to create a tasty and simple bowl.