Tools

• Pot with lid or rice cooker
• Skillet or sheet pan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl
• Meal prep containers
• Spoon or spatula

Materials

• Rice
• Water
• Salt
• Cooking oil
• Protein of choice such as chicken, tofu, beans, or eggs
• Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, peppers, cucumbers, or spinach
• Sauce or seasoning such as soy sauce, salsa, tahini, or vinaigrette
• Optional toppings such as green onions, sesame seeds, cheese, or nuts

Safety

• Wash hands and clean prep surfaces before starting.
• Keep raw meat separate from cooked food and fresh vegetables.
• Cook rice fully according to package directions.
• Cook animal proteins to a safe internal temperature.
• Cool cooked rice and other hot ingredients promptly and refrigerate within 2 hours.
• Store portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Reheat leftovers until steaming hot throughout before eating.

Steps

1. Step 1: Plan your bowl components

   • Choose one rice, one protein, one or two vegetables, and one sauce.
   • Decide how many portions you want to make so you can measure ingredients accurately.

   Check: You have enough containers and ingredients for the number of meals you want.

2. Step 2: Cook the rice

   • Rinse the rice if desired.
   • Cook the rice in a pot or rice cooker according to the package directions.
   • Fluff the rice when done and leave it uncovered briefly so excess steam can escape.

   Check: The rice is fully cooked, tender, and not wet or crunchy.

3. Step 3: Prepare the protein

   • Cut the protein into even pieces if needed.
   • Season it simply with salt, pepper, and any spices or marinade you like.
   • Cook the protein in a skillet, oven, or other appropriate method until done.

   Check: The protein is cooked through and seasoned evenly.

4. Step 4: Prepare the vegetables

   • Wash and cut vegetables into bite-size pieces.
   • Roast, sauté, steam, or leave them raw depending on the vegetable and your preference.
   • Season lightly so they complement the rest of the bowl.

   Check: The vegetables are tender-crisp or ready to eat, not soggy unless that is intended.

5. Step 5: Mix sauce and toppings

   • Stir together your chosen sauce if making one from scratch.
   • Prepare toppings such as chopped herbs, green onions, seeds, or cheese.
   • Keep wet sauces separate if you want the bowls to stay fresher longer.

   Check: The sauce is ready and toppings are portioned or easy to add later.

6. Step 6: Portion the bowls

   • Divide rice evenly among meal prep containers.
   • Add protein and vegetables to each container.
   • Add sauce in a small separate container or drizzle it on if the bowl will be eaten soon.

   Check: Each container has balanced portions and closes securely.

7. Step 7: Cool and store safely

   • Let hot ingredients cool slightly so containers do not trap excessive steam.
   • Refrigerate the bowls within 2 hours of cooking.
   • Label containers with the date if helpful.

   Check: The bowls are refrigerated promptly and stored in airtight containers.

8. Step 8: Reheat and serve

   • Reheat refrigerated bowls in a microwave or on the stovetop until hot throughout.
   • Add fresh toppings or sauce after reheating if desired.

   Check: The food is steaming hot and ready to eat.