Despite the nice name, grain bowls are really just a means to throw together a quick lunch with whatever’s in your fridge. Here’s some basics for putting some together and making yourself delicious lunches without spending $10 a day.
If you’re looking for further inspiration, check out Bon Appetit’s 28 Ways to Dress a Grain Bowl You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet
Some Initial Ideas
Kimchi, Cucumber, Sweet Potato, Green Beans, Jammy Egg w/ Spicy Cashew Dressing 
Portobello, Jammy Egg, Spinach, Cucumber w/ Olive Oil & Vinegar 
Pickled Daikon, Cucumber, Steamed Beets, Jammy Egg, Goat Cheese, Spinach w/ Tahini Ranch Dressing
Start with a Grain
Recommend making a grain over the weekend (part of Basic Meal Prep). We have a rice cooker for our brown rice that makes life pretty easy – but definitely not necessary. Hot tip: use stock or bean broth for extra delicious grains. And don’t sleep on the salt.
Options: Brown Rice, Quinoa, Farro
Add a Green
Also part of Basic Meal Prep.
Options: Spinach, Kale, Dandelion Greens
Dressing
I would say this is the last must-have ingredient. If you have a grain, a leafy grain and some dressing – you got yourself a lunch. You might need an afternoon snack or a PB&J on the side – but you’ll be OK.
Options: Lemon Juice & Olive Oil, Tahini Ranch, Dining In‘s Romesco, Spicy Cashew Dressing
Jammy Eggs!
Also a part of Basic Meal Prep.
Veggie
Veggies add depth and crunchiness to your grain bowls and are incredibly versatile. Lots of other things on this list are pretty foundational – but the veg is where you can really let loose and let your freak flag fly.
Options: Sweet Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli (lightly! Only until bright green), Roasted Cauliflower, Asparagus, Sauteed Portobello Mushrooms
Pickles / Fermented Things
I like a bit of a tang in grain bowls.
Options: Quick Kimchi (or for store-bought, I like Sinto Gourmet), Pickled Red Onions
Pickled Daikons & Carrots in Turmeric Brine
Cheese
Not a necessary, but who doesn’t love cheese? Zak jokes that his family motto is “the more cheddar the better”
Options: Cheddar (cut into lil chunks), Feta, Halloumi (pan-grilled)
Protein
Most grain bowls that I make are vegetarian, but if we have any leftover meat – that works great as well. I would just cut it up the night before so that you’re not sawing away at your desk or dealing with bones.
Options: Grilled / Roasted Chicken (I would debone & remove skin)
Jane & Zak: Meal Prepping from Williamsburg, Brooklyn 
5 thoughts on “Grain Bowls”