If you’re looking for that perfect blend of comfort, color, and crave-worthy flavor, Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo should be on your meal plan this week! This vibrant dish isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it combines sushi-inspired flavors with a creamy, tangy kick, effortless assembly, and endless customizability. Whether you want a fuss-free weeknight dinner or a fun meal prep option, these bowls deliver satisfaction and a hint of heat in every spoonful. Who says quick meals can’t also be fresh, nourishing, and downright delightful?
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines thanks to its simple, reliable ingredients—each one bringing its own role to the Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo. From creamy avocado to snappy edamame, and of course, the spicy-silky sauce, everything works together for an easy, flavor-packed meal you’ll want to make again and again.
- Jasmine Rice (2 cups, cooked): Classic, fragrant, and fluffy; the base that holds all the flavors together.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang and brightness that keeps the rice from feeling heavy.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch balances the vinegar, enhancing the overall depth of the rice.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the flavors in the seasoned rice.
- Chicken Breast or Tofu (1 cup, cooked and diced; optional): Your protein pick, making each bowl hearty; perfect for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
- Cucumber (1 small, thinly sliced): Offers crisp, cool crunch and a pop of green color.
- Carrot (1 medium, julienned): Brightens the bowl with sweetness and vivid orange hues.
- Avocado (1, sliced): Creamy richness balances out the spicy mayo and adds decadence.
- Edamame (1/2 cup, shelled and cooked): Nutty, protein-rich, and brings satisfying texture to each bite.
- Green Onions (2, sliced): Mild oniony bite and fresh flavor throughout the bowl.
- Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon): For a tiny crunch and a gentle, nutty finish to every forkful.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): The creamy base for your spicy sauce; use vegan mayo if needed.
- Sriracha (1–2 tablespoons, adjust to taste): Delivers that signature kick; the more, the spicier!
- Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): A drop of nutty aroma that elevates the spicy mayo.
- Soy Sauce or Tamari (for drizzling): Add a multi-layered, savory finish with just a splash right before eating.
How to Make Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
Step 1: Season the Rice
Start by taking your freshly cooked jasmine rice and, while it’s still warm, gently mix it with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This step is the secret to transforming plain rice into a subtly tangy, slightly sweet base that echoes the flavors of your favorite sushi rolls. Set it aside so the rice can soak in all that flavor while you work on the toppings.
Step 2: Mix Up the Spicy Mayo
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha (use more or less based on your spice level), and sesame oil. Stir until smooth and taste—you want it bold and zippy but not overpowering. Spicy mayo is what makes these Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo absolutely craveable, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
While your rice is cooling slightly, get your toppings ready. Dice the cooked chicken breast or tofu for protein, slice up the cucumber and avocado, julienne the carrot for crunch, and make sure the edamame is cooked and shelled. A quick chop of green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds set you up for an epic assembly line.
Step 4: Build Your Bowl
Layer a generous scoop of seasoned rice into each bowl. Artfully arrange your protein, cucumber, carrot, avocado, edamame, and green onion on top, creating a rainbow salad effect. This is your chance to get a little creative—no two Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo need to look exactly the same.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Generously drizzle your homemade spicy mayo across the bowl, then sprinkle with sesame seeds for that classic finishing touch. Place extra soy sauce or tamari on the side for anyone who wants a little more savory depth. Grab your chopsticks (or just a fork!) and enjoy every satisfying, flavor-packed bite.
How to Serve Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
Garnishes
The finishing touches really make Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo feel special. Add a scattering of extra sesame seeds or a few more thinly sliced green onions for extra fresh flavor. A sprinkle of toasted nori, a few radish coins, or a touch of pickled ginger can also bump up color and zing.
Side Dishes
These bowls are pretty much a meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with simple sides. Try a quick miso soup, a crisp Asian slaw, or even roasted seaweed snacks for a thematic touch. If you want something light and refreshing, edamame pods dusted with sea salt are always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo as an interactive bar for family or friends—lay out all the toppings and let everyone build their own masterpiece. Mini bowls work great for parties, while packing everything in mason jars makes for a gorgeous, portable lunch. Don’t be afraid to play with color and pattern for a showstopping presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra, store the rice, toppings, and spicy mayo separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything crisp and fresh, and the components will last for up to 3 days. Just assemble bowls to order for lunch or a speedy dinner.
Freezing
While the fresh veggies and mayo sauce don’t freeze well, you can freeze extra seasoned rice and cooked chicken or tofu. Let them cool fully, pack them flat in freezer bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge when needed. Assemble with fresh toppings and spicy mayo just before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rice and protein in the microwave or on the stovetop until steamy, and let the veggies come to room temperature. Always add the spicy mayo and any delicate toppings (like avocado) just before eating so everything tastes fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of jasmine rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice work if you want to switch things up or boost the nutrition in your Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo. Just adjust cooking times as necessary for the grain you use.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes! Swap in vegan mayonnaise for the spicy sauce and use tofu as your protein—Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are fantastic for plant-based eaters and still totally delicious.
I don’t love a lot of heat—can I make the spicy mayo mild?
Definitely. Simply start with a small amount of sriracha and mix, tasting as you go. You can always add extra, but you can’t take it away!
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
Feel free to riff with your favorites—radish, pickled ginger, red cabbage, snap peas, or bell pepper are all tasty additions that play well with the base flavors of Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo.
Can I meal-prep these bowls for the week?
Yes, these bowls are meal-prep champions! Store the rice, toppings, and spicy mayo separately and assemble when you’re ready to eat for the best combination of fresh texture and vibrant flavor.
Final Thoughts
Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are one of those bright, happy dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. They’re easy to personalize, packed with color, and deliver that magical mix of creamy, spicy, cool, and savory in each bite. Go forth and build your bowl—once you try it, you might just want to put spicy mayo on everything!
Print
Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Customize with your favorite veggies and protein for a delicious Asian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Jasmine Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
Seasoned Rice:
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Protein:
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast or tofu (optional)
Veggies and Extras:
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Spicy Mayo:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Additional:
- Soy sauce or tamari
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoned Rice: Mix cooked rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Create Spicy Mayo: Combine mayonnaise, sriracha, and sesame oil for the sauce.
- Assemble Bowls: Layer rice, protein, cucumber, carrots, avocado, edamame, and green onions. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Enjoy with soy sauce on the side.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite veggies.
- For a vegan option, use vegan mayo and tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
