Plant-Based Meat Bowl Fusion

Featured in: Dinner Fix

This colorful bowl combines plant-based meat with hearty brown rice or quinoa, fresh vegetables like avocado, carrot, cucumber, and red cabbage, and a spicy mayo sauce for a satisfying fusion meal. Aromatic smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and soy sauce infuse bold flavor into the protein. Top with cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and lime for extra freshness, and adjust the sauce heat to taste. Flexible toppings make it easy to adapt using seasonal produce or swap bases for lower-carb options. Ideal for quick, wholesome plant-based dining any night of the week.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:16:00 GMT
Vibrant plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh veggies and zesty sauce.  Save
Vibrant plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh veggies and zesty sauce. | nachohaha.com

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

I first tried this bowl when experimenting with plant-based proteins for family dinners. It quickly became a favorite for its flavor and how easy it is to prepare on busy weeknights.

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 a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the plant-based ground meat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add Spices:
Add minced garlic and all the spices (smoked paprika cumin chili powder coriander salt pepper). Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
Season:
Stir in soy sauce and cook another 2 minutes ensuring the protein is well-coated and heated through. Remove from heat.
Prepare Sauce:
In a small bowl whisk together vegan mayonnaise sriracha and lime juice for the sauce.
Assemble Bowls:
Divide cooked rice or quinoa among 4 bowls. Top each with the seasoned plant-based meat.
Add Toppings:
Arrange avocado carrot cucumber red cabbage and cherry tomatoes around the protein.
Finish & Serve:
Drizzle with spicy mayo sauce garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Deliciously seasoned plant-based meat bowl with avocado and colorful toppings.  Save
Deliciously seasoned plant-based meat bowl with avocado and colorful toppings. | nachohaha.com

My family loves building their own bowls with favorite veggies at the table making dinner fun and interactive.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains soy from plant-based meat and soy sauce and mustard from vegan mayo. May contain gluten if using regular soy sauce. Use tamari for gluten-free option.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories 410 Total Fat 19 g Carbohydrates 39 g Protein 23 g

Hearty plant-based meat bowl featuring quinoa, fresh vegetables, and spicy mayo drizzle. Save
Hearty plant-based meat bowl featuring quinoa, fresh vegetables, and spicy mayo drizzle. | nachohaha.com

Serve these bowls fresh and let everyone personalize with toppings for a creative wholesome meal.

Recipe FAQ

What plant-based protein works best?

Ground meat alternatives made from soy, pea, or fava bean work well for texture and flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep the bowl gluten-free.

Which grain base should I choose?

Brown rice and quinoa both offer hearty texture. Cauliflower rice is great for low-carb options.

How can I adjust spice levels?

Reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce for milder heat, or add extra for more kick.

Are there recommended vegetable swaps?

Feel free to use seasonal produce like bell peppers, radishes, or edamame to customize your bowl.

What pairs well with this bowl?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or iced green tea complements the bold, fresh flavors in the bowl.

Plant-Based Meat Bowl Fusion

Protein-packed bowl with seasoned plant-based meat, colorful veggies, and zesty sauce for a nourishing main dish.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
20 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Carlos Vega

Type Dinner Fix

Complexity Easy

Heritage Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements 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 black pepper
08 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

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
03 1 teaspoon lime juice

Directions

Phase 01

Cook 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.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Incorporate Soy Sauce: Stir in soy sauce or tamari and cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the protein is well coated and heated through. Remove from heat.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Assemble Bases: Divide cooked brown rice or quinoa among four bowls. Top each with the warm, seasoned plant-based protein.

Phase 06

Arrange Fresh Vegetables: Artistically arrange avocado slices, julienned carrot, cucumber, shredded red cabbage, and halved cherry tomatoes around the protein.

Phase 07

Sauce, Garnish, and Serve: Drizzle bowls with spicy mayo sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Tools needed

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains soy from plant-based meat and soy sauce. Vegan mayonnaise may contain mustard. May contain gluten if using regular soy sauce; use tamari for a gluten-free alternative. Review all ingredient labels for allergens.

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