10 Quick Rice Bowls for Busy Nights
Spicy Korean Beef Bowl
This flavorful bowl is packed with spicy, savory flavors and can be whipped up in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- Sesame seeds and sliced cucumber for garnish
Cooking method:
- Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until well combined.
- Serve over a bowl of cooked jasmine rice and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cucumber slices.
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
This quick teriyaki chicken bowl brings a sweet and savory Japanese twist to your dinner table.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Steamed broccoli and carrots for serving
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking method:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, honey, and grated ginger.
- Cook the chicken slices in a pan over medium heat until lightly browned.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and let simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve the chicken over cooked rice with steamed broccoli and carrots. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Thai Basil Shrimp Rice Bowl
Enjoy a burst of Thai flavor in minutes with this fragrant basil shrimp dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
Cooking method:
- Heat a pan over high heat and add the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink.
- Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste.
- Toss in the basil leaves until wilted and serve over jasmine rice.
Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowl
A healthy, vibrant bowl inspired by Mediterranean flavors for a fresh, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
Cooking method:
- Marinade chicken cubes in olive oil, oregano, and lemon juice for 15 minutes.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until golden.
- Serve over brown rice with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
Chipotle Black Bean Rice Bowl
A hearty vegetarian option with a smoky kick, perfect for a satisfying quick dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
Cooking method:
- Sauté onion in olive oil until soft.
- Add black beans, chipotle chili powder, and cumin, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Serve the beans over brown rice, topped with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime.
Moroccan Spiced Lamb Rice Bowl
This elegant dish brings the rich flavors of Morocco to your dinner table in a flash.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp ras el hanout spice mix
- 2 cups cooked couscous
- 1/4 cup almonds, toasted
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cooking method:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, then cook the ground lamb until browned.
- Add ras el hanout spice mix and continue to cook until fragrant.
- Serve the spiced lamb over couscous, topped with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro.
Cajun Sausage Rice Bowl
Spice up your weeknight dinners with this quick and hearty Cajun sausage bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Cooking method:
- Sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil until soft.
- Add smoked sausage and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the sausage is heated through.
- Serve over white rice for a complete meal.
Lemon Herb Salmon Rice Bowl
A light and nutritious option, this lemon herb salmon dish is easy and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tbsp dill, chopped
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- Steamed asparagus for serving
Cooking method:
- Season salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon zest, juice, and dill.
- Cook the salmon in a pan over medium heat until just cooked through.
- Serve over basmati rice with steamed asparagus on the side.
Sweet and Sour Pork Rice Bowl
Bring the taste of your favorite takeout to your kitchen with this quick sweet and sour pork bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice
Cooking method:
- Cook the pork slices in olive oil until browned.
- Mix ketchup, rice vinegar, and brown sugar, then add to the pork along with the bell pepper.
- Let simmer until the sauce thickens, and serve over rice.
Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry Rice Bowl
A quick, colorful, vegan-friendly dish that's as healthy as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
Cooking method:
- Marinate tofu cubes in soy sauce for 10 minutes.
- Stir-fry tofu in sesame oil until golden, then add bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.
- Serve over quinoa for a nutritious meal.
