Plant-Based Meat Bowl Fusion

Featured in: Vibrant Salads & Bowls

This vibrant bowl features plant-based ground protein sautéed with garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili for depth, then finished with tangy soy sauce. The protein sits atop brown rice or quinoa and is surrounded by avocado, carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, and cherry tomatoes, all beautifully arranged for color and crunch. A spicy mayo-sriracha drizzle adds a creamy kick, while fresh cilantro and lime provide a refreshing finish. It’s a quick, nutrient-rich option that’s customizable and perfect for both weeknights and gatherings—simply adjust veggies or the spice level to taste.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 11:07:00 GMT
A colorful plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh veggies and zesty lime.  Pin it
A colorful plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh veggies and zesty lime. | freshymeals.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 prepared this bowl for a busy weeknight when I needed something quick healthy and delicious. The layers of tasty vegetables and spicy plant-based meat made it instantly a favorite at our table.

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 1 tsp lime juice

Instructions

Cook Protein:
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 Seasoning:
Add minced garlic and all spices (smoked paprika cumin chili powder coriander salt pepper). Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Coat & Finish Protein:
Stir in soy sauce and cook another 2 minutes ensuring the protein is well coated and heated through. Remove from heat.
Prepare Sauce:
In a small bowl whisk together vegan mayonnaise sriracha and lime juice.
Assemble Bowls:
Divide cooked rice or quinoa among 4 bowls. Top each with seasoned plant-based meat.
Add Veggies:
Arrange avocado carrot cucumber red cabbage and cherry tomatoes around the protein.
Finish & Garnish:
Drizzle with sauce. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Delicious plant-based meat bowl featuring avocado, cucumber, and vibrant toppings.  Pin it
Delicious plant-based meat bowl featuring avocado, cucumber, and vibrant toppings. | freshymeals.com

This bowl became a hit at Sunday family lunch when everyone made their own creation with favorite toppings. It's fun for sharing and customizing together.

Required Tools

Large skillet spatula cutting board sharp knife small mixing bowl whisk

Nutritional Information

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

Notes

Swap rice or quinoa for cauliflower rice for lower carb. Try different vegetables or toasted seeds for crunch. Adjust sriracha for mildness and serve with crisp iced tea.

Wholesome plant-based meat bowl, drizzled with spicy mayo and garnished with cilantro. Pin it
Wholesome plant-based meat bowl, drizzled with spicy mayo and garnished with cilantro. | freshymeals.com

Enjoy this colorful bowl as a nourishing lunch or dinner option. It's a tasty way to pack in both plant-based protein and plenty of veggies.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different plant-based protein?

Absolutely! Try lentils or chickpea mince as alternatives for a similar texture and protein boost.

What if I want to make it gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all condiment labels stay gluten-free for safety.

Which grains work best as the base?

Brown rice and quinoa both provide great texture, but cauliflower rice is a lower-carb option if preferred.

How do I adjust the spice in the sauce?

Reduce sriracha or swap for mild chili sauce if you prefer a gentler flavor in your bowl’s dressing.

Are there seasonal vegetable swaps?

Try bell peppers, radishes, or edamame for freshness and crunch, depending on what’s available locally.

What beverages pair well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or iced green tea complements the flavors nicely and enhances the dining experience.

Plant-Based Meat Bowl Fusion

Enjoy a protein-packed bowl with plant-based meat, fresh vegetables, and lively fusion flavors for a nutritious meal.

How long to prep
20 min
Time to cook
20 min
Overall time
40 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Vibrant Salads & Bowls

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Fusion

Makes 4 Serving size

Dietary details Vegan-friendly, No dairy

What you need

Plant-Based Protein

01 14 ounces plant-based ground meat (soy, pea, or fava bean based)
02 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning Blend

01 2 garlic cloves, 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 for gluten-free)

Bowl Base & Toppings

01 7 ounces cooked brown rice or quinoa
02 1 large avocado, sliced
03 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
05 3.5 ounces red cabbage, shredded
06 3.5 ounces 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 preference)
03 1 teaspoon lime juice

Steps to follow

Step 01

Sauté the 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 it apart with a spatula.

Step 02

Add Seasoning and Aromatics: Incorporate minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic.

Step 03

Deglaze and Finish Protein: Pour in soy sauce and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the protein is evenly coated and fully heated through. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 04

Prepare Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth.

Step 05

Assemble Base and Protein: Evenly divide brown rice or quinoa into four bowls. Top each serving with the seasoned plant-based meat.

Step 06

Arrange Vegetables: Distribute avocado slices, julienned carrot, cucumber slices, shredded red cabbage, and halved cherry tomatoes around the protein.

Step 07

Dress and Garnish: Drizzle each bowl with spicy mayonnaise sauce, then garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Step 08

Serve: Present the bowls immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tools you’ll need

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

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Contains soy from plant-based meat and soy sauce; may contain gluten unless tamari is used.
  • Mustard may be present in vegan mayonnaise; verify product labels for allergens.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 410
  • Fat content: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Protein amount: 23 g