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Rice Bowl With Spicy Peanut Sauce - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the rice bowl: 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown)
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli or green beans
  • 12–16 oz protein of choice: tofu, chicken, shrimp, or tempeh
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for cooking protein)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (cilantro, mint, or scallions)
  • Toasted peanuts or sesame seeds, for crunch
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • For the spicy peanut sauce: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but great)
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
  • 1/3–1/2 cup warm water (to thin)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame oil for extra depth

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice. Make your preferred rice according to package directions. Fluff and keep warm. For meal prep, cook extra and store portions for easy bowls later.
  2. Prep the veggies. Slice, shred, and steam as needed. Aim for a mix of raw crunch (cabbage, cucumber, carrot) and lightly cooked veg (broccoli, green beans) for balance.
  3. Cook the protein. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken or shrimp until cooked through, or pan-fry tofu/tempeh until golden on all sides. Set aside.
  4. Make the peanut sauce. In a bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, sweetener, vinegar or lime, sriracha, ginger, and garlic. Add warm water gradually until smooth and pourable. Adjust heat and salt to taste. Stir in sesame oil if using.
  5. Assemble the bowls. Add a base of rice. Top with veggies and protein. Spoon over a generous amount of sauce so everything gets coated.
  6. Finish with toppings. Add herbs, toasted peanuts or sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime. Serve extra sauce on the side.