Plant-Based Meat Bowl

Featured in: Hearty Comfort Dinners

This flavorful plant-based meat bowl showcases a blend of vegan ground meat sautéed with bold spices and garlic, served over a base of brown rice or quinoa. Fresh toppings like avocado, carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro add vibrant texture and color. The bowl is finished with a zesty spicy mayo sauce and a squeeze of lime, making it both nourishing and satisfying. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this fusion-inspired dish offers easy customization with your favorite seasonal vegetables or lower-carb bases. Every bite features hearty protein and cooling crunch.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 11:23:00 GMT
A colorful plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh vegetables and zesty lime.  Save
A colorful plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh vegetables and zesty lime. | smokyfeast.com

A vibrant, protein-packed bowl featuring plant-based meat alternatives, fresh vegetables, and bold seasonings. This fusion dish is perfect for anyone seeking a satisfying, wholesome meal that is entirely vegan and dairy-free.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the layers of flavor and crunchy textures came together. It quickly became a weeknight staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something nourishing yet quick.

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, 1 tsp lime juice

Instructions

Cook the Plant-Based Protein:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add plant-based ground meat and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking apart.
Add Spices:
Add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in Soy Sauce:
Mix in soy sauce or tamari and cook for 2 minutes until protein is coated and heated through. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Sauce:
Whisk vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide rice or quinoa among 4 bowls. Top with seasoned plant-based meat.
Add Toppings:
Arrange avocado, carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, and cherry tomatoes around protein.
Finish and Serve:
Drizzle with spicy mayo sauce. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Savory plant-based meat bowl served on a bed of quinoa, garnished with cilantro.  Save
Savory plant-based meat bowl served on a bed of quinoa, garnished with cilantro. | smokyfeast.com

My family loves creating their own bowl combinations, making this meal interactive and fun for everyone at the table. It's a great way to get kids excited about eating their veggies.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains soy (plant-based meat and soy sauce) and mustard (vegan mayo). May contain gluten if using regular soy sauce: always check labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 410, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 39 g, Protein 23 g

Delicious plant-based meat bowl featuring avocado, cherry tomatoes, and spicy mayo drizzle. Save
Delicious plant-based meat bowl featuring avocado, cherry tomatoes, and spicy mayo drizzle. | smokyfeast.com

This dish comes together in less than 40 minutes and is ideal for easy entertaining or meal prepping. Enjoy its vibrant flavors and wholesome nutrition any night of the week.

Kitchen Questions

Can I use a different plant-based protein?

Absolutely! You can substitute any plant-based ground meat, such as lentil, mushroom, or chickpea blends.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure the bowl is gluten-free; always check product labels for allergens.

What can I serve instead of brown rice?

Try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or whole grain options to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

How can I make the sauce milder?

Simply reduce or skip the sriracha in the mayonnaise sauce for less heat without sacrificing flavor.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, radishes, or edamame are great additions for extra crunch and nutrition.

What drink pairs well?

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or iced green tea complements the bowl's vibrant flavors perfectly.

Plant-Based Meat Bowl

Enjoy a colorful, protein-packed bowl with fresh veggies, plant-based meat, spicy mayo, and global seasonings.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
20 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You'll Need

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 (substitute tamari for gluten-free)

Bowl Base & Toppings

01 1 cup 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 to taste)
03 1 teaspoon lime juice

Method

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.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Deglaze & Finish Protein: Pour in soy sauce and cook an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the protein is thoroughly coated and heated. Remove skillet from heat.

Phase 04

Prepare Sauce: Combine vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and well blended.

Phase 05

Assemble Base: Divide cooked brown rice or quinoa among 4 serving bowls.

Phase 06

Add Protein & Vegetables: Spoon seasoned plant-based meat onto the grain base. Arrange avocado slices, julienned carrot, sliced cucumber, shredded red cabbage, and halved cherry tomatoes around the protein.

Phase 07

Finish & Garnish: Drizzle spicy mayonnaise sauce over the assembled bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Phase 08

Serve: Present immediately while the protein is warm.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains soy from plant-based meat and soy sauce.
  • Contains mustard present in most vegan mayonnaise formulations.
  • May contain gluten if regular soy sauce is used; choose tamari for gluten-free adaptation.
  • Always verify individual ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 23 g