Plant-Based Meat Bowl

Featured in: Fun & Easy Meals

This flavorful plant-based meat bowl combines hearty ground meat alternatives with a lively mix of fresh vegetables, including avocado, carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, and cherry tomatoes. The protein is seasoned with a blend of garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander, then paired with a zesty sriracha mayo sauce. Brown rice or quinoa forms a nourishing base, and garnishes like cilantro and lime add brightness. With a quick 40-minute prep and easy steps, this dish offers a balanced, satisfying meal perfect for vegan diets, providing bold flavors and vibrant textures in every serving.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:05:00 GMT
A colorful plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh veggies and lime wedges.  Save
A colorful plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh veggies and lime wedges. | kookycrunch.com

A vibrant, protein-packed bowl featuring plant-based meat alternatives, fresh vegetables, and bold, globally inspired seasonings. Perfect for a satisfying, wholesome meal.

The first time I tried making this plant-based meat bowl, I was amazed at how filling and flavorful it turned out. Even my non-vegan friends enjoyed the blend of textures and spices.

Ingredients

  • Plant-Based Protein: 400 g plant-based ground meat (soy, pea, or fava bean based), 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Seasoning Blend: 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • Bowl Base & Toppings: 200 g cooked brown rice or quinoa, 1 large avocado (sliced), 1 medium carrot (julienned), 1 small cucumber (thinly sliced), 100 g red cabbage (shredded), 100 g cherry tomatoes (halved), 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped), 1 lime (cut into wedges)
  • Sauce: 3 tbsp vegan mayonnaise, 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste), 1 tsp lime juice

Instructions

Cook Protein:
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add plant-based ground meat and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking apart with spatula.
Add Seasoning:
Add minced garlic and all spices (smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, pepper). Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Soy Sauce Finish:
Stir in soy sauce and cook another 2 minutes, ensuring the protein is coated and heated through. Remove from heat.
Prepare Sauce:
In small bowl, whisk vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice to make sauce.
Assemble Bowls:
Divide cooked rice or quinoa among 4 bowls. Top each with seasoned plant-based meat.
Add Veggies:
Arrange avocado, carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, and cherry tomatoes around protein.
Top and Garnish:
Drizzle with spicy mayo sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Serve:
Serve immediately.
Delicious plant-based meat bowl filled with quinoa, vibrant veggies, and spicy mayo.  Save
Delicious plant-based meat bowl filled with quinoa, vibrant veggies, and spicy mayo. | kookycrunch.com

This meal has become a weekday staple for my family because everyone can choose their favorite toppings, making dinnertime much more fun together.

Notes

Swap brown rice or quinoa for cauliflower rice for a lighter base. Try bell peppers, radishes, or edamame for more veggie variety.

Required Tools

Large skillet, spatula, cutting board and sharp knife, small mixing bowl, whisk

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 410 calories, 19 g total fat, 39 g carbohydrates, 23 g protein

Satisfying plant-based meat bowl garnished with avocado, cilantro, and cherry tomatoes. Save
Satisfying plant-based meat bowl garnished with avocado, cilantro, and cherry tomatoes. | kookycrunch.com

This bowl is a colorful, flavor-packed meal you'll want to make on repeat. Enjoy customizing with your favorite seasonal veggies!

Recipe FAQ

What type of plant-based protein works best?

Ground vegan meat made from soy, pea, or fava beans works well for texture and flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and check labels on plant-based meat products.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Reduce or omit sriracha in the sauce for a milder flavor, and adjust chili powder to taste.

What vegetables can be substituted?

Bell peppers, radishes, or edamame can replace or complement the listed vegetables based on preference.

How do I add extra crunch?

Try topping the bowl with toasted seeds, nuts, or crispy chickpeas for more texture.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, ingredients can be prepped ahead and assembled just before serving for freshness.

Plant-Based Meat Bowl

Packed with plant protein, vibrant vegetables, and zesty sauce for a satisfying, wholesome fusion meal.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Easy

Heritage Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations Plant-Based, No dairy

Components

Plant-Based Protein

01 14 ounces plant-based ground meat (soy, pea, or fava bean based)
02 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning Blend

01 2 cloves garlic, minced
02 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
05 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

Bowl Base & Toppings

01 7 ounces cooked brown rice or quinoa
02 1 large avocado, sliced
03 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
05 3.5 ounces red cabbage, shredded
06 3.5 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
07 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
08 1 lime, cut into wedges

Sauce

01 3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
02 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust as preferred)
03 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Directions

Phase 01

Sauté Plant-Based Protein: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add plant-based ground meat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, breaking apart with a spatula until evenly browned.

Phase 02

Incorporate Seasonings: Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until aromatic.

Phase 03

Finish Protein Mixture: Stir in soy sauce or tamari and cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the protein is thoroughly coated and heated through. Remove skillet from heat.

Phase 04

Prepare Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth.

Phase 05

Distribute Bowl Base: Divide cooked brown rice or quinoa evenly among four serving bowls.

Phase 06

Assemble Toppings: Add a portion of the seasoned plant-based meat to each bowl. Arrange sliced avocado, julienned carrot, cucumbers, shredded red cabbage, and cherry tomatoes around the protein.

Phase 07

Finish and Serve: Drizzle spicy vegan mayo sauce over the assembled bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy details

Review each component carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains soy from plant-based meat and soy sauce; mustard present in vegan mayonnaise.
  • May contain gluten if standard soy sauce is used; opt for tamari for gluten-free bowl.
  • Check all packaging for additional allergens prior to preparation.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 23 g