Looking for a hearty and healthy meal that’s easy to customize? Enter BBQ protein bowls! These delicious bowls combine smoky barbecue flavors with nutrient-rich veggies, grains, and protein. This recipe is great for meal prep or a quick dinner, and you can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes. Let’s get started!
How to Make BBQ Protein Bowls
1. Prepare the Protein
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add your protein (chicken, tofu, or plant-based option) and toss to coat.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the protein for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Bowls
- Start with a base of quinoa or brown rice in each bowl.
- Layer on black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and shredded red cabbage.
- Top with your cooked protein.
3. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, BBQ sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Drizzle the dressing over the bowls.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve immediately or store in meal prep containers for later.
BBQ Protein Bowls
4
servings15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
- For the protein:
2 chicken breasts, tofu blocks, or plant-based protein, cubed
¼ cup BBQ sauce of your choice
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste- For the bowls:
2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced
½ cup shredded red cabbage
Fresh cilantro for garnish- For the dressing:
¼ cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt for dairy-free)
2 tbsp BBQ sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
¼ tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Directions
- Marinate your protein in BBQ sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Cook the protein in a skillet or grill pan until fully cooked.
- Assemble your bowls by layering quinoa or rice with black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and cabbage.
- Whisk together the yogurt-based BBQ dressing and drizzle it over the bowls.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas as the protein, and opt for plant-based yogurt in the dressing.
How long do these bowls last in the fridge?
The assembled bowls can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing separate for best results.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes! Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.
