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Veggie, Sausage, and Sticky Rice Bowl: A Wholesome and Flavorful Meal Under 500 Calories

Discover a balanced sticky rice bowl bursting with veggies, protein, and dynamic flavors—all under 500 calories per serving.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 24, 2025

Discover a balanced sticky rice bowl bursting with veggies, protein, and dynamic flavors—all under 500 calories per serving.

Veggie, Sausage, and Sticky Rice Bowl: A Nutritious, Flavorful Meal

If you’re looking for an easy, wholesome, and vibrant meal, this sticky rice bowl is the answer. Combining protein-rich eggs, savory sausage, a medley of crunchy vegetables, and aromatic herbs over sticky rice, this dish delivers balanced nutrition and global flavors—all for fewer than 500 calories per serving.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Rice Bowl

Balanced nutrition: A blend of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables to keep you energized
Big on flavor, light on calories: Each serving is under 500 calories
Quick and approachable: Prep and cook in under an hour
Fully customizable: Swap veggies or make vegetarian-friendly with easy adjustments

Ingredients Overview

This recipe uses everyday market finds and pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

Short-grain white rice – essential for that classic sticky texture
Sweet Italian sausage – for a savory, satisfying protein kick (can sub plant-based or chicken sausage)
Fresh vegetables:
- Radishes – thinly sliced for crunch
- Red cabbage – finely shredded for color and texture
- Cilantro – both leaves and chopped, bringing bright herbal notes
- Scallions – for umami and mild onion flavor
Eggs – fried to your liking for extra protein
Hoisin and sriracha sauce – delivering sweetness and subtle heat
Toasted sesame oil – adds nutty aroma
Fresh ginger – grated, for depth and zing
Olive oil – for sautéing the sausage patties
Fresh lime juice – to brighten the veg salad

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Short-grain white rice	1½ cups	Uncooked; can substitute with brown rice or quinoa
Hoisin sauce	1 Tbsp.	For sweet-savory depth
Sriracha	1 tsp.	For gentle heat
Toasted sesame oil	1 tsp.	Adds nutty flavor
Radishes	1 bunch	Very thinly sliced for texture
Red cabbage	1/4 (about ½ lb.)	Finely shredded
Cilantro	1 cup whole leaves & 1/4 cup chopped	Mixed into salad and sausage patties
Lime juice	2 Tbsp.	Fresh-squeezed
Sweet Italian sausage	12 oz.	Casings removed; or use poultry or vegan sausage
Ginger	1-inch piece	Fresh, finely grated
Scallion	1	Finely chopped
Olive oil	1 tsp.	For pan-frying
Eggs	4 large	Fried to your liking

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare Sticky Rice
Cook the short-grain white rice according to package instructions. Sticky rice typically requires a lower water-to-grain ratio and benefits from a short resting period after cooking for optimal texture.
Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, sriracha, and toasted sesame oil. Add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a drizzling consistency.
Create the Veggie Salad
Toss thinly sliced radishes, shredded red cabbage, and whole cilantro leaves with fresh lime juice in a medium bowl. Set aside for topping.
Form the Sausage Patties
In another bowl, combine sausage (casings removed), grated fresh ginger, chopped scallion, and chopped cilantro. Form the mixture into eight small, flat patties, about ¼ inch thick each.
Cook the Sausage Patties
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Cook the patties in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Fry the Eggs
Using the method you prefer (sunny-side up, over-easy, or well-done), fry the eggs until the whites are set and yolks reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the Bowls
Divide sticky rice among four bowls. Top each bowl with two sausage patties, a generous scoop of the radish-cabbage salad, and one fried egg. Finish with a drizzle of the sweet-spicy sauce.

Pro Tips and Nutrition Highlights

Meal Prep: The individual elements (rice, patties, salad, sauce) can be prepped in advance and quickly assembled throughout the week.
Customization: Swap sausage for diced grilled chicken, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian boost; use sautéed mushrooms for savory depth.
Add-Ins: Try quick-pickled carrots, blanched snap peas, or roasted sweet potato cubes for additional nutrition and flavor.
Sticky rice secrets: For best stickiness, rinse rice well and let it steam covered after cooking.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 487 kcal
Protein: 19 g
Carbohydrates: 53 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 4.5 g

Sticky Rice Bowl Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of sticky rice bowls lies in their flexibility. Here are some imaginative swaps and additions to personalize your meal:

Vegetarian/Vegan option: Replace sausage with crispy tofu, lentil patties, or your favorite plant-based sausage. A soft-boiled egg or a tofu scramble completes the protein.
Spice it up: Amp up the sriracha, or top with pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
Lower-carb: Try using riced cauliflower in place of sticky rice for a lighter bowl.
Fresh herbs: Swap cilantro for Thai basil, mint, or parsley as desired.
Different grains: Substitute brown rice, black rice, or farro for new textures and added nutrients.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, crisp veggies, and runny yolks if desired.
Store leftovers by separating components into airtight containers in the refrigerator. The rice and sausage will keep up to 3–4 days; assemble bowls just before eating for best texture.
Reheating: Rice and sausage patties can be microwaved or quickly reheated on the stovetop. Prepare a fresh egg each time for peak flavor.

Expert Tricks for Perfect Sticky Rice

Wash the rice: Rinse until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Rest after cooking: Allow the rice to steam off-heat, covered, for 5–10 minutes to maximize stickiness.
Rice cooker advantage: Use a rice cooker for the most consistent results.
Flavor the rice: Add a splash of rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, or a dash of salt while the rice is still warm to boost flavor.

Make It a Complete Meal

You can serve this sticky rice bowl as a standalone dish, or pair it with:

Miso soup or clear broth for a comforting starter
Quick cucumber pickles or kimchi for gut-friendly crunch
Roasted sesame seeds or furikake (Japanese seasoning) for garnishing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this sticky rice bowl ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Cook the rice, form and cook the sausage patties, prep the salad, and make your sauce up to three days in advance. Store each component separately and assemble just before eating for maximal freshness and texture.

Q: What type of rice works best for sticky rice bowls?

A: Short-grain white rice is ideal—often labeled as sushi rice or glutinous rice. It yields a sticky, chewy texture that holds together when scooped by chopsticks or a spoon.

Q: Can I substitute sausage for a vegetarian or vegan protein?

A: Yes! Grilled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based sausage alternatives make satisfying swaps. Season them well for flavor depth.

Q: Is it possible to lower the calorie count even further?

A: Swap the sticky rice for steamed cauliflower rice and choose a leaner sausage or plant-based protein to lighten the bowl to around 350 calories per serving.

Q: What additional vegetables work well in this bowl?

A: Shredded carrots, snap peas, baby spinach, finely sliced bell peppers, or edamame all add color, crunch, and nutrition.

Summary and Inspiration

Sticky rice bowls blend nutritious staples with global flavors, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impressive meal prep. Mix and match proteins, keep the veggies colorful and varied, and let the tangy, spicy sauce tie it all together. This recipe gives you the structure—creativity is up to you!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb