The Ultimate Comfort: High-Protein Bowls with Grains

What Makes a Great High-Protein Bowl? 

The best high-protein bowls are packed with a colorful number of zesty, savory, delicious toppings. They also lean into textures, with silky, creamy ingredients balanced by those that are crunchy, chewy, and tender.

Unlike dishes that shine due to their simple ingredient combinations, the best protein bowl recipes are brimming with myriad add-ins chosen for the way they work together. The best part? There’s no right or wrong way to build your perfect bowl. Whether you’re creating one from scratch or trying to clear out the fridge, experimenting with pairings is the best way to find your ideal dish.

One thing to always keep in mind is the quality of your ingredients. For best results, begin with a flavorful base of premium RiceSelect® rice or quinoa.

Base: Hearty Grains Like Rice and Quinoa 

Choosing the right base is essential when building high protein rice bowls. Rice adds heft and flavor and can be combined with countless other ingredients. It’s also a good source of protein itself, with most varieties containing around 3 grams per 1/4 cup.

Opt for RiceSelect® Tri-Color Quinoa or White Quinoa, and, for every 1/4 cup, you’ll be adding 6 grams of protein to your dish.

Protein: Meat, Tofu, Beans, or Eggs 

Building a protein bowl means you’ll never waste leftovers again! It’s the perfect place to repurpose cold chicken, steak, seafood, or pork. For bowls that come together in minutes, you can also reach for tinned fish or beans. When combined, rice and beans, an important consideration for vegetarians and those aiming to eat a balanced diet.

Of course, you can also cook just for the purpose of your protein bowl. Start by lightly sautéing a piece of salmon or chicken to drape over your dish. You can also roast marinated tofu in the oven or fry up a couple of eggs.

Veggies: Roasted, Sautéed, or Seasonal Favorites 

Leftover vegetables can also be given new life in a delicious high protein bowl. And really, anything goes! Toss in last night’s steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach, roasted cauliflower or boiled beets. You can, of course, also lean heavily on raw vegetables.

Try grated carrots, leafy greens, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, or sprouts. Pickled veggies also add delectable punch. Go seasonal, or don’t, just remember to include lots of different textures and flavors so that every bite is as exciting as the last!

Good-for-You Fats: Avocado 

From creamy avocado to olive oil and nuts, there are lots of ingredients you can add to boost the amount of unsaturated fats in your protein bowl. You can also add fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines, seeds, and soybeans.

Sauce: Creamy, Spicy, or Herb-Forward Toppings 

No matter how you layer your bowl, a zesty sauce will bring every ingredient to life! Based on your ingredients, choose a sauce that best matches the theme.

For example, brighten up a Mediterranean mix with a citrusy vinaigrette. Or make an Asian bowl fiery with a spicy mayo or peanut sauce. For other bowls, try salsa, chimichurri, ranch dressing or yogurt tahini, and settle in for a new experience every night!

Texture: Crunch from Nuts, Seeds, or Crispy Toppings 

Crispy, crunchy toppings are the grand finale no protein bowl should be without! Some favorites include roasted sesame and pumpkin seeds, cashews, peanuts and pecans, fried shallots, and crispy quinoa.

Beyond texture and flavor, some of these toppings (such as the seeds, nuts and quinoa) will also contribute to your bowl’s overall protein content.