Dinner

Banh Mi Bowl (Paleo, Whole30) Recipe

Name: Banh Mi Bowl (Paleo, Whole30) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground pork; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup coconut aminos; 1 tbsp arrowroot powder; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup mayonnaise (may use paleo-friendly mayo); 2 tsp sriracha sauce; 12 oz. cauliflower rice; 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1 jalapeño, sliced and seeds removed; Cilantro for garnish

Bylina moretti February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

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Introduction

This Banh Mi Bowl offers all the vibrant flavors of a traditional Vietnamese sandwich in a healthy, grain-free format. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect paleo and Whole30-friendly meal that combines savory pork, fresh veggies, and a spicy mayo drizzle.

A white bowl is filled with layers starting with a base of white rice, topped with crumbled cooked ground meat that is brown and slightly glossy. On one side, there are several thinly sliced, dark green cucumbers neatly arranged. Next to the cucumbers is a pile of shredded bright orange carrots. Green jalapeño slices and fresh cilantro leaves are placed between the carrots and cucumbers. The whole bowl is drizzled with a light orange creamy sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small white cup of the same sauce nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. ground pork
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/4 cup coconut aminos
1 tbsp arrowroot
1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
12 oz. cauliflower rice*
1/2 cup cucumber (sliced)
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 jalapeño (sliced and seeds removed)
Cilantro for garnish
1/4 cup mayo**
2 tsp sriracha***

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the ground pork in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
Step 2: While the pork cooks, slice the cucumber and jalapeño, and prepare the shredded carrots. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, arrowroot, and grated ginger to make the marinade.
Step 3: Prepare the cauliflower rice according to the package instructions, usually by heating in a skillet or microwave.
Step 4: Once the pork is cooked, add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Lower the heat and pour the marinade over the pork. Stir thoroughly for about 1 minute until the pork is coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Divide the cauliflower rice between bowls, then top with the cooked pork and fresh vegetables. Mix the mayo and sriracha in a small bowl, then drizzle the spicy mayo over each bowl. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add pickled daikon and carrot or substitute ground turkey if preferred.
Use homemade mayo or avocado mayo to keep it paleo and Whole30-compliant.
Adjust sriracha amount to control the heat level in the spicy mayo.
Fresh lime juice drizzled over the bowl adds a bright, tangy finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat pork and cauliflower rice in the microwave or skillet until warmed through. Add fresh vegetables and spicy mayo after reheating for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with four main sections layered over a base of white rice; on the left side, there is a layer of cooked brown ground meat with a glossy texture and drizzled with light orange creamy sauce, next to it is a neat row of bright green sliced cucumbers with ridged edges; the right side has a pile of thinly shredded bright orange carrots, also topped with drizzles of the same light orange sauce, beside the carrots are sliced green jalapeños and a few fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small white dish of light orange sauce nearby, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of coconut aminos?

You can, but coconut aminos make this recipe soy-free and lower in sodium. If substituting, use low-sodium soy sauce to keep flavors balanced.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This dish centers on ground pork, but you can try substituting with crumbled tofu or tempeh and adjust seasonings accordingly for a vegetarian version.