Veggie, Sausage, and Sticky Rice Bowls: A Vibrant, Flavorful Meal Under 500 Calories
Discover how colorful veggies, savory sausage, and perfectly sticky rice come together for a satisfying, under-500-calorie bowl.
Veggie, Sausage, and Sticky Rice Bowl Recipe
This sticky rice bowl is a beautiful, hearty dish that brings together vibrant vegetables, savory sausage, protein-rich eggs, and aromatic cilantro—all atop perfectly cooked short-grain white rice. Inspired by Asian flavors and designed for healthy eating, each serving delivers a burst of color, taste, and nutrition without tipping the calorie scale. Whether you need a simple weeknight dinner or a nourishing meal prep option, this bowl covers all bases.
Why Choose a Sticky Rice Bowl?
- Balanced Nutrition: Offers protein, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats in each serving.
- Quick and Easy: Most components can be prepped ahead or made in less than an hour.
- Customizable: Adapt ingredients for dietary preferences or seasonal produce.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for busy weekdays.
Ingredients Overview
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Short-grain white rice | 1 1/2 cups | Main base, provides structure and texture |
| Hoisin sauce | 1 Tbsp. | Flavorful, sweet-savory element in the sauce |
| Sriracha | 1 tsp. | Spicy kick in the sauce |
| Toasted sesame oil | 1 tsp. | Rich, nutty aroma |
| Radishes | 1 bunch, thinly sliced | Crisp texture, fresh flavor |
| Red cabbage | 1/4 small (~1/2 lb.), shredded | Color, crunch, added vitamins |
| Cilantro | 1 cup whole leaves, plus 1/4 cup chopped | Herbaceous freshness |
| Lime juice | 2 Tbsp. | Tanginess, balance |
| Sweet Italian sausage | 12 oz. | Main protein source |
| Fresh ginger | 1-inch piece, grated | Zesty warmth |
| Scallion | 1, finely chopped | Sweet oniony bite |
| Olive oil | 1 tsp. | Binds sausage mix, adds richness |
| Large eggs | 4, fried | Protein, creaminess |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the rice. Prepare rice according to package instructions. Fluffy, slightly sticky rice is preferred for best texture and bowl assembly.
Tip: Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. - Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, sriracha, and toasted sesame oil. Add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a drizzling consistency.
- Hoisin provides sweetness and depth,
- Sriracha adds heat,
- Sesame oil lends nutty richness.
- Prep the veggies.
- Toss sliced radishes, shredded red cabbage, and whole cilantro leaves in a bowl.
- Drizzle with fresh lime juice and mix well. This slaw adds crunch and brightness to the bowl.
- Prepare the sausage patties.
- In a bowl, combine sausage meat, grated ginger, chopped scallion, and the finely chopped cilantro.
- Drizzle in olive oil and mix thoroughly.
- Form mixture into 8 small patties for bite-sized portions.
- Cook the sausage patties.
- In a nonstick pan over medium heat, cook patties until browned and cooked through, flipping once (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Fry the eggs.
- Prepare eggs according to preference (sunny-side up recommended for flavor and presentation).
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Assemble bowls.
- Divide rice among 4 bowls (~3/4 cup each).
- Top each with two sausage patties, a heap of vegetable slaw, and one fried egg.
- Drizzle sauce over each bowl. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: About 490-500
- Protein: Approx. 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 55g
- Fat: Approx. 19-23g
- Fiber: Approx. 8g
Customizations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Replace sausage with crumbled tofu or tempeh. Stir-fry with ginger and scallion for flavor.
- Lower Carb: Use cauliflower rice in place of white rice.
- Pescatarian: Substitute sausage with shrimp, salmon, or another fish.
- Egg-Free: Omit eggs or use a plant-based egg substitute.
- Extra Veggies: Add snap peas, edamame, avocado, chopped cashews, green onions, or cucumber.
Ingredient Tips
- Rice: Short-grain white rice yields optimal stickiness and bowl assembly. Brown rice or quinoa are solid alternatives.
- Vegetables: Switch up the veggies based on availability—add shredded carrots, spinach, or baby kale.
- Sauce: Adjust sriracha for more or less heat. Try adding a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang.
- Herbs: Parsley or Thai basil are good replacements for cilantro if preferred.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in airtight containers. Keeps up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Store rice and sausage separately for best results. Thaw and reheat gently to preserve texture.
- Reheat: Microwave bowls with a splash of water or re-steam rice and sausage in a covered pan. Fry eggs fresh if possible for best consistency.
What others are reading
Meal Prep Tips
- Batch Cook: Prepare rice and sausages in advance; assemble bowls as needed during the week.
- Pack Separately: Keep slaw and sauce apart until ready to serve for maximum crunch and freshness.
- Eggs: Cook eggs fresh for each meal or use hard-boiled eggs if prepping in advance.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with extra sriracha, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime for more punch.
- Pair with a chilled cucumber salad or edamame for a complete meal.
- Serve with iced green tea or citrus water.
Health Benefits
- Protein: Sausage and eggs provide lasting satiety.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Radishes, cabbage, and cilantro deliver vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Complex Carbs: Rice fuels your body for the day.
- Healthy Fats: Sesame and olive oils support heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice is a great substitute and adds extra fiber, though the bowl’s texture will be a little less sticky.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version?
Replace the sausage with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based sausage and omit the eggs or use vegan egg alternatives.
How spicy is this recipe?
The sauce contains sriracha but you can easily adjust the amount for your preferred spice level.
Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare rice, sausage, and slaw separately then assemble bowls with freshly cooked eggs for best taste.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Use airtight containers. Keep the veggie slaw and sauce separate for freshest flavor. Reheat rice and sausage gently before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sticky Rice Bowls
- Let rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking for ideal stickiness.
- Slice vegetables thinly for best texture and layering.
- Taste sauce before serving and adjust with water or lime juice as needed.
- Crack eggs over hot sausage patties for flavorful, runny yolks.
Flavor Variations
- Japanese Style: Use miso in the sauce, swap sausage for grilled chicken, and add pickled ginger.
- Korean-Inspired: Add gochujang to the sauce and swap sausage for bulgogi beef.
- Vietnamese Twist: Include shredded carrots, mint, and fish sauce in the dressing.
Final Thoughts
These sticky rice bowls are a stellar combination of taste, nutrition, and convenience. With a balance of vibrant greens, deeply seasoned sausage, and perfectly cooked eggs, each bowl is a complete meal that fits comfortably into any wellness routine. Adapt the ingredients by season or dietary need; this is truly a recipe that welcomes creativity while delivering satisfying results every time.
References
- https://www.erinliveswhole.com/sticky-chicken-rice-bowls/
- https://abraskitchen.com/ponzu-roasted-salmon-rice-bowls/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a35340208/sticky-rice-bowl-recipe/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/g23065278/high-protein-foods/
- https://preventionrd.com/teriyaki-salmon-bowls/
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