Plant-Based Meat Bowl Fusion

Featured in: Main Dishes

This plant-based meat bowl brings together hearty vegan protein with fresh vegetables and bold spices for a vibrant main dish. The base of savory ground meat alternative is seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder, then combined with brown rice or quinoa. Crisp garnishes like avocado, carrot, cucumber, and cabbage add color and crunch, while a creamy sriracha mayo sauce enhances every bite. Simple to prepare and ideal for a weeknight dinner, this fusion bowl is customizable and full of nutrients, perfect for anyone seeking a wholesome, satisfying meal with global flavors.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:26:00 GMT
A colorful plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh veggies and zesty lime.  Save
A colorful plant-based meat bowl topped with fresh veggies and zesty lime. | cheerfulchefs.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 crafted this bowl for a family dinner and loved how easily everyone could mix and match their favorite toppings. The fusion of flavors made it an instant hit!

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

Prepare 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 Seasonings:
Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Coat Protein:
Stir in soy sauce and cook another 2 minutes. Ensure protein is well coated and heated through. Remove from heat.
Make Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice.
Assemble Bowl:
Divide cooked rice or quinoa among bowls. Top with seasoned plant-based meat.
Add Toppings:
Arrange avocado, carrot, cucumber, red cabbage, and cherry tomatoes around protein.
Drizzle & Garnish:
Drizzle with sauce. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Serve:
Serve immediately.
Savory plant-based meat bowl garnished with cilantro, avocado, and spicy mayo sauce.  Save
Savory plant-based meat bowl garnished with cilantro, avocado, and spicy mayo sauce. | cheerfulchefs.com

Our kids love assembling their own bowls, choosing colorful veggies and adding extra lime for zing. It's become a fun weeknight tradition in our home.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains soy (from plant-based meat and soy sauce) and mustard (vegan mayo). May contain gluten if using regular soy sauce. Always check labels.

Nutritional Information

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

Delicious plant-based meat bowl featuring vibrant vegetables and a creamy dressing. Save
Delicious plant-based meat bowl featuring vibrant vegetables and a creamy dressing. | cheerfulchefs.com

These bowls are fresh, filling, and truly a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making it your own with whatever veggies are available!

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this bowl gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check all other ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

What other vegetables can I use?

Bell peppers, radishes, edamame, or leafy greens are great substitutes for the listed vegetables.

Can I use a different plant-based protein?

Yes, lentil or bean-based crumbles and crumbled tofu work well as alternatives to soy or pea granules.

How do I reduce the spice level?

For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the sriracha, or add extra vegan mayo to dilute the heat.

What beverages pair well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or refreshing iced green tea make excellent companions to these bold flavors.

Can I prepare the components ahead?

Absolutely. Cook the protein, rice/quinoa, and chop the veggies ahead; assemble just before serving.

Plant-Based Meat Bowl Fusion

Protein-rich plant-based meat bowl paired with fresh veggies and spicy mayo for a wholesome, satisfying bite.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Main Dishes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background Fusion

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegan-Friendly, Dairy-Free Option

What You’ll Need

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 freshly ground 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

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Cook Plant-Based 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.

Step 02

Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the mixture releases its aroma.

Step 03

Season with Soy Sauce: Add soy sauce or tamari. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the protein is evenly coated and thoroughly heated. Remove from heat.

Step 04

Prepare Spicy Mayo Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice to create the sauce.

Step 05

Assemble Bowl Base: Divide cooked brown rice or quinoa evenly among four serving bowls.

Step 06

Top with Protein: Spoon seasoned plant-based meat onto the bowl base.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Dress and Garnish: Drizzle spicy mayo sauce over each bowl. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains soy (plant-based meat and soy sauce or tamari) and mustard (in vegan mayonnaise).
  • May contain gluten if using regular soy sauce; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • Product labels should be checked for additional potential allergens.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 410
  • Fats: 19 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 39 grams
  • Proteins: 23 grams