Plant-Based Meat Protein Bowl

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This vibrant plant-based meat bowl delivers a medley of textures and flavors, perfect for a balanced, hearty meal. Plant-based protein gets sautéed with a savory spice blend and paired with rice or quinoa as a base. Fresh avocado, crisp carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, and juicy cherry tomatoes build color and crunch. A spicy vegan mayo sauce adds zing, while cilantro and lime finish the dish with vivid freshness. Ideal for those seeking satisfying vegan fare, meal-prep options, or a quick weeknight fusion dinner.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:50:00 GMT
Colorful plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh veggies, avocado, and lime wedges.  Pin
Colorful plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh veggies, avocado, and lime wedges. | grillandbites.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 made this colorful bowl for dinner after a busy day and was amazed by how simple and quick it was. The blend of fresh veggies and savory protein made it an instant favorite in our house.

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 Protein:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add plant-based ground meat and cook for 3&4 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add Seasonings:
Add minced garlic and all spices (smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, pepper). Sauté for 2&3 minutes until fragrant.
Finish Cooking:
Stir in soy sauce and cook another 2 minutes until well coated and heated through. Remove from heat.
Mix Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice.
Assemble Bowls:
Divide cooked rice or quinoa among 4 bowls. Top with 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.
Delicious plant-based meat bowl drizzled with spicy mayo and surrounded by vibrant toppings.  Pin
Delicious plant-based meat bowl drizzled with spicy mayo and surrounded by vibrant toppings. | grillandbites.com

This bowl has become a go-to for family lunches, especially when everyone wants something flavorful but quick. I love seeing the kids build their own bowls with their favorite toppings.

Notes & Swaps

Swap brown rice or quinoa for cauliflower rice to lower the carb count. You can easily substitute veggies based on what's in season or what you have on hand.

Required Tools

Large skillet, spatula, cutting board and sharp knife, small mixing bowl, whisk are all you'll need for preparing this dish.

Nutrition Info

Each serving has about 410 calories, 19 g fat, 39 g carbohydrates, and 23 g protein.

A hearty plant-based meat bowl featuring quinoa, fresh vegetables, and zesty sauce. Pin
A hearty plant-based meat bowl featuring quinoa, fresh vegetables, and zesty sauce. | grillandbites.com

Serve right away for the freshest flavor, and feel free to mix and match toppings to keep this meal exciting every time.

Plant-Based Meat Protein Bowl

Protein-rich bowl with plant-based meat, fresh veggies, and tangy sauce for a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
20 min
Overall duration
40 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegan, 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 garlic cloves, 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

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

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 it apart with a spatula.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Incorporate Soy Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce or tamari and cook for 2 additional minutes, ensuring the protein is evenly coated. Remove skillet from heat.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Assemble Bowl Base: Divide the cooked brown rice or quinoa evenly between 4 serving bowls.

Phase 06

Top With Protein: Spoon the seasoned plant-based meat over each bowl of rice or quinoa.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle each bowl with spicy mayo sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Phase 09

Serve: Present bowls immediately while warm and vegetables remain crisp.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains soy from plant-based ground meat and soy sauce.
  • Contains mustard from vegan mayonnaise.
  • May include gluten if regular soy sauce is used; opt for tamari to ensure gluten-free status.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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