Around the World in 8 Dinner Bowls!

We’re all global citizens, that’s pretty clear, but has your menu plan kept pace?  Every culture has their special take on a satisfying meal in a bowl, so today I’m diversifying dinner, bowl by delicious bowl. 

Call it the ‘burrito bowl effect,’ there’s something about a satisfying base (rice, noodles, greens, etc.) and the ability to pile on the protein and toppings of your choice that makes for the best meals. These recipes are perfect for weeknights, and amazing for meal prep, so grab your favorite bowl and let’s go!

Thai Chicken Satay Bowl

Jasmine rice is the base for this Thai bowl, but you can up the nutrition by using fiber rich brown rice. (Dinner bowls are great for using leftover rice, just reheat it in the microwave before topping with your other ingredients.)  A simple quick pickle (basically a vinaigrette) turns plain cucumbers into the perfect foil for rich peanutty chicken.

Steak Fajita Bowl

Mexican fajitas are totally bowl-worthy, and so fast, too.  Just scoop up your sizzling meat and veggies and lay them over a bowl of warm waiting rice.  You could also serve this over pinto beans, or even salad.     

Falafel Salad Bowl

Dinner doesn’t get any better than this Middle Eastern inspired falafel salad bowl, it’s satisfying and so healthy.  I pile on tabbouleh, feta, veggies, and fat falafel patties, along with some great tahini sauce.

Rainbow Poke Bowl

Doesn’t this make you feel healthier just looking at it? With plenty of fresh crunchy veggies, my version of traditional Hawaiian poke uses canned tuna, instead of raw fish, so it’s pantry and wallet-friendly.

Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli Rice

Sticky sweet teriyaki chicken is paired with broccoli rice ~ a mash-up of carbs and greens ~ as your dinner-bowl base.  A little bit Japanese, a little bit genius.

Tikka Masala

Marinate the chicken the night before, and grab some supermarket naan on the way home from work.  This classic Indian chicken recipe is authentic, easy, and somehow just tastes better in a bowl.

Spicy Tangerine Chicken with Black Rice

This dish is one of the handful of dishes I’ve actually made repeatedly ~ which is saying a lot for a food blogger! It’s just plain delicious.  Isn’t that black rice spectacular?  It’s super healthy, too.

Spaghetti Peperonata with Tuna and Olives

No dinner bowl round up would be complete without a little pasta, and this Italian peperonata is one of my faves, probably because it features colorful peppers ~ I love them!