15 Healthy Rice Bowl Recipes for Easy Meal Prep
π Table of Contents
- Rice Bowl 1: Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
- Rice Bowl 2: Korean Beef Bowl
- Rice Bowl 3: Burrito Bowl
- Rice Bowl 4: Mediterranean Rice Bowl
- Rice Bowl 5: Thai Peanut Bowl
- Rice Bowl 6: Salmon Bowl
- Rice Bowl 7: Tofu Stir-Fry Bowl
- Rice Bowl 8: Shrimp Fried Rice Bowl
- Rice Bowl 9: Ground Turkey Bowl
- Rice Bowl 10: Black Bean Bowl
- Rice Bowl 11: Hawaiian Bowl
- Rice Bowl 12: Curry Rice Bowl
- Rice Bowl 13: Greek Turkey Bowl
- Rice Bowl 14: Southwest Bowl
- Rice Bowl 15: Asian Vegetable Bowl
- Meal Prep Tips
Introduction
Rice bowls combine a grain base with protein, vegetables, and sauce for complete, balanced meals. These 15 recipes offer variety while simplifying meal preparation β each one stores perfectly for up to 5 days and can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference.
To keep every bowl under $5 per serving, our Meal Prep Under $5 guide shows you exactly how. For building higher protein into each bowl, our High-Protein Meal Prep guide is the perfect companion. And for a full library of 42 recipes to rotate through your prep sessions, our 42 Delicious Meal Prep Recipes collection has everything you need.
Rice Bowl 1: Teriyaki Chicken Bowl ($3.20 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
- Cost: $3.20/serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in wok; stir-fry broccoli and carrot 4 minutes; set aside.
- Add remaining oil; cook chicken until done, 5β6 minutes.
- Return vegetables to wok.
- Pour teriyaki sauce; toss well.
- Serve over rice.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Rice Bowl 2: Korean Beef Bowl ($2.85 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 4 cups mixed vegetables β spinach, mushrooms, bell pepper, carrot
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 4 eggs
- Cost: $2.85/serving
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute.
- Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar.
- Cook vegetables separately or add to beef.
- Divide rice among bowls.
- Top with beef mixture and vegetables.
- Top each bowl with a fried egg.
Rice Bowl 3: Burrito Bowl ($2.90 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- Salsa, sour cream, cilantro
- Cost: $2.90/serving
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with taco seasoning.
- Warm black beans and corn.
- Divide rice among bowls.
- Layer beef, beans, corn, pepper, and cheese.
- Top with avocado, salsa, and sour cream.
- Garnish with cilantro.
Rice Bowl 4: Mediterranean Rice Bowl ($2.10 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and roasted
- 2 cups roasted vegetables β zucchini, bell pepper, tomato
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup olives
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh herbs
- Cost: $2.10/serving
Instructions
- Roast chickpeas with olive oil and spices at 400Β°F for 20 minutes.
- Roast vegetables at 400Β°F for 25 minutes.
- Divide rice among bowls.
- Top with spinach, vegetables, chickpeas, olives, and feta.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Garnish with fresh herbs.
Rice Bowl 5: Thai Peanut Bowl ($3.50 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, cooked
- 2 cups mixed vegetables β snap peas, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber
- 1/2 cup peanut sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Cilantro, peanuts, green onions
- Cost: $3.50/serving
Instructions
- Prepare peanut sauce with peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime.
- Toss shrimp with lime juice.
- Arrange vegetables raw or lightly stir-fried.
- Divide rice among bowls.
- Top with shrimp and vegetables.
- Drizzle with peanut sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro, peanuts, and green onions.
Rice Bowl 6: Salmon Bowl ($3.75 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 4 salmon fillets, 4 oz each
- 2 cups roasted vegetables β broccoli, carrots, asparagus
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, pickled ginger
- Cost: $3.75/serving
Instructions
- Bake salmon at 400Β°F for 12β15 minutes.
- Roast vegetables at 400Β°F for 25 minutes.
- Divide rice among bowls.
- Top with salmon fillet and vegetables.
- Add avocado slices.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and pickled ginger.
Rice Bowl 7: Tofu Stir-Fry Bowl ($1.90 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 14 oz firm tofu, cubed
- 3 cups mixed vegetables β broccoli, snap peas, bell pepper, mushrooms
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- Green onions, sesame seeds
- Cost: $1.90/serving
Instructions
- Press tofu to remove moisture; cube.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in wok; stir-fry vegetables 4 minutes; set aside.
- Add remaining oil; cook tofu until golden.
- Return vegetables to wok.
- Add garlic, ginger, and soy sauce; toss well.
- Serve over rice.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Rice Bowl 8: Shrimp Fried Rice Bowl ($3.25 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 3 cups cooked rice, chilled
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1 cup mixed vegetables β peas, carrots, corn
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Green onions
- Cost: $3.25/serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in wok; scramble eggs; set aside.
- Add remaining oil; cook shrimp until pink; set aside.
- Stir-fry vegetables 2 minutes.
- Add rice, breaking up clumps.
- Add soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Return shrimp and eggs; toss well.
- Garnish with green onions.
Rice Bowl 9: Ground Turkey Bowl ($2.50 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 2 cups roasted vegetables β zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, mushrooms
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salsa and cheese
- Cost: $2.50/serving
Instructions
- Brown ground turkey with garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
- Stir in black beans; simmer 5 minutes.
- Roast vegetables at 400Β°F for 25 minutes.
- Divide rice among bowls.
- Top with turkey mixture and vegetables.
- Add salsa and cheese.
- Serve hot.
Rice Bowl 10: Black Bean Bowl ($1.75 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 cans black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Feta cheese
- Cost: $1.75/serving
Instructions
- Warm black beans and corn.
- Mix olive oil and lime juice for dressing.
- Combine peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Divide rice among bowls.
- Top with beans, corn, pepper mixture, and avocado.
- Drizzle with lime dressing.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese.
Rice Bowl 11: Hawaiian Bowl ($3.40 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup macadamia nuts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Green onions
- Cost: $3.40/serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in wok; cook chicken until done.
- Add bell pepper; cook 3 minutes.
- Mix soy sauce and honey; add to wok.
- Stir in pineapple; cook 2 minutes.
- Serve over rice.
- Top with macadamia nuts.
- Garnish with green onions.
Rice Bowl 12: Curry Rice Bowl ($2.75 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1.5 lbs chicken, cubed
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups mixed vegetables β broccoli, carrots, snap peas
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tbsp curry paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- Fresh basil, lime wedges
- Cost: $2.75/serving
Instructions
- Heat oil in skillet; sautΓ© onion 2 minutes.
- Add curry paste; cook 1 minute.
- Add chicken; cook 5 minutes.
- Pour in coconut milk.
- Add vegetables; simmer 10 minutes until tender.
- Stir in fish sauce.
- Serve over rice; garnish with basil and lime.
Rice Bowl 13: Greek Turkey Bowl ($2.60 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 2 cups roasted vegetables β zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1/2 cup olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Cucumber slices
- Cost: $2.60/serving
Instructions
- Brown ground turkey with oregano.
- Roast vegetables and chickpeas at 400Β°F for 25 minutes.
- Divide rice among bowls.
- Top with turkey, vegetables, chickpeas, and olives.
- Add crumbled feta.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Add cucumber slices.
Rice Bowl 14: Southwest Bowl ($2.70 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
- 1 can black beans, warmed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- Cilantro-lime dressing
- Tortilla strips
- Cost: $2.70/serving
Instructions
- Divide rice among bowls.
- Layer chicken, beans, corn, pepper, and cheese.
- Top with avocado.
- Drizzle with cilantro-lime dressing.
- Garnish with cilantro and tortilla strips.
- Serve with salsa on the side.
Rice Bowl 15: Asian Vegetable Bowl ($1.85 per serving)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 3 cups mixed vegetables β broccoli, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, bok choy
- 1 can chickpeas, roasted
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Sesame seeds, green onions
- Cost: $1.85/serving
Instructions
- Roast chickpeas with spices at 400Β°F for 20 minutes.
- Stir-fry vegetables in wok until tender-crisp.
- Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and garlic for dressing.
- Divide rice among bowls.
- Top with vegetables and chickpeas.
- Drizzle with dressing.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Meal Prep Tips
- Prepare rice in bulk: Cook a large batch of rice on Sunday and divide into containers β it keeps perfectly for 4β5 days.
- Pre-cut vegetables: Chop all vegetables at the start and store separately in airtight containers.
- Cook protein in advance: Batch cook your proteins β grilled chicken, ground beef, shrimp β and portion for the week.
- Store components separately: Keep rice, protein, vegetables, and sauces separate until serving for best texture and freshness.
- Shelf life: Each assembled bowl keeps 3β4 days in the refrigerator. Components stored separately last up to 5 days.
Conclusion
These 15 rice bowl recipes provide complete, nutritious meals with flexibility for customization and meal preparation. From teriyaki chicken to black bean bowls, there’s a flavor for every palate and a price point for every budget. To keep every serving under $5, our Meal Prep Under $5 guide shows you exactly how. For maximizing protein in every bowl, our High-Protein Meal Prep guide has all the strategies. And for 42 more recipes to keep your prep rotation fresh, our 42 Delicious Meal Prep Recipes collection is essential reading.