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This easy dinner idea is delicious, nutritious, full of amazing flavors and easy to put together. The secret ingredient is a delicious yumm sauce.
The concept of a Yum Yum Bowl was originated by a restaurant, Cafe Yumm, in Eugene, Oregon. But lucky for all of you who don’t live near a Cafe Yumm I have figured out how to make a Yum Yum Bowl at home!
What is a Yum Yum Bowl?
This is not your average rice bowl. Although it has many of the typical ingredients of a rice bowl, a yum yum bowl also has a delicious yumm sauce that makes it unique and special!
Ingredients Needed
Secret Yumm Sauce
The secret to a Yummy Bowl is in the sauce. The restaurant makes and sells their own secret sauce. You can find my make at home version of Yumm Sauce here.
A Yum Yum bowl is also another great way to use up some of those leftovers you may have in the fridge.
How do You Make A Yum Yum Bowl?
In a bowl assemble the following layers:
Rice Layer. You can use brown rice or white rice. I love to make my brown rice in the Instant Pot. You can also use quinoa if you prefer. I usually add about 1 cup of rice to the bottom of the bowl.
Yumm Sauce Layer. Add as much or as little as you like. I usually add a couple of tablespoons.
Cheese Layer. We like to use grated cheddar cheese but you can also use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby or Swiss.
Veggie Layer. This is where you can clean out the fridge and use what veggies you have on hand. We really like to use broccoli slaw at our house but you can also use carrots, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, black olives, etc.
You can basically use just about anything you have in your refrigerator or have on hand.
Bean Layer. I didn’t add beans to mine but that is also an option at Cafe Yumm and black beans is the most popular.
Meat Layer. Our favorite is chicken and this is the perfect place to use up any leftover shredded rotisserie chicken you may have. You can also use pork carnitas, shrimp or some shredded beef if you prefer. For a vegetarian version leave off the meat.
Nuts. Sprinkle on some cashews, peanuts, almonds, pistachios or whatever your favorite nut is for some crunch.
Extra Sauce. We like to add a little teriyaki on top to finish it off but this is totally optional.
Yum Yum Bowl Variations
Mediterranean. Add hummus, avocado, tomato, black olive and of course Yumm Sauce.
Thai. Cilantro, basil, avocado, carrots and cashews.
Southwestern. Avocado, black beans, olives, sour cream, salsa and cilantro.
Vegetarian. Avocado, black beans, olives, tomatoes, carrots, hummus and some nuts on top!
Is this served warm or cold?
You can serve it either way although I prefer to serve it with the chicken and the rice warm and everything else cold or room temperature. The broccoli slaw is served raw but if you are going to add in other veggies such as sweet potatoes, broccoli, etc. I would roast them first and then they can be used chilled, room temperature or warm.
What to serve with Yum Yum Bowls.
This is really a meal in and of itself but if you are so inclined it could be served with a slice of homemade French Bread or some cornbread.
Can I use something other than Yumm Sauce?
If you don’t have yumm sauce or want to make any you can leave it off and just add some teriyaki sauce or something similar. You could also use some spicy or seasoned mayo. The whole experience won’t be the same but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Just leave off the meat and it is the perfect vegetarian meal. The Yumm Sauce is vegetarian.
For other delicious recipes try these:
Yum Yum Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rice brown or white rice
- 1/2 cup broccoli slaw or other chopped veggies
- 1/4 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper jack, Swiss
- 1/4 cup nuts peanuts, cashews, almonds etc.
- 1/3 cup chicken cooked and shredded or diced
- 2 Tbsp yumm sauce
- 1 Tbsp teriyaki sauce
Instructions
- Place rice in bottom of bowl.
- Add Yumm sauce.
- Layer remaining ingredients on top in order preferred.
- Top off with some teriyaki sauce if desired.
Tips & Notes:
Nutrition Facts:
Amy says
Is this served hot or cold? Are the veggies cooked or raw?
Thank you!
Leigh Anne Wilkes says
It can be served either way. I like to serve it with my rice and chicken warm and the rest cold, the veggies can be either cooked or raw. I use the broccoli slaw raw but if you were going to add broccoli or sweet potatoes, etc. I would roast them first.