“Ice-cold beer and chicken katsu don – doesn’t get much better! I like to serve my katsu with some chilli oil for a kick of heat," says Hayden Quinn.
24 rice bowl recipes that are the ultimate weeknight win
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy way to use those leftovers, rice bowls are the perfect meal for the whole family. Fast, simple and cost-effective, it doesn’t take long to whip up a nutritious, savoury dish with your favourite toppings. From colourful burrito bowls to crispy chicken katsudon’s and fresh poke bowls, there is the perfect rice bowl for everyone.
Cuban mojo chicken
"This family recipe is an adaptation of a classic Cuban dish known as ‘vaca frita’ or ‘fried beef’ The chicken adaptation was, I believe, a younger generation’s attempt at making the dish a bit healthier. But I must say, it is just as delicious, if not more so. Very simple in its ingredients and preparation, it’s an excellent midweek meal idea." - Danielle Alvarez.
Chicken and egg rice bowl (oyakodon)
This quick and easy rice bowl is the perfect midweek dinner option. Ready in a flash, this warm and hearty meal features juicy chicken thigh marinaded in a sweet and tangy mix of Japanese ingredients including sake, dashi and mirin and pan-fried with egg for an added depth of flavour. Serve with sticky sushi rice to soak up all of the sauce and a sprinkle of shallots and togarashi for a fresh crunch.
Katsudon (pork cutlet and egg rice bowl) recipe
This succulent pork katsudon makes the most of your leftover loaf of bread in the most delicious way. In this classic Japanese recipe, juicy pork cutlets are covered in a flavoursome breadcrumb mix and fried until golden and crunchy. Place on a bed of fluffy, white rice and add a chilli wombok salad for a little kick, and you've got yourself the ultimate weeknight dinner.
Jamie Oliver's brown rice and smoked salmon sushi bowls
A light and easy sushi bowl to help kickstart your week of healthy eating.
Fresh ideas
Corn
This summer, pick Australian grown corn with grassy green husks for a fresh addition to your BBQ.
Chicken burrito bowl
"With a burrito bowl, you can add as many elements as you want (or have available). We’ve chosen black beans and chicken, but you could go with red kidney beans and beef. So many options!" – Lucy Nunes
Bibimbap
"Don’t be put off by the number of ingredients. Focus on the sauce - which is done in no time and is the key to this dish - then use up whatever vegies and mince you love or have on hand. This dish is served at room temperature, so there’s no need to stress when preparing each element." – Lucy Nunes
Green and gold rice bowls
Show a little Aussie pride with these green and gold rice bowls from Matt Preston.
Fish, bean and rice bowl with green goddess spicy dressing
Healthy food that's good for you and tastes even better.
Chilli chicken soul bowl
The chilli chicken soul bowl that's good for your health and good for the soul.
Salmon, nashi pear and brown rice poke bowl
“A fast, fresh meal ideal for warmer days” - Matt Moran.
Plum and smoked trout Scandi bowl
This superfood superbowl is light, fresh and packed with nutritious ingredients, not to mention just yummy!
Hot-smoked salmon bowl with edamame sushi rice and slaw
“This Japanese-inspired meal is so easy” – Hayden Quinn
Sticky honey lemon chicken
This quick dinner is perfect for any weeknight. Any leftovers make an easy lunchbox too. We chose chicken thigh fillets as the meat is much more tender and tasty. Add some sliced chilli if you like some heat.
Tom Walton's super healthy tofu and mushroom poké bowl
Eating your vegies never looked or tasted quite this good before. Recipe by chef Tom Walton, from Nudefish poké.