rice bowls recipe
The Best rice bowls recipe

Simple Savory Rice Bowls with Garlic Tomato Sauce
A quick and flavorful way to transform plain rice into a hearty, customizable bowl with a rich garlic-tomato sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded chicken or tofu
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Cook rice according to package instructions until fluffy. Let it cool before using. -
2
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. -
3
Pour in tomato sauce, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. -
4
Divide rice into bowls. Spoon the garlic tomato sauce evenly over each portion. -
5
Add toppings like shredded chicken, fresh parsley, bell peppers, and sesame seeds. Mix gently.
🔧Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Serving bowls
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Simple Savory Rice Bowls with Garlic Tomato Sauce Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Rice Bowls with Garlic Tomato Sauce
1. What is the best way to prepare the rice for a flavorful rice bowl?
Use freshly cooked white rice or brown rice that has been cooked to a slightly softer consistency, about 1 minute longer than usual. This ensures it holds together better when shaped into a bowl without falling apart. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the rice mushy and harder to assemble.
2. Can I substitute any of the toppings or sauces in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize your bowl! Swap the protein for tofu, chicken, shrimp, or tempeh. For vegetables, try roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed mushrooms, or pickled radishes. Sauce variations include teriyaki, peanut, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
3. How long does it take to assemble the rice bowls?
With pre-cooked rice, assembly takes about 10–15 minutes. If you’re making the rice from scratch, add 5–10 minutes to the total cooking time. Keep toppings and sauces ready in small bowls to speed up the process.
4. What if I don’t have a bamboo steamer for the veggies?
No steamer? No problem! Use a nonstick skillet over medium heat to sauté the veggies until tender-crisp (about 5–7 minutes). Alternatively, roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until charred and crispy.
