Plant-Based Meat Bowl Fusion

Featured in: Meatless

This vibrant bowl combines plant-based ground meat with a blend of aromatic spices—paprika, cumin, chili, and coriander—then paired with fresh veggies like avocado, carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, and cherry tomatoes atop brown rice or quinoa. A spicy vegan mayo sauce adds a zing, while garnishing with cilantro and lime brings brightness. Easy to prepare and packed with protein, it's ideal for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Customizable toppings and humble cooking steps make this dish suitable for quick weeknight dinners or casual lunches, all while meeting vegan and dairy-free dietary needs.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:23:00 GMT
Vibrant plant-based meat bowl with fresh veggies, topped with zesty lime wedges.  Save to Pinterest
Vibrant plant-based meat bowl with fresh veggies, topped with zesty lime wedges. | buddybiteskitchen.com

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

After switching to more plant-based meals, this bowl became a family favorite for busy weeknights. Its bold flavors and colorful, nutrient-packed ingredients always impress guests and brighten up our dinner table.

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 Plant-Based Meat:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add plant-based ground meat and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking apart with spatula.
Add Seasonings:
Add minced garlic and spices (smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, black pepper). Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Finish Protein:
Stir in soy sauce and cook another 2 minutes until protein is coated and heated through. Remove from heat.
Make Sauce:
In 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 protein.
Drizzle Sauce & Garnish:
Drizzle with sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Wholesome plant-based meat bowl featuring tender avocado and crunchy red cabbage.  Save to Pinterest
Wholesome plant-based meat bowl featuring tender avocado and crunchy red cabbage. | buddybiteskitchen.com

These bowls are often at the center of our weekend lunches. The customizable toppings mean everyone gets a bowl tailored just for them, making the meal extra special when family gathers.

Notes

Swap brown rice or quinoa for cauliflower rice if you prefer lower-carb. Try bell peppers, radishes, or edamame for more variety.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains soy (from plant-based meat, soy sauce) and mustard (vegan mayo). For gluten-free, use tamari. Always check product labels for allergens.

Colorful plant-based meat bowl drizzled with spicy mayo, perfect for a satisfying meal. Save to Pinterest
Colorful plant-based meat bowl drizzled with spicy mayo, perfect for a satisfying meal. | buddybiteskitchen.com

These bowls are flavorful, fun, and perfect for sharing. Enjoy every bite and experiment with your favorite combinations!

Common Recipe Questions

What plant-based meat alternatives can I use?

Soy, pea, or fava bean-based ground meats work well, offering texture and protein for the bowl.

Can I substitute rice or quinoa?

Yes, cauliflower rice, bulgur, or other whole grains are great alternatives for the base.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Reduce or omit sriracha in the sauce for a milder, less spicy bowl.

Are there gluten-free options available?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and always check product labels to ensure ingredients are gluten-free.

What toppings work well with this bowl?

Seasonal veggies, edamame, radishes, or toasted seeds and nuts add extra crunch and flavor.

What pairs well to drink?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or iced green tea complements the fusion bowl's vibrant flavors.

Plant-Based Meat Bowl Fusion

Protein-rich bowl with plant-based meat, veggies, fusion seasonings, and a spicy vegan sauce. Perfect for any meal.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Meatless

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Fusion

Recipe Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Vegan-Friendly, Free of 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 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 to taste)
03 1 teaspoon lime juice

Steps to Follow

Step 01

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

Step 02

Season the Protein: Add minced garlic and all spices including smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 03

Add Soy Sauce: Stir in soy sauce or tamari and cook another 2 minutes until protein is fully coated and heated through. Remove from heat.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Assemble Bowl Base: Divide cooked brown rice or quinoa among 4 bowls. Top each bowl with seasoned plant-based protein.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Finish and Garnish: Drizzle bowls with the prepared spicy mayo sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Step 08

Service: Serve immediately for ideal texture and flavor.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains soy from plant-based protein and soy sauce.
  • Contains mustard from vegan mayonnaise.
  • May contain gluten if using regular soy sauce; tamari is recommended for a gluten-free preparation.
  • Always verify product labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 410
  • Fat Content: 19 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 39 grams
  • Protein Content: 23 grams