15 Toppings for Asian Rice Bowls You Must Try

Did you know that rice bowls are one of the most popular dishes in Asian cuisine? With their versatile nature and endless topping possibilities, it’s no wonder they’re a favorite among food lovers.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 15 mouthwatering toppings that will take your Asian rice bowls to the next level. From teriyaki glazed salmon to spicy miso glazed eggplant, these flavorful options are a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their rice bowl game.

So, let’s dive in and discover some exciting new flavors together!

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

You’ll love the flavorful combination of teriyaki glazed salmon on top of your Asian rice bowl. The tender and succulent salmon fillet is marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, giving it a rich and irresistible taste.

As the teriyaki glaze caramelizes on the salmon, it creates a beautiful golden brown crust that adds a delightful crunch to every bite. The umami flavors of the teriyaki sauce perfectly complement the fluffy and fragrant Asian rice, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

The salmon’s natural oils and juices seep into the rice, infusing it with even more deliciousness. With each mouthful, you’ll experience the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Spicy Korean Beef

Don’t miss out on the mouthwatering Spicy Korean Beef for an extra kick in your rice bowl!

This delectable dish is packed with bold flavors and a fiery heat that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. The tender beef is marinated in a spicy sauce made with gochujang, a Korean chili paste, along with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness.

The result is a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that complement the rice and other toppings in your bowl.

The Spicy Korean Beef adds a burst of excitement to every bite, making it a must-try topping for any Asian rice bowl enthusiast.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

The sweet and sour chicken is a tangy and flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple in a sticky sauce. I absolutely love this dish because it satisfies my cravings for both sweet and savory flavors.

The crispy chicken is coated in a delicious batter that gives it a satisfying crunch. The bell peppers add a pop of color and freshness, while the pineapple adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the tangy sauce.

The sauce itself is the star of the dish – it’s sticky, slightly tangy, and packed with flavor. Every bite is a burst of deliciousness in my mouth. I often find myself going back for seconds because I just can’t get enough of this mouthwatering sweet and sour chicken.

Sesame Ginger Tofu

I’m really excited to try the sesame ginger tofu because I’ve heard it’s packed with flavor and has a great texture. Tofu has always been a favorite of mine, and the combination of sesame and ginger sounds like a match made in heaven.

I can already imagine the crispy exterior and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior. The flavors of sesame and ginger are bold and aromatic, and I can’t wait to experience them in every bite.

I’m also looking forward to the versatility of this dish. I can use the sesame ginger tofu as a protein-packed topping for my Asian rice bowl or even enjoy it on its own as a flavorful appetizer. It’s going to be a taste sensation that I won’t soon forget.

Garlic Shrimp

Garlic shrimp is a delicious and savory dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or added to pasta for a flavorful meal. I absolutely love the combination of garlic and shrimp, it’s a match made in culinary heaven.

The aroma that fills the kitchen when I cook garlic shrimp is simply irresistible. I start by sautéing minced garlic in a hot pan with some butter, then I add the shrimp and let it cook until it turns pink and opaque.

The garlic infuses the shrimp with its bold flavor, creating a mouthwatering dish that is hard to resist. Whether I serve it with a side of steamed rice or toss it with al dente pasta, garlic shrimp always satisfies my cravings for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Crispy Tempura Vegetables

After enjoying the delectable garlic shrimp, I couldn’t wait to share another mouthwatering topping for Asian rice bowls: crispy tempura vegetables.

The combination of the light, crispy batter and the tender, perfectly cooked veggies is simply irresistible. I love the variety of vegetables that can be used, from crunchy bell peppers to delicate zucchini slices.

The secret to achieving that perfect crunch is making sure the batter is ice-cold and using hot oil for frying. When you bite into these golden morsels, you’ll be greeted with a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of flavor from the fresh vegetables.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to add more veggies to your rice bowl, crispy tempura vegetables are a must-try topping that will take your meal to the next level.

Tangy Orange Glazed Pork

To achieve a tangy glaze on your pork, start by combining orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and ginger in a small saucepan. Once you have combined the ingredients in the saucepan, bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze has thickened slightly.

I love making this tangy orange glazed pork because it adds a burst of flavor to any dish. While the glaze is simmering, prepare your pork by seasoning it with salt and pepper. Then, brush the glaze onto the pork, making sure to coat it evenly.

Grill or bake the pork until it is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized, creating a sticky and delicious coating. Serve it with some steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Spicy Szechuan Eggplant

For a spicy kick, start by sautéing eggplant with Szechuan sauce until it becomes tender and flavorful.

I love the combination of heat and umami flavors that this dish brings to the table. The eggplant absorbs the bold flavors of the Szechuan sauce, making each bite burst with deliciousness.

As the eggplant cooks, it softens and develops a silky texture that complements the spice perfectly.

The dish is not only satisfying, but also quite versatile. You can enjoy it on its own as a side dish, or incorporate it into a larger meal, like an Asian rice bowl.

The spiciness of the Szechuan eggplant adds a delightful twist to any dish and is sure to leave your taste buds tingling for more.

Thai Basil Chicken

If you’re craving a flavorful and aromatic dish, Thai Basil Chicken is a must-try option. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant Thai basil, and vibrant spices creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave you wanting more.

To make this dish, start by sautéing thinly sliced chicken in a hot pan until it’s cooked through. Then, add in a mixture of garlic, chili peppers, and soy sauce for a burst of flavor. Finally, toss in a handful of fresh Thai basil leaves and stir-fry until they wilt and release their wonderful aroma.

Serve this delicious Thai Basil Chicken over steamed rice and enjoy the explosion of flavors that will satisfy your cravings.

Honey Soy Glazed Pork Belly

The combination of sweet honey and savory soy sauce creates a delectable glaze for the succulent pork belly. I love making honey soy glazed pork belly because it’s a perfect balance of flavors.

The sweetness from the honey pairs wonderfully with the umami notes of the soy sauce. To make this dish, I marinate the pork belly in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Then, I let it sit for a few hours to absorb all the flavors.

Once it’s marinated, I roast the pork belly in the oven until it’s caramelized and sticky. The result is a juicy and tender pork belly with a shiny glaze that’s irresistible. It’s a crowd-pleaser and always a hit at dinner parties.

Chili Garlic Edamame

I’m a big fan of chili garlic edamame because it’s a spicy and addictive snack that’s perfect for parties or just munching on while watching a movie.

The combination of the heat from the chili and the savory garlic flavor makes it hard to stop eating these little green soybean pods.

I love how easy it is to prepare them too. Just boil them for a few minutes, then toss them in a mixture of chili flakes, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of oil.

The result is a mouthwatering snack that’s packed with flavor. The best part is that you can customize the level of spiciness to your liking by adjusting the amount of chili flakes you use.

Trust me, once you try these chili garlic edamame, you won’t be able to get enough of them.

Lemongrass Coconut Curry Shrimp

Lemongrass coconut curry shrimp is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the richness of coconut milk, the tanginess of lemongrass, and the spiciness of curry. It’s a dish that I absolutely love because it brings together so many amazing flavors.

The creamy coconut milk adds a velvety texture and a hint of sweetness, while the lemongrass adds a refreshing citrusy note. The curry spices give the dish a nice kick of heat, making it the perfect balance of flavors.

The shrimp itself is tender and succulent, soaking up all the deliciousness of the sauce. It’s a dish that never fails to impress – whether I’m cooking for myself or for guests.

Lemongrass coconut curry shrimp is definitely a must-try!

Mongolian Beef

After indulging in the flavorful Lemongrass Coconut Curry Shrimp, I couldn’t resist sharing another mouthwatering topping for Asian rice bowls – Mongolian Beef.

This dish is a classic in Asian cuisine, known for its tender strips of beef coated in a rich and savory sauce. The beef is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, giving it a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

When cooked with onions and green onions, it creates a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The sauce, made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a hint of sesame oil, adds a depth of umami that elevates the dish to new heights.

Serve this succulent Mongolian Beef over a bed of steamed rice, and your taste buds will thank you.

Thai Peanut Tofu

To make the mouthwatering Thai Peanut Tofu, start by marinating the tofu in a mixture of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and sriracha for a burst of flavor.

I love how this marinade creates a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and tanginess.

Once the tofu has soaked up all the deliciousness, heat some oil in a pan and cook the tofu until it’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

The peanut butter adds a creamy richness to the dish, while the soy sauce brings that umami flavor we all crave.

The lime juice adds a refreshing citrusy kick, and the sriracha gives it a nice spicy punch.

Topped with some fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts, this Thai Peanut Tofu is a true delight for the taste buds.

Spicy Miso Glazed Eggplant

The spicy miso glazed eggplant is a flavorful dish that combines the heat of the miso with the sweetness of the glaze. I love making this dish because it’s so easy to prepare and packed with amazing flavors.

To start, I slice the eggplant into thin rounds and brush them with a mixture of miso paste, soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes. Then, I roast the eggplant in the oven until it becomes tender and slightly charred. The miso adds a rich and savory taste, while the glaze adds a touch of sweetness. The combination of flavors is absolutely delicious.

I like to serve the spicy miso glazed eggplant over a bed of steamed rice and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for added crunch. It’s a perfect dish for any Asian-inspired rice bowl!

Conclusion

In conclusion, I’ve got to say that these 15 toppings for Asian rice bowls are a total game-changer! The Teriyaki Glazed Salmon and the Spicy Miso Glazed Eggplant, among others, have taken my taste buds on an incredible culinary journey. Each topping has its own distinct flavors and textures, coming together to create a symphony of deliciousness in every bite.

Believe me, these toppings will take your rice bowl to a whole new level of gastronomic bliss. Don’t pass up on this extraordinary experience – it’s a genuine food lover’s paradise!