There’s something endlessly satisfying about building your own Vegan Burrito Bowls—layer by vibrant layer, you get a meal that bursts with colorful veggies, creamy avocado, hearty beans, and zesty rice. Whether you’re craving a nutritious weeknight dinner or prepping a make-ahead lunch, this dish ticks all the boxes: it’s fun, filling, and fantastically customizable. Best of all, mastering these bowls means you’ll always have a healthy, crave-worthy option on hand that’s as easy to throw together as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients make these Vegan Burrito Bowls shine. Each component plays a flavorful role, coming together for a bowl that’s delightfully balanced in taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Brown Rice: A slightly nutty, chewy base that soaks up all the vibrant flavors on top.
- Black Beans: These provide plant-based protein and a hearty, satisfying bite.
- Corn Kernels: Sweetness and a pop of color; use fresh or frozen for best results.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy freshness that punctuates every bite with a burst of acidity.
- Red Onion: Adds a crunchy, gently spicy kick that balances richer flavors.
- Avocado: Creamy and indulgent, avocado ties everything together beautifully.
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, giving a nice contrast to the warm ingredients.
- Lime: A squeeze of lime brightens the whole bowl with tangy zest.
- Cilantro: Fresh, aromatic, and optional for those on the fence about this herb.
- Spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder): These amp up the flavor of the beans and corn, infusing a smoky warmth.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle richness to veggies.
- Salsa: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade—this acts as the quick, punchy sauce for the bowl.
How to Make Vegan Burrito Bowls
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by preparing the brown rice according to package instructions. For a flavor boost, simmer it with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime juice at the end. The rice is the foundation of Vegan Burrito Bowls, so you want it fluffy and perfectly seasoned—it’ll tie the whole experience together.
Step 2: Season and Warm the Beans
Drain and rinse your black beans, then warm them in a small pot over medium heat. Stir in cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a splash of water. This transforms simple beans into an aromatic filling that’s anything but boring. Heat until the beans are steamy and fragrant.
Step 3: Sauté the Corn
Toss the corn kernels into a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Give them a few minutes to char lightly—this brings out their sweetness and gives your Vegan Burrito Bowls a subtle roasted flavor that’s irresistible.
Step 4: Prep Your Fresh Veggies
While your warm components finish up, chop the cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters, dice the red onion finely, and slice the avocado. Tear or chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready means assembly is quick and seamless.
Step 5: Layer and Build the Bowls
Divide the cooked rice between bowls, then pile on beans, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and avocado. Spoon over your favorite salsa, sprinkle with cilantro, and finish with a generous squeeze of lime. The joy of Vegan Burrito Bowls is in the layers, so have fun arranging and customizing each serving!
How to Serve Vegan Burrito Bowls
Garnishes
Elevate your Vegan Burrito Bowls with thoughtful garnishes: a swirl of dairy-free sour cream, extra chopped cilantro, or a quick homemade guacamole. For crunch, toss on roasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips. Don’t forget a lime wedge for that final fresh zip—it makes all the difference.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal by pairing your bowls with warm tortillas, crispy plantain chips, or a zippy cabbage slaw. For a comfy dinner spread, set out some roasted sweet potatoes or a tangy mango salad—both complement the bowls without overshadowing them.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Vegan Burrito Bowls bar-style: arrange all toppings in small bowls and let everyone build their own. Or, layer everything into individual glass jars for meal-prep lunches that are as beautiful as they are tasty. For parties, serve mini bowls with all the fixings on a colorful platter for a playful, interactive vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover components in airtight containers in the fridge—just be sure to store wet ingredients (like salsa and avocado) separately from the dry. Most of the fixings will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making Vegan Burrito Bowls perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
Beans, corn, and rice freeze wonderfully. Portion these into containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Leave out the fresh toppings (lettuce, avocado, tomatoes) as their texture won’t hold up. When you’re ready to enjoy, just defrost and finish assembling with fresh garnishes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your rice, beans, and corn in a microwave or on the stovetop until steaming hot. Add the fresh veggies and salsa after heating, and your Vegan Burrito Bowls will taste just as vibrant as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use quinoa instead of rice in Vegan Burrito Bowls?
Absolutely! Quinoa is a fantastic protein-rich alternative that absorbs all the flavors beautifully. Prepare it just as you would rice and swap it in for a delicious twist.
How do I make these bowls oil-free?
Skip the olive oil and simply sauté your veggies in a splash of vegetable broth or water. Everything will stay deliciously tender and flavorful, and you’ll keep your Vegan Burrito Bowls totally oil-free.
Are these Vegan Burrito Bowls gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free ingredients—especially for tortillas or chips on the side, if you include them—these bowls are naturally gluten-free!
What other proteins can I add to the bowls?
Try smoky tofu, grilled tempeh, or even lentil taco filling for a heartier protein punch. All work beautifully with the classic flavors in Vegan Burrito Bowls while keeping the dish plant-based.
Can I prepare everything ahead for meal prep?
Definitely. Assemble the base layers (rice, beans, corn) in advance, then pack fresh toppings separately. Assemble right before eating to ensure your Vegan Burrito Bowls taste bright and fresh every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s a real joy in the process of building and enjoying Vegan Burrito Bowls—each bite sparks with flavor, texture, and color. Give these bowls a try, experiment with your own favorite toppings, and make them a staple in your kitchen. You might just find they become your new go-to meal for any occasion!
Print
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Burrito Bowls are a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Packed with flavorful ingredients like seasoned black beans, cilantro lime rice, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado, these bowls are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
For the seasoned black beans:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the cilantro lime rice:
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
For the toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Corn kernels
- Salsa
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoned black beans: In a saucepan, combine the black beans, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until heated through.
- Cook the cilantro lime rice: In a separate saucepan, combine the rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked. Stir in the cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the seasoned black beans and cilantro lime rice among serving bowls. Top with avocado, tomatoes, red onion, corn, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
- You can customize these burrito bowls with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, jalapenos, or vegan cheese.
- To save time, you can use canned or pre-cooked rice instead of cooking it from scratch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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