Different versions of rice bowls exist in different cultures around the world. From Asia to the Middle East to Europe and the Americas, countries speak proudly and affectionately of their own creations. With rice being such a beloved staple in the diet of many regions, it is no wonder that rice bowls are held in such high regard. If you are craving a flavorful meal this weekend or at any time of the day or week, here are some suggestions with one common denominator: barbecue. These suggestions will ramp up your bowl game.
Spicy Pork Rice Bowl
This dish has spice and everything nice. It will quickly become a craving, thanks to the juicy pork tenderloin and ease of preparation. Pork tenderloin is… well, tender and really versatile that you can flavor it with whatever you want. This dish is simple, delicious, easy to make, and filling.
To assemble: Marinate the pork in your favorite Korean barbecue sauce. Do this overnight or at least, for 3 hours minimum to make sure that the meat absorbs all the flavors. Grill the pork until done, then let it rest before slicing. Stir-fry veggies and sprinkle with salt and pepper for flavor. To prepare, sprinkle rice with rice vinegar for more flavor, then place it in the bowl. Slice the pork and overlap the pieces next to the edge of the bowl on top of the rice. Arrange the veggies on top and finish with a fried egg. For an extra kick, add a few dashes of spicy sauce.
BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowl
This is one delicious burrito-in-a-bowl dish that is perfect when you are craving a healthy and tasty meal. It features barbecued chicken slices, beans, zucchini, corn kernels, onions, avocado, and cheese. Of course, this is a burrito dish, so add some crunch with your favorite tortilla chips served with the bowl or on the side. This is also the perfect rice bowl to prep if you only have a few minutes. Simply use canned beans and corn or slice a few pieces of meat from your favorite rotisserie chicken.
To assemble: Grill chicken breasts (marinated or sprinkled with salt and pepper), let rest, then slice. Dice the zucchini, cut the avocado into slices, chop the onions, then shred the cheese. Place the steamed rice in the bowl, then arrange the chicken slices, veggies, avocado, and shredded onions on top. Add a few splashes of barbecue sauce, add a few chips, and it’s good to go!
BBQ Chicken Bibimbap with Gochugang Sauce
Korean cuisine has been enjoying plenty of well-deserved attention in recent years and one of its most famous dishes is the beloved bibimbap. It means “mixed cooked rice”, so you can pretty much have anything you want in the dish. Bibimbap is a pretty flexible rice bowl to make because it offers a near-limitless combination. But in this version, you get to enjoy the Korean barbeque chicken (also called dak bulgogi).
To assemble: Marinate thinly-sliced chicken meat in soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, black pepper, sesame oil, and Sprite or 7-Up, then grill until cooked and surface is caramelized. Next, lay a serving of steamed rice on the bottom of the bowl. On top of that, arrange the chicken barbecue and the sliced vegetables. Use carrots, brussels sprouts, cucumber, red and green bell peppers, and spinach. Top it with fried egg and some gochujang sauce. To enjoy, simply mix everything up and start feasting!
Pork Belly Rice Bowl
This version of the rice bowl gets its flavor from glazed pork belly (preferably rashers, which are thinly-sliced pork belly), green apples, and Chinese wine. Boneless pork belly is a delicious, protein-rich ingredient to use with rice and when it’s flavored the way it is in this recipe, it is bound to be a favorite in no time.
To assemble: Start by grilling the pork slices until the surface is a golden color. This should be a good 4 or 5 minutes. Prepare a savory glaze made from light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, five spice powder, and Chinese wine. Cook chopped ginger, garlic, cabbage, and green apple slices, then use half the glaze to flavor the mix. Put the pork in a grill and lavish its top with the glaze. Grill until golden, then turn each slice, brush more glaze and continue roasting until done. Over steamed rice, lay down the cabbage and apple mix, then place slices of the pork belly on top. Add chili if desired.
Vegan Barbecue Rice Bowl
Not a fan of meat? Have no fear, this is one recipe that will speak to your senses and fill you up. This hearty and healthy dish is flavorful and made even better by the different textures and aroma it offers. It’s made with tempeh, a meat substitute that has a wonderful texture. Even if you’re a meat eater, you likely will not be craving meat any time soon once you’ve tried this.
To assemble: Prepare boiled and cubed sweet potato in a pan with broccoli florets. Drizzle vegetable oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper and oregano, and bake. Brush the tempeh with barbecue sauce, then bake or grill for 7 to 10 minutes until done. Make a vegetable oil-based vinaigrette using honey, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Lay the rice in the bowl, add the tempeh and sweet potato mix, and top with shredded cabbage, pumpkin seeds, and diced scallion.