Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to assemble your Asian-inspired Buddha Bowl.
For the Base:
- Brown rice, quinoa, or soba noodles: These serve as the foundation. Choose what you love or mix and match for variety.
- Leafy greens: Baby spinach, kale, or arugula can add freshness and crunch.
For the Protein:
- Tofu or tempeh: Marinated in a soy-ginger glaze for maximum flavor.
- Edamame: A protein-packed, vibrant green addition.
For the Veggies:
- Carrots: Shredded or spiralized for a hint of sweetness.
- Cucumber: Adds crunch and coolness.
- Bell peppers: Sliced thin for a pop of color.
- Red cabbage: Shredded finely for its texture and vibrant hue.
For the Dressing:
- Sesame-ginger dressing: Made with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
For the Toppings:
- Sesame seeds: For a nutty crunch.
- Chopped scallions: Adds freshness and bite.
- Crushed peanuts or cashews: Optional, but they add an extra layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Asian-Inspired Buddha Bowl
1. Preparing the Base
Start with your base—whether it’s brown rice, quinoa, or soba noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions. Want a pro tip? Add a splash of sesame oil to the rice or noodles while they cook to infuse subtle flavor.
If you’re going for a leafy greens base, make sure to wash and dry them thoroughly. A mix of spinach and kale works beautifully.
2. Marinating the Protein
What’s a Buddha Bowl without a flavorful protein? Cut tofu or tempeh into bite-sized cubes and marinate them in a mix of soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a dash of sesame oil. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Once marinated, pan-fry or bake the tofu until golden and slightly crispy. If you’re using edamame, simply steam them and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
3. Prepping the Veggies
This is where your Buddha Bowl gets its vibrant colors.
- Shred carrots and red cabbage finely.
- Slice cucumbers and bell peppers into thin strips.
- Lightly steam broccoli or snap peas if you prefer them tender-crisp.
Raw, steamed, or roasted—choose your preferred preparation method to keep things interesting.
4. Making the Sesame-Ginger Dressing
Now for the magic sauce! Combine the following in a small bowl or jar:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Shake or whisk until well combined. This dressing ties all the components together beautifully.
5. Assembling the Bowl
Here comes the fun part—assembly!
- Start with your base (rice, quinoa, or noodles).
- Add your protein, arranging it neatly on one side.
- Pile on the veggies in sections for that signature Buddha Bowl look.
- Drizzle generously with the sesame-ginger dressing.
