20 Rice Bowl Recipes Packed With Protein and Veggies

Rice bowls are the ultimate comfort food, offering a hearty and satisfying meal in a single dish. The beauty of rice bowls lies in their versatility—you can load them with nearly anything you have in your pantry, fridge, or leftovers. And when it comes to making them both delicious and nutritious, the key is to pack them with protein and veggies. This combination not only adds flavor but also gives you that energy boost to power through your day. So, why settle for a regular rice bowl when you can create something wholesome and delicious?

In this guide, we’ll dive into 20 protein-packed rice bowl recipes filled with vibrant veggies. From plant-based options to meat lovers’ favorites, these recipes will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep solution that lasts all week, these rice bowls have got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!

1. Spicy Chickpea and Quinoa Rice Bowl

Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein and fiber, making them the perfect base for a rice bowl. Combine them with quinoa, a superfood loaded with all nine essential amino acids, and you’ve got a power-packed meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup chickpeas (canned or cooked from scratch)
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté chickpeas with paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until they get crispy.
2. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
3. Toss everything together and enjoy!

This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with fiber and healthy fats, making it the perfect protein-packed bowl for a vegetarian meal.

2. Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Craving something savory and slightly sweet? Chicken teriyaki rice bowls are always a crowd-pleaser. With tender grilled chicken and a sweet soy-based sauce, you’ll want to make this recipe a weekly staple.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 1 chicken breast, grilled and sliced
• 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
• ½ cup steamed broccoli
• ¼ cup shredded carrots
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Grill the chicken breast and slice it into strips.
2. Drizzle the chicken with teriyaki sauce and cook for a few more minutes until it’s caramelized.
3. Assemble your rice bowl by adding the rice, chicken, broccoli, and carrots. Sprinkle sesame seeds for added crunch.

This bowl is a perfect blend of protein and veggies, with the teriyaki sauce adding a delicious burst of flavor.

3. Tofu Stir Fry Rice Bowl

Tofu is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, and when it’s stir-fried with colorful veggies, it becomes the star of any rice bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
• ½ block firm tofu, cubed
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• ½ onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil and olive oil in a skillet, then add tofu and cook until golden and crispy.
2. Add bell peppers, onions, and garlic powder to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes.
3. Add soy sauce and grated ginger and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Serve the tofu stir fry over jasmine rice.

This rice bowl is packed with protein from tofu and fiber from the veggies. It’s light yet filling, perfect for a healthy dinner!

4. Beef and Veggie Rice Bowl

A beef rice bowl is ideal if you’re looking for something hearty and protein-rich. Packed with tender beef and nutrient-dense vegetables, this rice bowl is a classic!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup ground beef (or any lean protein of your choice)
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet with garlic powder and black pepper.
2. Stir in soy sauce, spinach, and carrots. Cook until the spinach wilts and the veggies are tender.
3. Serve the beef and veggies over brown rice and drizzle with a little extra sesame oil for added flavor.

With rich protein from the beef and plenty of veggies, this rice bowl will keep you full for hours.

5. Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl

If you love seafood, a shrimp and avocado rice bowl might be just what you’re looking for. It’s light yet satisfying, and the combination of shrimp and avocado adds richness and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (any variety)
• 8-10 shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 avocado, diced
• ½ cup corn kernels
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté shrimp with salt and pepper until pink and cooked through.
2. In a bowl, combine rice, shrimp, diced avocado, corn, and tomatoes.
3. Drizzle lime juice over the bowl for a fresh, tangy finish.

This bowl is packed with protein from the shrimp and healthy fats from the avocado—perfect for a quick, healthy meal.

6. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Rice Bowl

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber, while black beans provide a solid dose of protein. Combined with rice, this dish is not only healthy but incredibly filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 medium sweet potato, roasted
• 1 cup black beans
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Roast the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. In a bowl, combine the rice, roasted sweet potato, black beans, and diced red onion.
3. Garnish with cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.

This bowl is a great plant-based meal, filled with fiber, protein, and a variety of textures that make each bite satisfying.

7. Korean Beef Rice Bowl (Bulgogi)

If you’re craving Korean flavors, this bulgogi-inspired beef rice bowl will satisfy your taste buds. The marinated beef provides a punch of savory sweetness, while the veggies and rice balance out the richness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 lb thinly sliced beef
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 1 egg, fried (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate beef in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the marinated beef in a pan until browned and tender.
3. Serve over cooked rice, topped with julienned carrots, sliced cucumbers, and a fried egg.

This Korean-inspired rice bowl is a flavorful option for anyone looking for a protein-packed meal.

8. Grilled Salmon and Veggie Rice Bowl

Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Paired with rice and roasted veggies, this bowl is a fantastic option for a nutritious, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
• 1 salmon fillet, grilled
• 1 cup roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, etc.)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill the salmon fillet until cooked through and flaky.
2. Roast your vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender.
3. Serve the salmon and veggies over rice, drizzling with fresh lemon juice.

This dish provides lean protein from the salmon and a variety of nutrients from the veggies. It’s a well-balanced, delicious option for any day of the week.

9. Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowl

Take a trip to the Mediterranean with this flavorful chicken rice bowl. With fresh ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives, this bowl is bursting with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 chicken breast, grilled and sliced
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives
• 2 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Lemon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Grill the chicken breast and slice it into thin strips.
2. Combine rice with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
3. Top with the grilled chicken and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with lemon.

This Mediterranean-inspired rice bowl is loaded with protein from the chicken and feta, while the veggies add a refreshing crunch.

10. Vegan Buddha Rice Bowl

Buddha bowls are all about balance, and this vegan option is a perfect example. With a variety of plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and colorful veggies, this bowl will leave you feeling energized.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup chickpeas, roasted
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tbsp tahini dressing

Instructions:

1. Roast chickpeas with olive oil and spices until crispy.
2. Assemble your rice bowl with quinoa, roasted chickpeas, spinach, shredded carrots, and avocado.
3. Drizzle with tahini dressing for a creamy finish.

Packed with plant-based protein and healthy fats, this vegan Buddha bowl is a wholesome, nutrient-packed meal.

11. BBQ Pulled chicken Rice Bowl

Pulled chicken is not only a tasty protein choice but when paired with rice and veggies, it creates the perfect savory rice bowl. The smoky BBQ flavor takes this dish to the next level.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 cup pulled chicken (can be slow-cooked or bought pre-made)
• ½ cup corn kernels
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Warm the pulled chicken in a pan with BBQ sauce until heated through.
2. Assemble the rice bowl with cooked rice, corn, and red onion.
3. Top with the pulled chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant pop.

This BBQ pulled chicken rice bowl is perfect for anyone who loves smoky flavors and a bit of crunch from the veggies.

12. Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowl

Tofu is a perfect blank canvas for absorbing savory flavors, and when paired with a sweet teriyaki sauce, it becomes a wonderful protein-packed addition to any rice bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• ½ block firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup steamed broccoli
• ½ cup carrots, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Sauté tofu cubes in a pan until crispy and golden.
2. Add teriyaki sauce and cook for a few minutes until the tofu is coated and caramelized.
3. Serve the tofu over rice with steamed broccoli, carrots, and sesame seeds on top.

This tofu rice bowl is the perfect vegetarian option, offering a balance of protein and veggies with a sweet-savory flavor from the teriyaki sauce.

13. Spicy Sriracha Salmon Rice Bowl

If you love a little heat, then this spicy sriracha salmon rice bowl will hit the spot. With the addition of spicy Sriracha sauce and fresh vegetables, this bowl is full of flavor and good-for-you ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 salmon fillet
• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Grill or bake the salmon fillet and brush with sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Assemble the rice bowl with cooked rice, salmon, cucumber, avocado, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness.

This spicy salmon rice bowl offers protein and healthy fats, with a nice balance of spice and freshness from the veggies.

14. Chicken Caesar Rice Bowl

Craving a classic Caesar salad? Why not turn it into a rice bowl by adding grilled chicken and a creamy dressing! This combination of rice, protein, and crunchy vegetables makes for a comforting, hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
• 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
• ½ cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 tbsp Caesar dressing
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Croutons for garnish

Instructions:

1. Grill the chicken breast and slice it into strips.
2. Combine the rice with chopped lettuce and Caesar dressing.
3. Top with the grilled chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons for a satisfying crunch.

This chicken Caesar rice bowl is a fun twist on the classic salad, with protein from the chicken and all the flavors you love.

15. Indian Butter Chicken Rice Bowl

If you enjoy bold, rich flavors, then this butter chicken rice bowl will satisfy your cravings. The creamy sauce and tender chicken pair perfectly with rice and veggies for a truly decadent meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked basmati rice
• 1 chicken breast, cubed
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tbsp cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken in butter until golden and cooked through.
2. Add heavy cream, curry powder, and garam masala to the pan, simmering until the sauce thickens.
3. Serve the butter chicken over basmati rice, garnished with fresh spinach and cilantro.

This rich and flavorful rice bowl is perfect for anyone who loves creamy, spiced dishes that are both comforting and packed with protein.

16. Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

Looking for something zesty and full of flavor? A chicken fajita rice bowl brings together the best of Mexican cuisine with lean protein and a variety of fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 chicken breast, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• ½ onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the chicken breast with fajita seasoning in olive oil until cooked through.
2. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions and cook until tender.
3. Serve over rice, garnished with lime juice and fresh cilantro.

This fajita rice bowl is bursting with vibrant flavors and loaded with protein, making it an easy go-to for a busy weeknight dinner.

17. Spicy Korean Tofu Rice Bowl

Looking for a spicy, comforting rice bowl? This Korean-style tofu rice bowl delivers a savory, spicy punch with tofu, rice, and veggies for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (any variety)
• ½ block firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ cup spinach
• 1 boiled egg (optional)
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the tofu cubes in a pan until golden and crispy.
2. Add gochujang and soy sauce to the pan and stir until the tofu is well-coated with the sauce.
3. Serve the tofu over rice, with spinach and a boiled egg on top. Garnish with sesame seeds.

This rice bowl is the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and protein-rich, with tofu providing a hearty, plant-based protein option.

18. chicken Stir Fry Rice Bowl

Looking for a quick, protein-packed rice bowl? A pork stir fry is a fantastic option, and the stir-fried veggies provide a perfect balance of crunch and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
• 1 cup lean ground chicken
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• ½ onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground chicken in a pan, then add garlic powder and soy sauce for flavor.
2. Stir-fry the sliced bell pepper and onion in sesame oil.
3. Combine the chicken and veggies, then serve over rice. Garnish with green onions.

This chicken stir fry rice bowl is a quick and easy way to get your protein and veggies in one meal.

19. Falafel Rice Bowl

For those looking for a vegetarian option that’s both protein-rich and flavorful, falafel rice bowls are a great choice. These crunchy chickpea balls are paired with rice and veggies for a wholesome, satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• 4-5 falafel balls
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 2 tbsp tahini dressing

Instructions:

1. Prepare or heat falafel balls according to package instructions.
2. Combine rice with sliced cucumber and diced tomato.
3. Add the falafel balls on top and drizzle with tahini dressing.

This falafel rice bowl is full of plant-based protein and packed with refreshing veggies.

20. Chicken Bowl with Tuna and Veggies

A Chicken bowl is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, raw fish with rice and veggies. This protein-packed dish is light, healthy, and incredibly refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 tuna steak, cubed
• ½ avocado, sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Cube the tuna and toss it with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
2. Assemble the rice bowl with rice, tuna, avocado, and sesame seeds.
3. Serve chilled for a refreshing and protein-packed meal.

This Chicken bowl is a great option for seafood lovers looking for a light, protein-rich rice dish.

Conclusion: Rice Bowls for Every Taste and Need

From savory chicken and beef to plant-based tofu and chickpea bowls, rice bowls are a versatile and customizable meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. The key to making these rice bowls truly satisfying is to pack them with protein and vegetables, ensuring that each bite is nourishing and delicious. Whether you prefer a spicy, tangy kick or a rich, creamy texture, these 20 rice bowl recipes are sure to inspire your next meal. So, why not give them a try? Your taste buds and your body will thank you!