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Home » Rice Cooking Tips

What is a rice bowl?

Jun 13, 2024 · Modified: Sep 16, 2025 by Emily · Leave a Comment

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Ever wondered what is a rice bowl?

This versatile dish, loved worldwide, brings together a base of fluffy rice with a variety of delicious toppings and flavors.

It's great for meal prepping, leftovers, or just using up whatever you may have on hand.

Discover why this simple yet satisfying meal has become a staple in kitchens around the globe.

Chipotle burrito bowl on a woven mat.
Jump to:
  • What does rice bowl contain?
  • How would you describe a rice bowl?
  • What's good to put in a rice bowl?
  • Why is it called a rice bowl?
  • Where do rice bowls originate from?
  • 20 Easy Rice Bowls Recipes
  • More Mains Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Comments

A rice bowl is a delicious dish that marries simplicity with versatility.

At its core, a rice bowl consists of a serving of rice, often white or brown, but sometimes incorporating other varieties like jasmine, basmati, or wild rice.

The magic of a rice bowl lies in its adaptability; it serves as a canvas for an array of toppings and flavors, making it a beloved dish in many cultures.

Rice bowls can be as straightforward or as elaborate as one desires.

Common toppings include vegetables, proteins such as chicken, beef, tofu, or seafood, and various sauces that infuse the dish with rich, diverse flavors.

Popular examples include the Japanese donburi, Korean bibimbap, and Hawaiian poke bowls, each showcasing many different ingredients.

What makes rice bowls particularly appealing is their ability to cater to different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

Whether one is vegetarian, vegan, or a meat lover, there is a rice bowl combination to satisfy any palate.

Additionally, they are often quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or a hearty, nourishing lunch.

In essence, a rice bowl is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of flavor and creativity.

Whether enjoyed at home, in a restaurant, or on the go, rice bowls offer a delicious and fulfilling dining experience that can be tailored to suit any taste or occasion.

Close up image of burrito bowl.
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

What does rice bowl contain?

A rice bowl, often referred to as "donburi" in Japanese cuisine, typically contains a base of steamed rice topped with a variety of ingredients.

These toppings can include proteins such as beef, chicken, pork, fish, or tofu, as well as vegetables, eggs, and sauces.

Common examples of rice bowls are gyudon (beef bowl), oyakodon (chicken and egg bowl), and kaisendon (seafood bowl).

The ingredients are usually cooked and seasoned, providing a balanced and flavorful meal. Rice bowls can be customized with different sauces and garnishes to suit individual tastes.

How would you describe a rice bowl?

A rice bowl is a versatile and hearty meal that combines a base of steamed rice with various toppings. These toppings can range from meats and seafood to vegetables and eggs, often cooked and seasoned to create a flavorful dish.

The rice bowl is typically served in a deep bowl, making it convenient to eat and mix the ingredients.

It is a popular dish in many cultures, especially in Japan where it is known as "donburi."

The combination of rice and toppings provides a balanced meal with carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables, making it both satisfying and nutritious.

Close up image of tuna rice bowl in a black bowl.
Korean Tuna Rice Bowl

What's good to put in a rice bowl?

Good ingredients to put in a rice bowl include a mix of proteins, vegetables, and sauces to create a balanced and flavorful meal.

Popular protein choices are grilled or sautéed meats like chicken, beef, or pork, as well as seafood such as shrimp or salmon.

Tofu or tempeh is great for a vegetarian option. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrots, and bell peppers add color and nutrients.

Common additions also include a poached or fried egg, avocado slices, and pickled vegetables. Sauces like teriyaki, soy sauce, or sriracha can enhance the flavor, while garnishes like sesame seeds, green onions, and seaweed add texture and visual appeal.

Why is it called a rice bowl?

It is called a rice bowl because the primary component of the dish is a bowl of steamed rice, which serves as the base for various toppings. The name straightforwardly describes the main feature of the meal: the rice.

This simplicity in naming is common in many culinary traditions, reflecting the fundamental ingredient around which the dish is built.

In Japanese cuisine, for example, "donburi" directly translates to "bowl," emphasizing the serving style and the centrality of the rice.

Where do rice bowls originate from?

Rice bowls, known as "donburi" in Japanese, originate from Japan. They have been a staple of Japanese cuisine for centuries, evolving over time to include a wide variety of toppings and styles.

The concept of serving a meal in a single bowl of rice with assorted toppings is rooted in the Japanese approach to combining simplicity with nutritional balance.

The practice likely began with humble, home-cooked meals and street food, eventually becoming a popular and versatile dish in Japanese culture.

Close up image of a teriyaki chicken rice bowl.
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

20 Easy Rice Bowls Recipes

1. Chicken Katsudon Recipe

Close up image of katsudon.

Experience the comforting flavors of chicken katsudon, a delicious Japanese dish featuring crispy fried chicken cutlets simmered in a savory sauce with onions and eggs, served over a bed of rice.

This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Chicken Katsudon Recipe

2. Korean Tuna Rice Bowl

Rice bowl with tuna on a bamboo mat.

Enjoy a delicious korean tuna rice bowl, combining spicy, marinated tuna with fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce over a bed of rice.

This easy-to-make dish offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory flavors, making it a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Korean Tuna Rice Bowl

3. Recipes For Rice Bowls With Chicken

Chicken rice bowl images.

Delight in these recipes for rice bowls with chicken, perfect for any meal.

Juicy, seasoned chicken atop fluffy rice, paired with fresh veggies and zesty sauces, creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Simple to make and endlessly versatile, these bowls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Enjoy a wholesome, tasty dish that's easy to prepare and full of goodness.

Recipes For Rice Bowls With Chicken

4. Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

Chipotle chicken burrito bowl on a wooden board.

Savor the bold flavors of a chipotle chicken burrito bowl, packed with spicy chicken, fresh veggies, rice, and beans.

Topped with zesty salsa and creamy avocado, this dish is a delicious and healthy alternative to the traditional burrito, offering all the flavors without the wrap.

Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

5. Burrito Bowl Recipes

Collection of burrito bowls.

Savor the flavors of these burrito bowl recipes.

Packed with seasoned meats, fresh veggies, beans, and rice, all topped with creamy avocado or tangy salsa, these bowls offer a satisfying meal that's easy to customize.

Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they bring all the deliciousness of a burrito without the mess. Try one today and enjoy a fiesta of flavors.

Burrito Bowl Recipes

6. Sweet Potato Rice Recipe

Sweet potato rice on a white plate.

Discover the delightful taste of sweet potato rice, a healthy and flavorful side dish that's easy to prepare.

This recipe combines sweet potatoes with other flavors creating a vibrant and nutritious alternative.

Perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to any meal.

Sweet Potato Rice Recipe

7. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

Teriyaki chicken rice bowl on a woven mat with a spoon on the side.

Indulge in a teriyaki chicken rice bowl, featuring tender chicken pieces glazed in a rich, sweet teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice.

This delicious and easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, offering a perfect balance of flavors.

Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

8. Asian Rice Bowl Recipes

Asian rice bowl recipes.

Explore a world of flavors with these Asian rice bowl recipes.

Bursting with vibrant vegetables, tender meats, and rich sauces, these bowls offer a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.

Easy to prepare and customizable to your preferences, they're an ideal choice for a quick, satisfying meal.

Dive into the deliciousness of Asian cuisine and make your next meal something special.

Asian Rice Bowl Recipes

9. Ground Turkey Rice Bowl Recipes

Collage of images for ground turkey rice bowls.

Try these ground turkey rice bowl recipes for a lean and tasty meal.

Ground turkey, cooked to perfection, is combined with nutritious vegetables and fluffy rice for a bowl that's both healthy and delicious.

Easy to prepare and packed with protein, these recipes are perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. Enjoy a delightful and satisfying dish that's good for you too.

Ground Turkey Rice Bowl Recipes

10. Rice Bowl Meal Prep Recipes

Collage of rice bowl recipes.

Make your week easier with these rice bowl meal prep recipes.

Perfectly portioned and bursting with flavor, these bowls are designed to keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the week.

Mix and match ingredients to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

With a variety of recipes to choose from, meal prep has never been so delicious and convenient.

Rice Bowl Meal Prep Recipes

11. Teriyaki Style Salmon Rice Bowls

Treat yourself to teriyaki style salmon rice bowls, where perfectly cooked salmon is coated in a luscious teriyaki glaze and served over a bed of rice.

Accompanied by fresh veggies, this dish is not only delicious but also a nutritious choice for a quick meal.

Teriyaki Style Salmon Rice Bowls

12. Korean Beef Rice Bowl

Enjoy a savory korean beef rice bowl, featuring tender beef slices marinated in a flavorful mix of soy, garlic, and sesame oil, served over rice with fresh vegetables.

This dish is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a satisfying meal any time.

Korean Beef Rice Bowl

13. Korean BBQ Yum Yum Rice Bowls

Savor the mouthwatering flavors of korean bbq yum yum rice bowls, filled with grilled meats, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of yum yum sauce.

This dish is a perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it an irresistible choice for a hearty and delicious meal.

Korean BBQ Yum Yum Rice Bowls

14. Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

Enjoy the sizzle and flavor of a chicken fajita burrito bowl.

Juicy, spiced chicken, sautéed peppers, and onions are served over a bed of rice and beans, topped with your favorite fajita fixings.

This bowl combines the best of fajitas and burritos in a healthy, delicious package.

Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that brings a taste of Tex-Mex to your table.

Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

15. Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Experience a burst of flavors with the bang bang chicken bowl! Juicy chicken is tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice with fresh veggies.

This dish is perfect for those who love a little kick in their meals.

Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this bowl will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it tonight for a delicious and exciting dinner option!

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

16. Sesame Crusted Salmon Bowls With Broccoli, Rice, and Creamy Miso-Ginger Sauce

Dive into a healthy and delicious meal with sesame crusted salmon bowls with broccoli, rice, and creamy miso-ginger sauce.

Perfectly cooked salmon is coated in crunchy sesame seeds, served alongside tender broccoli and fluffy rice, all drizzled with a rich miso-ginger sauce.

This bowl is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious and satisfying dinner.

Sesame Crusted Salmon Bowls With Broccoli, Rice, and Creamy Miso-Ginger Sauce

17. Tofu Buddha Bowl

Discover the joy of a tofu buddha bowl, a nutritious and colorful meal that's as delicious as it is beautiful.

Crispy tofu, fresh veggies, and wholesome grains come together in a harmonious bowl, topped with a savory dressing.

This plant-based delight is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal.

It's easy to customize and packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation.

Tofu Buddha Bowl

18. Crispy Potato and Green Chili Rice Bowls

Spice up your dinner with crispy potato and green chili rice bowls.

Golden, crispy potatoes meet the zesty flavor of green chilis, all served over a bed of rice. This bowl is a fantastic way to enjoy comfort food with a bit of a kick.

It's easy to make and perfect for those who love bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Treat yourself to this delicious and hearty meal that's sure to please everyone at the table!

Crispy Potato and Green Chili Rice Bowls

19. Honey Garlic Salmon Rice Bowl

Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of a honey garlic salmon rice bowl.

Tender salmon fillets are glazed with a delicious honey garlic sauce and served over a bed of rice with fresh vegetables.

This easy-to-make bowl is perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner.

The combination of flavors is irresistible and will leave you wanting more.

Honey Garlic Salmon Rice Bowl

20. Chili Crisp Chicken Mango Cucumber Rice Bowl

Enjoy a burst of vibrant flavors with a chili crisp chicken mango cucumber rice bowl.

Spicy, crispy chicken is paired with sweet mango and crunchy cucumber, all atop a bed of fluffy rice.

This bowl is a delightful mix of heat, sweetness, and freshness, making it a perfect summer meal. Easy to prepare and incredibly tasty, it's sure to become a new favorite.

Chili Crisp Chicken Mango Cucumber Rice Bowl
Close up image of burrito bowl.

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Recipe

Rice bowl recipes.

What is a rice bowl?

Emily
Here is a collection of delicious and easy to make rice bowl recipes.
They are perfect for weeknight dinners, lunches, and even meal prep.
PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
ESTIMATED COST : $7.50, or $1.87 a serve
Course Main Course
Cuisine Western
Servings 4 serves
Calories 489 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Chicken Katsudon Recipe
  • 2. Korean Tuna Rice Bowl
  • 3. Recipes For Rice Bowls With Chicken
  • 4. Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl
  • 5. Burrito Bowl Recipes
  • 6. Sweet Potato Rice Recipe
  • 7. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
  • 8. Asian Rice Bowl Recipes
  • 9. Ground Turkey Rice Bowl Recipes
  • 10. Rice Bowl Meal Prep Recipes
  • 11. Teriyaki Style Salmon Rice Bowls
  • 12. Korean Beef Rice Bowl
  • 13. Korean BBQ Yum Yum Rice Bowls
  • 14. Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl
  • 15. Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
  • 16. Sesame Crusted Salmon Bowls With Broccoli, Rice, and Creamy Miso-Ginger Sauce
  • 17. Tofu Buddha Bowl
  • 18. Crispy Potato and Green Chili Rice Bowls
  • 19. Honey Garlic Salmon Rice Bowl
  • 20. Chili Crisp Chicken Mango Cucumber Rice Bowl

Instructions
 

  • Choose your favorite recipe from the list above.
  • Gather all the ingredients.
  • Follow the recipe directions and make a delicious rice bowl recipe today!

Notes

Nutrition, serving size and cook times are based on the first recipe on the recipe card.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serveCalories: 489kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 42gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 279mgSodium: 1578mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17g
Nutrition Disclosure
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it went!

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Author image.

Hi, I'm Emily! There's much more to rice than just cooking it on the stove. It's so versatile and you can create so many beautiful dishes with it. From puddings and desserts to main meals and even finger foods. There is something for everyone!

More about me →

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