Let’s be honest, meal prepping can sometimes feel like a chore, right? You spend hours chopping and cooking, only for your lunches to taste… well, a bit sad by Wednesday. Finding Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great can be a game-changer! I learned this firsthand during my travels in Asia. I remember sitting on a bustling street in Thailand, absolutely blown away by a simple yet incredibly flavorful rice bowl. It was packed with fresh toppings and sauces that just sang with taste. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with how versatile rice bowls are, especially for my busy weeks. Now, with my keto twists, I’ve taken those street food vibes and turned them into healthy, easy recipes my family devours. Every time I prep a batch of these bowls, it reminds me that meal prep doesn’t have to be boring – it can be a delicious celebration of flavors! As an International Keto Cuisine Explorer, I’m excited to share this with you.
Why You’ll Love These Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great
Seriously, these bowls are a lifesaver! You’ll love them because:
- They are packed with flavor – no more bland lunches!
- Super easy to put together, even on a busy weeknight.
- They’re healthy and totally satisfying.
- Perfect for grabbing on the go when you’re short on time.
Gather Your Ingredients for Delicious Rice Bowls
Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready for these amazing rice bowls! Having all your bits and pieces prepped makes the whole process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Quick Pickled Red Onions:
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Rice:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1.5 cups rice (your favorite white or brown works great!)
- 3 cups broth (chicken or vegetable for flavor)
- 3-6 tsp beet juice for color (this is totally optional, but it’s pretty!)
For the Ground Chicken:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
For Assembly:
- 3 whole avocados, sliced or diced (just divide them up!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep
Now for the fun part – putting it all together! Making these Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great is super easy when you follow these steps. Trust me, the aroma alone will convince you this is worth it! For more inspiration on delicious bowls, check out my full collection of recipes.
Prepare the Quick Pickled Red Onions
First things first, let’s get those onions pickling. Grab a jar or a bowl and toss in your thinly sliced red onion. Pour over the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and salt. Give it all a good stir, and let them hang out for at least 30 minutes. They’ll get nice and tender with a little zing!
Cook the Flavorful Rice for Your Rice Bowls
Time to make the base for our amazing Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great. Heat up that olive oil in a medium pot. Throw in the diced onion and let it soften for about 5 minutes, until it smells amazing. Stir in the salt, then add your rice and give it a good minute to get coated in that lovely oniony oil. Pour in the broth and bring it to a simmer. Then, cover it up, turn the heat down low, and let it cook for about 15-18 minutes until all the liquid is gone and the rice is tender. If you’re using the beet juice for color, give it a stir now – it makes the rice look so vibrant! Cover it again, let it rest off the heat for 10 minutes, then fluff it all up with a fork. You can also try making a delicious healthy one-pot chicken and brown rice while you’re at it if you want another super easy rice dish!
Sauté the Ground Chicken Filling
Let’s get the star of our bowls cooking! In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and minced garlic, and let them cook until they’re nice and soft, maybe 3-5 minutes. Now, add your ground chicken or turkey. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Break up the meat with your spoon and cook it until it’s all browned through. Give it a final stir with that fresh chopped cilantro. It smells incredible, doesn’t it? You might also enjoy my Asian ground beef lettuce wraps if you’re looking for more flavorful ground meat options! Don’t forget to check out this yummy chicken rice bowl too if you’re inspired!
Assemble Your Perfect Rice Bowls
Okay, final step! Grab your meal prep containers. Divide the cooked rice, the savory chicken mixture, and the pickled onions evenly among them. Top each bowl with some sliced or diced avocado. So simple, so good!
Tips for Success with Your Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep
Alright, let’s make these Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great absolutely perfect every single time! A little tip here, a little prep there, and you’re golden. First off, make sure your pickled red onions are truly pickled – give them that full 30 minutes to soften and get tangy. Also, don’t skip resting the rice; it makes it fluffier! And for the chicken, cooking it thoroughly means it’ll hold up perfectly in the fridge for days. For more quick and tasty dinner ideas, definitely check out my list of 15 healthy dinner ideas!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Rice Bowls
Let’s chat about a few things in these bowls. That beet juice for the rice? It’s just for fun color, totally optional if you want a simpler look. If you want to swap the ground chicken, no biggie! Ground turkey works great, or for a vegetarian twist, try firm tofu crumbled up or even some hearty black beans instead. Whatever you choose, these bowls are super forgiving.
Make-Ahead and Storage for Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep
The best part about these bowls is that they’re designed for making ahead! Once your components are cooked and assembled (just maybe hold off on adding the avocado right before you eat it to keep it fresh!), just pop them into your meal prep containers. They’ll stay delicious in the fridge for about 4 days. If you want to reheat, just pop the container in the microwave for a minute or two. It’s like having a fresh, flavorful lunch ready to go every single day! For more make-ahead magic, check out my protein-packed breakfast burritos that are perfect for busy mornings too!
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Bowls Meal Prep
Got questions about whipping up these fantastic rice bowls? I’ve got you covered! Meal prep should be easy, and these bowls are designed to be just that. For more ideas on tasty bowls, check out my spicy chickpea bowls recipe!
Can I use a different type of protein for these rice bowls?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. While ground chicken is yummy, feel free to swap it out for ground turkey, lean beef, or even some crumbled firm tofu for a vegetarian option. You could also try seasoned black beans or chickpeas for another great protein boost. The key is to make sure your protein is well-seasoned so your rice bowls sing!
How long do these rice bowls last in the refrigerator?
These beauties are perfect for planning ahead. When stored properly in airtight meal prep containers, your rice bowls will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up.
Are these rice bowls considered a healthy dinner option?
Definitely! We’ve packed these rice bowls with healthy ingredients. You’ve got lean protein from the chicken, complex carbs from the rice, healthy fats from the avocado, and nutrients from the fresh veggies and pickled onions. It’s a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying without being heavy, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy dinner or a power-packed lunch.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use and how big you make your bowls. But generally, per serving, you’re looking at roughly:
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 25-35g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 8-10g
It’s a super balanced meal to keep you going!
Share Your Delicious Rice Bowls Creations!
I absolutely LOVE seeing what you all create in your own kitchens! Did you try these rice bowls? Did you make any fun swaps or add your own special twist? Snap a pic and share it with me, or just leave a comment below telling me how it turned out. Your feedback and photos really make my day and inspire everyone else! Head over to my contact page to share your creations!
Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- For the pickled red onions: Combine the thinly sliced red onion, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and salt in a glass jar or bowl. Stir well and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- For the rice: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in salt, then add the rice and stir frequently for about 1 minute until evenly coated. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in beet juice (if using), cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- For the ground chicken: Heat oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onions and minced garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add the ground chicken or turkey, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook, breaking up the meat, until cooked through. Stir in chopped cilantro and set aside.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide all ingredients evenly between 6 meal prep containers. Add half an avocado to each container.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!