The Qdoba Impossible Foods Protein Bowl features savory plant-based Impossible meat, vibrant fresh vegetables, zesty salsa, and fluffy rice, all layered together for a hearty and flavorful meal with a colorful, appetizing presentation.
Equipments
- Rice cooker
- Sauté pan or skillet
- Cooking spoon/spatula
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Serving bowls
- Ladle or serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz (340g) Impossible Foods plant-based ground meat
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, use vegan if desired)
- ¾ cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot as preferred)
Ensure you use fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe cherry tomatoes and a perfectly ripe avocado to enhance flavor and texture. The Impossible Foods plant-based ground meat should be cooked thoroughly in a saute pan to develop a savory, crispy exterior that mimics traditional meat. You can adjust the level of heat by selecting the type of salsa and the amount of jalapeno slices included in your bowl. Rinsing canned black beans reduces sodium content and improves taste, making the dish healthier. Your Qdoba Impossible Foods Protein Bowl will be a satisfying, colorful meal packed with balanced protein, vibrant vegetables, and bold spices.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Add rice and 1 ½ cups water to rice cooker and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- While rice cooks, heat olive oil in sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add Impossible plant-based meat to pan and break apart with spatula.
- Season with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook Impossible meat, stirring, until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
- In mixing bowls, prepare fresh toppings: halve cherry tomatoes, dice red onion, thinly slice jalapeño, chop cilantro, slice avocado, cut lime into wedges, chop romaine lettuce.
- Drain and rinse black beans; drain corn if using canned.
- Fluff cooked rice with fork when done.
- Assemble bowls: spoon rice into serving bowls as base.
- Layer with Impossible meat, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, avocado, and chopped romaine lettuce.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese if using.
- Top with salsa and fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Substitution
The Qdoba Impossible Foods Protein Bowl offers a delicious plant-based alternative that can easily be customized with ingredient substitutions. If fresh jalapeno is unavailable, consider using a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to achieve a similar spice level. Using brown rice instead of white rice increases fiber content and adds a nuttier flavor, though cooking time may vary. You can replace canned black beans with cooked pinto or kidney beans without significantly altering the dish's texture or nutrition. To keep the bowl vegan, swap out cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely while maintaining rich flavor with extra salsa or avocado.
Tips
Rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear prevents excess starchiness, resulting in fluffy, separate grains in your Qdoba Impossible Foods Protein Bowl. When cooking the Impossible plant-based meat, use medium heat and break it apart evenly with a spatula to ensure thorough browning and consistent seasoning absorption. Make sure to drain and rinse canned black beans and corn to reduce sodium and improve flavor balance. Your fresh toppings like avocado, jalapeno, and cilantro add vibrant texture and brightness, so prepare them just before assembling to maintain freshness and color.
Nutritions
The Qdoba Impossible Foods Protein Bowl offers a nutrient-dense mix of plant-based protein from Impossible meat combined with fiber-rich black beans and fresh vegetables like tomatoes and romaine lettuce. Each serving provides essential vitamins such as vitamin C from lime and avocado, antioxidants from jalapeno and cilantro, and complex carbohydrates from the white rice. Healthy fats are delivered through olive oil and avocado, supporting heart health and satiety. You can enjoy a balanced meal that supports protein intake while keeping cholesterol low due to its plant-based ingredients.
Storage
Store any leftover Impossible Foods Protein Bowl components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate cooked rice and seasoned Impossible meat for up to 4 days, while fresh toppings like avocado, lettuce, and salsa are best consumed within 1-2 days. Your best results come from reheating the protein and rice portion gently in a microwave or skillet, then adding fresh toppings just before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap white rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb or gluten-free option. Replace fresh jalapeno with pickled jalapenos or roasted poblano peppers to add a smoky depth of flavor. You can saute the Impossible meat with diced bell peppers and mushrooms to enhance texture and add more vegetables. Use vegan cheese or omit cheese entirely to keep your bowl fully plant-based and reduce dairy content.
Allergies
The Qdoba Impossible Foods Protein Bowl contains several common allergens including soy from the Impossible plant-based meat and dairy if cheddar cheese is added. Your meal may also include corn and avocado, which can trigger reactions in those with sensitivity to these ingredients. Always check labels for cross-contamination warnings and consult with your healthcare provider if you have food allergies.
Why this recipe?
The Bowl with Impossible Foods Protein from Qdoba restaurant is highly favored for its rich, plant-based protein that caters to both vegetarians and meat-eaters seeking healthier options. Qdoba's unique blend of bold Mexican spices and fresh ingredients enhances the flavor, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. You benefit from a versatile dish that packs essential nutrients like iron and protein, impressive for a plant-based alternative. Trying to make the copycat recipe at home allows for customization, cost savings, and control over ingredient quality while replicating Qdoba's delicious, guilt-free dining experience.