The Basics Behind Burrito Bowls So You Can Make Them At Home!
Burrito bowls are fantastic! They combine vegetables with healthy carbs, combined with how easy they are to make and how incredibly customizable they are, and voila! You have the perfect meal!
Burrito bowls are a disassembled version of a burrito. They typically start with a base of rice and are then topped with vegetables and whatever spices you enjoy. They can be made any way and with anything. Finally, as their name suggests, burrito bowls are served in a bowl rather than a tortilla. They’re fun and a great way to get your kids (or husband) to eat vegetables without you nagging them! Ready to dive into the basics of burrito bowls so you can start adding them to your weekly menu?
Why Burritos?
Well, because they’re awesome. But no, because Burrito has actually been around for quite some time. As long ago as in the 1930’s, actually. It’s become a staple in Mexican-American cuisine, and due to its versatility, most people love it! The burrito bowl rose to fame in the early 2000s when restaurants started to offer them. It became a popular way of enjoying all the delicious flavours of burritos in an entirely new way.
What Exactly is a Burrito Bowl?
A burrito bowl is a great way to really indulge in the satisfying textures in a burrito in a new way. It’s basically a burrito but in a bowl. It traditionally starts with a rice base, and then protein, vegetables, toppings, and extras are added on top of one another and voila.
Don’t worry though, we’re sharing more about the best kinds of rice, proteins, vegetables, and more so you can make the absolutely tastiest burrito bowl from the comfort of your home.
What to Put in a Burrito Bowl
RICE BASE
- Cilantro-Lime Rice: fluffy rice mixed with a squirt of lime juice and fresh cilantro to give it a delightful zesty taste.
- Brown rice: gentle nutty flavour with a fluffy texture
- Spanish rice: rice cooked with tomatoes and onions and seasoned well
- Jasmine rice: sticky rice that pairs great with vegetables.
- Cauliflower rice: a low-carb, delicious option to swap for traditional rice
- Quinoa, while technically a seed, is a terrific base for a burrito bowl.
PROTEIN
- Pork
- Beef
- Grilled Chicken
- Tempeh
- Tofu
- Beans
- Fish
- Eggs
- Lentils
- Shrimp
VEGETABLES (any veggies work; these are just some inspiration)
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Corn
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Corn
- Radishes
- Broccoli
- Green beans
- Asparagus
TOPPINGS
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Olives
- Hot sauce
- Corn Salsa
Extras: Take your burrito bowl to the next level with these
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Jalapenos
- Chopped nuts
- Feta cheese
How to Put It Together—Burrito Bowl Assembly
Putting together a burrito bowl is simple. You choose from each of the above categories. Start with your base, layer on your protein(s), add vegetables, sprinkle on toppings and extras, and serve!
Burrito Bowl Hot Tips
To make the best burrito bowls, follow our hot tips. They will guarantee a delicious meal time and time again.
- Use fresh produce and high-quality protein for the best flavour and texture.
- Be aware of the flavours and be sure to balance them. Spicy with creamy, tangy with cool, etc. Explore different flavour combinations to find what you like.
- Layer the ingredients.
- Season everything well. This helps to give everything and every bite great flavour.
- Consider using more than one protein.
- Serve your burrito bowls with a fresh squeeze of lime juice.
Simple Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Cook your preferred rice.
- Prepare one cup of your preferred protein.
- Prepare ¼ cup to ½ cup of your favourite vegetables.
- Add your toppings, drizzle your sauce if applicable, and mix.
- Dive in and eat!
Answering Your Questions About Burrito Bowls at Home
Can burrito bowls be made ahead of time?
Yes, they can be! All you need to do is cook your rice base and store it accordingly. Chop up the vegetables and store them in the fridge. Heat up the rice base and layer all the pieces atop each other and enjoy!
What are some other protein options for burrito bowls?
A few other protein options that you probably haven’t tried are bison, duck, lamb, chickpeas, and pulled jackfruit.
How can I make my own cilantro lime rice?
Believe it or not, it’s simple! Cilantro lime rice can be made by cooking your rice and then adding fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice! Cilantro lime rice makes an amazing base for your burrito bowl.
How can I make a vegetarian/vegan burrito bowl at home?
Easy peasy! All you need to do is swap the protein for beans, tofu, or tempeh. To make the dish more hearty, make sure to add more fresh vegetables and swap the base for cauliflower rice.
How can I make my protein more flavourful?
You can add a lot of flavour to protein by grilling it, frying it, and seasoning it well. For a bolder flavour, try using a barbecue sauce, a splash of hot sauce, or any other liquid that is packed with flavour.
Final Thoughts
Burrito bowls are a fantastic addition to your weekly menu. They’re simple to make at home and can be made in a diverse array of flavors. You can explore many different flavours and textures easily by adding different ingredients. Burrito bowls are a great way to try new things and new flavour combinations. What you thought you might like might be different than what you end up loving! Burrito bowls are terrific for when guests come over to take to for a potluck and at home. By combining a rice base with proteins, vegetables, and extras like lime wedges and shredded cheese, you can make a nutritious and satisfying meal. Burrito bowls are filling, healthy, and can be made exactly to your liking. There’s really nothing to not love about burrito bowls, especially when making them at home is a breeze! Try making a burrito bowl the next time you’re cooking supper and let us know how you like them!!
