Summery Delight: Mango Black Bean Ginger Rice Bowl

Escape into the vibrant flavors of summer with this refreshing Mango Black Bean Ginger Rice Bowl. A medley of crisp vegetables, sweet mango, protein-packed black beans, and a zesty tamari-lime vinaigrette come together in a delightful bowl that’s perfect for light and wholesome summer dining. Let’s dive into the culinary journey of creating this nourishing and flavorful rice bowl!

Ingredients:

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons tamari (plus more for serving)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons cane sugar
• ½ teaspoon sriracha (plus more for serving)

For the Rice Bowl:

• 2 handfuls snap peas, strings removed
• 1 to 2 cups cooked short-grain white rice*
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 small carrot, sliced into very thin coins
• ½ English cucumber, thinly sliced into coins
• 1 small ripe Ataulfo mango, diced
• ½ cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons pickled ginger
• ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil
• ¼ cup toasted peanuts, optional
• Sprinkle of sesame seeds, optional
• ¼ to ½ avocado, optional

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, cane sugar, and sriracha. Set aside.

2. Blanch the Snap Peas:

• Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil.
• Place a bowl of ice water nearby.
• Blanch snap peas in the boiling water for 1.5 minutes, then transfer them to the ice water to stop the cooking process.
• Once cooled, drain, pat dry, and chop.

3. Assemble the Rice Bowls:

• Arrange cooked rice, shredded green cabbage, sliced carrot, cucumber coins, diced mango, black beans, pickled ginger, and fresh basil in serving bowls.
• Top with blanched snap peas, toasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and avocado if using.

4. Drizzle with Dressing:

• Drizzle the rice bowls with half of the prepared dressing.
• Serve the remaining dressing on the side along with extra tamari and sriracha if desired.

Notes:

• Adjust the quantity of rice based on personal preference.
• Optional: Customize the bowl with additional toppings like avocado, sesame seeds, or toasted peanuts.

Meal Prep Tip:

• To prepare for the next recipes in this week’s meal plan, make double the amount of rice and save the remaining green cabbage, cucumber, mangoes, and black beans.

Culinary Inspiration:

• Experiment with different rice varieties or try a healthier base like brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

Savor the Season:

Celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer with this Mango Black Bean Ginger Rice Bowl—a delightful combination of textures and tastes that embodies the essence of the season. Whether enjoyed as a light dinner or a refreshing lunch, this bowl promises a symphony of summer on your plate. Enjoy the culinary journey!