11 Rice Bowl Ideas That Travel Well in Back-to-School Lunchboxes

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Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful and hearty dish that combines savory marinated chicken with steamed rice and vibrant vegetables. This dish is not only packed with flavor but is also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a lunchbox meal. The sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce complements the tender chicken, while the vegetables add a crisp bite.

Cooking Steps:

1. Marinate the chicken breast in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
3. In the same pan, add the broccoli, carrot, and bell pepper; stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Slice the cooked chicken and combine it with the vegetables.
5. Serve over cooked rice, drizzle with any leftover teriyaki sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!

Mediterranean Quinoa and Rice Bowl

The Mediterranean Quinoa and Rice Bowl is a vibrant and nutritious dish that marries the aromatic flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with the wholesome goodness of quinoa and rice. This bowl features a medley of colorful vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and a zesty dressing, making it a perfect option for a filling and healthy lunchbox meal.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cooked rice, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano.
4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
5. Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Spicy Thai Curry Rice Bowl

The Spicy Thai Curry Rice Bowl is a bold and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Thai cuisine into a simple, hearty meal. This bowl combines fragrant jasmine rice with a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce, vibrant vegetables, and your choice of protein, making it a perfect for a satisfying lunchbox option.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the red curry paste in a small amount of coconut milk until fragrant.
3. Add the remaining coconut milk, sliced bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli to the skillet, stirring well.
4. Incorporate cubed tofu or chicken, cooking until done.
5. Add soy sauce, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve the curry over jasmine rice and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy!

BBQ Pulled Pork Rice Bowl

The BBQ Pulled Pork Rice Bowl is a mouthwatering and satisfying dish that brings together tender, flavorful pulled pork with a perfect blend of spices, served on a bed of fluffy rice. The combination of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, coupled with your favorite toppings, makes this dish an ideal choice for a lunchbox that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook white or brown rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, heat the pulled pork with BBQ sauce until warmed through.
3. Gather your other ingredients such as corn, black beans, and sliced red onion.
4. Once the rice is cooked, assemble the bowl by starting with the rice base, then layering on the pulled pork, corn, black beans, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Pulled Pork Rice Bowl!

Veggie-Packed Burrito Bowl

The Veggie-Packed Burrito Bowl is a vibrant and nutritious option that’s perfect for lunchboxes! Loaded with colorful fresh vegetables, protein-rich beans, and a zesty dressing, this bowl provides a satisfying meal that delights the taste buds while keeping you energized throughout the day. It’s easily customizable to suit your preferences and can be prepared quickly, making it an excellent choice for busy schedules.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Add dressing to the veggie mixture and toss well to combine.
5. To assemble the bowl, start with a layer of rice, add the veggie mixture, then top with sliced avocado and chopped cilantro. Enjoy your Veggie-Packed Burrito Bowl!

Grilled Salmon and Avocado Rice Bowl

The Grilled Salmon and Avocado Rice Bowl is a wholesome and protein-packed option that’s perfect for a nutritious lunch. This delectable bowl combines tender grilled salmon, creamy avocado, and fluffy rice with fresh veggies, making it not only filling but also full of vibrant flavors. It’s an easy and quick dish to prepare, ideal for busy weekdays!

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside to cool.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the salmon with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then grill for about 4-6 minutes on each side until cooked through.
3. Once the salmon is grilled, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
4. To assemble the bowl, start by placing a layer of rice at the bottom, top with sliced avocado, grilled salmon, cucumber, and shredded carrots.
5. Drizzle soy sauce over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired. Enjoy your Grilled Salmon and Avocado Rice Bowl!

Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl

The Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the tangy and spicy notes of kimchi with hearty rice, making it a perfect option for lunchboxes. This recipe is highly customizable; you can add in proteins like eggs, chicken, or tofu, and pack it with a variety of vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Steps:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add in the carrots and peas, stirring until they begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the cooked rice and kimchi, mixing well and cooking for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Push the rice to one side of the pan and crack the egg (if using) into the empty space. Scramble until fully cooked, then incorporate into the rice mixture.
5. Add soy sauce, green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together and serve garnished with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl!

Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Bowl

The Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Bowl is a light and invigorating dish that marries succulent chicken with fragrant herbs and zesty lemon, creating a delightful meal perfect for lunchboxes. This bowl is not only delicious but also packed with protein and vitamins from the accompanying vegetables, making it a nutritious option for fueling your day.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a bowl, marinate the chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
3. In the same skillet, add zucchini and bell peppers, sauté until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. In serving bowls, layer cooked rice, top with sliced chicken, sautéed vegetables, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
5. Garnish with lemon slices and serve. Enjoy your Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Bowl!

Caprese Rice Bowl With Pesto

The Caprese Rice Bowl with Pesto is a vibrant and fresh dish that combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad—ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—with a hearty base of rice. Topped with zesty pesto, this bowl makes for a satisfying lunch option that is both delicious and visually appealing.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
2. Drizzle in olive oil and pesto; gently toss to combine all ingredients.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve in bowls, drizzled with balsamic glaze if desired. Enjoy your Caprese Rice Bowl with Pesto!

Black Bean and Corn Rice Bowl

The Black Bean and Corn Rice Bowl is a hearty and nutritious option that combines the flavors of black beans, sweet corn, and spices to create a satisfying meal. This vibrant bowl is not only packed with protein and fiber but also offers a delightful mix of textures and colors, making it a perfect choice for a lunchbox. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, black beans, sweet corn, red bell pepper, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, lime juice, and sprinkle cumin and chili powder over the mixture; toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix in chopped cilantro.
4. Serve in bowls and enjoy your Black Bean and Corn Rice Bowl, perfect for lunch!

Sweet and Sour Shrimp Rice Bowl

The Sweet and Sour Shrimp Rice Bowl is a delightful fusion of flavors, blending the sweetness of pineapple with the tanginess of a homemade sweet and sour sauce. This dish features succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and fluffy rice, making it a colorful and satisfying meal ideal for lunchboxes. The combination of flavors and textures creates a dish that is both nutritious and delicious.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch to create the sweet and sour sauce.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic; sauté for a minute.
3. Add shrimp, bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet; cook until shrimp are pink and vegetables are tender.
4. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, stirring until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve the sweet and sour shrimp mixture over a bed of cooked rice, topped with pineapple chunks and green onions. Enjoy your vibrant Sweet and Sour Shrimp Rice Bowl!