Plant-Based Meat Bowl Fusion

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

This colorful bowl brings together plant-based ground meat cooked with garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin, layered over brown rice or quinoa. Bright vegetables such as avocado, carrot, cucumber, and red cabbage add freshness and crunch, while cherry tomatoes and cilantro offer vibrant garnish. The dish is finished with a spicy vegan mayonnaise and lime sauce for zest. Perfect for a fusion-inspired lunch or dinner, it's customizable with alternative grains and vegetables, suitable for vegan and dairy-free diets, and can be made gluten-free. The bowl is quick to prepare, packed with 23g protein per serving, and makes a nourishing, flavor-packed main course.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:48:00 GMT
A colorful plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh veggies and vibrant flavors.  Pin
A colorful plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh veggies and vibrant flavors. | garlicgroove.com

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

I first made this bowl when searching for an energizing dinner after a busy day. The vibrant colors and flavors always make it feel special, even though it's ready so fast.

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 the 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 a spatula.
Add Seasonings:
Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Finish Protein:
Stir in soy sauce, cook another 2 minutes to coat and heat through. Remove from heat.
Prepare Sauce:
Whisk vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl.
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 the protein.
Garnish and Serve:
Drizzle with spicy mayo sauce, garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Delectable plant-based meat bowl drizzled with spicy mayo and fresh lime.  Pin
Delectable plant-based meat bowl drizzled with spicy mayo and fresh lime. | garlicgroove.com

When my family tried this recipe, everyone loved mixing and matching toppings. It has become a weeknight favorite we make together, adding new veggies each time.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

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

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 410, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 39 g, Protein 23 g

Hearty plant-based meat bowl featuring quinoa, avocado, and a zesty dressing. Pin
Hearty plant-based meat bowl featuring quinoa, avocado, and a zesty dressing. | garlicgroove.com

Enjoy these bright, satisfying bowls any night of the week. They're delicious with iced tea or a fresh salad on the side.

Recipe Questions

What plant-based protein works best in this bowl?

Any soy, pea, or fava bean-based ground meat substitute will work well. Choose your favorite for optimal taste and texture.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and check product labels for gluten-free options.

What grain base alternatives can I use?

Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice all work. Choose based on dietary needs or preference.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Reduce or omit sriracha in the sauce for a milder dish, or adjust chili powder to taste.

What are good vegetable substitutions?

Swap in bell peppers, radishes, or edamame for variety, or use what's in season for freshness.

Is this suitable for vegan and dairy-free diets?

Yes, the bowl's ingredients are all plant-based and dairy-free. Always verify packaged items to confirm.

Are there allergens to watch out for?

The dish contains soy and may include mustard from vegan mayonnaise. Check all ingredient labels for safety.

Plant-Based Meat Bowl Fusion

Wholesome plant-based bowl blends protein, fresh veggies, and lively fusion flavors for a satisfying meal.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
40 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegan, No dairy

Components

Plant-Based Protein

01 14 oz 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 oz cooked brown rice or quinoa
02 1 large avocado, sliced
03 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
05 3.5 oz red cabbage, shredded
06 3.5 oz 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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Season and Cook Protein: Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Sauté together for 2 to 3 minutes until aromatic.

Step 03

Finish and Coat Protein: Stir in soy sauce or tamari and continue cooking for 2 minutes, ensuring the protein absorbs the seasoning. Remove from heat.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Assemble the Bowl Base: Divide cooked brown rice or quinoa among 4 serving bowls. Spoon the seasoned plant-based protein onto each base.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Finish and Garnish: Drizzle with spicy mayo sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Step 08

Serve: Present the bowls immediately while fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains soy from plant-based meat and soy sauce.
  • May contain gluten; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • Contains mustard via vegan mayonnaise.
  • Check all product labels for potential allergens before preparing.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Protein: 23 g