Are you intrigued?
This was the reaction of an Eat REAL America member when she tried this month’s hidden gem…
…the Banh Mi Burger Bowl!
Every once in a while, we come up with a recipe that is an unexpected surprise. This was one of those recipes.
We already loved our Banh Mi Burger, so we decided to experiment with those same flavors in a bowl. We weren’t exactly sure what to expect – but after the first bite, we knew we had something special.
The combination of savory beef, tangy quick-pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, brown rice, greens and a creamy Sriracha “mayogurt” was absolutely packed with flavor!
Bev summed it up perfectly when she said, “Flavor to the Max!”
Watch the video to see just how easy it is to bring all of these flavors together:
The Secret is the Combination
There’s no single ingredient responsible for the incredible flavor in this bowl. It’s what happens when everything comes together.
- The fresh dark leafy greens provide a fresh foundation packed with nutrients.
- The quick-pickled cucumber, carrots, radishes and jalapeno add a bright, tangy crunch.
- The fresh basil and cilantro bring another vibrant layer of freshness.
- The brown rice and seasoned ground beef provide texture and make the bowl hearty and satisfying.
- And then there’s the Sriracha “mayogurt.” Made with plain yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice and garlic, it’s creamy, tangy, garlicky and spicy. It’s our own lighter, creamy take on the sauces that often accompany a bánh mì – and it pulls everything together beautifully!
It’s the combination of savory, tangy, spicy, fresh and crunchy that makes every bite so incredibly good.
Don’t Skip the Quick Pickled Veggies
If there’s one element we wouldn’t leave out, it’s the quick-pickled veggies. They take only a few minutes of hands-on preparation, and they make a huge difference. The vinegar transforms ordinary vegetables into something bright, crunchy and tangy – and the acidity perfectly complements the beef and the creamy sauce.
And you can make them ahead of time. Once they’re in the refrigerator, they’re ready whenever you want to make these bowls. They’re also delicious on sandwiches, tacos, salads, burgers, pizzas or all kinds of other meals. You just may find yourself wanting to have them on hand all of the time!
A batch of pickled veggies can turn an ordinary meal into something special. So, if you’ve never tried making them, this recipe is a great place to start.
Delicious and Nutritious!
We love recipes that prove healthy food can be packed with flavor.
The lean ground beef provides protein along with important nutrients like iron and zinc. You could also use seasoned tempeh as a plant-based alternative to the meat. The brown rice provides whole-grain carbohydrates and fiber. And your favorite greens are loaded with vitamins, minerals and a variety of beneficial plant compounds.
Then you have even more veggies – cucumber, carrots, radishes and jalapeno – plus fresh basil and cilantro.
That’s a lot of variety in one bowl! The result is a meal that’s colorful, filling, loaded with nutrients and – most importantly – delicious!
Perfect for Weeknights and Meal Prep
The other thing we love about this recipe is that it looks and tastes much more complicated than it actually is.
The pickled vegetables and Sriracha mayogurt can be made ahead of time. And you can cook the rice whenever it’s convenient and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready for dinner, all you have to do is cook the beef and assemble the bowls. And since everyone can build their own bowl, it’s easy to customize.
It’s also excellent for meal prepping for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Just keep the ingredients refrigerated separately and assemble your bowl when you’re ready to eat.
You could even enjoy it for breakfast in the morning with an egg on top – an ideal way to get your day started!
Discover More Hidden Gems
Some of the best recipes are the ones that surprise you! Our Hidden Gems Revealed series is all about helping you discover more of what’s already here, offering a little inspiration and guidance, and giving you the confidence to try recipes you might have otherwise missed.
We will continue to spotlight even more hidden gems from the Eat REAL America kitchen! And if you’re interested in more ideas on transforming burgers into meals, check out our coaching tip Burger In A Bowl!
Looks great!
And I love that it’s a ‘quick and easy’ recipe too!