Buddha bowls are not just a trendy meal, they're a simple and delicious way to pack a whole lot of nutrition into one dish. This homemade Buddha bowl recipe is full of wholesome ingredients like brown rice, edamame, and snap peas, and it's all topped off with a flavorful tamari dressing. Make this Buddha bowl your own by adding your favorite vegetables or protein.
Photos of Homemade Buddha Bowl Recipe
While most of the ingredients are fairly common, you might not have short-grain brown rice or shelled edamame at home. Short-grain brown rice is different from its long-grain counterpart as it's stickier, which makes it ideal for this recipe. Shelled edamame, young soybeans, are commonly found in the frozen section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for your Homemade Buddha Bowl
Short-grain brown rice: This type of rice is stickier than the long-grain variety, giving your Buddha bowl a pleasing texture.
Shelled edamame: These young soybeans are a great source of plant protein.
Snap peas: These peas are eaten pod and all, providing a delightful crunch.
Tamari: This sauce is similar to soy sauce but it's usually gluten-free.
Red cabbage: This cabbage adds a pop of color and is a great source of vitamin C.
Avocados: They provide healthy fats and a creamy texture to the bowl.
Cucumber: This vegetable adds a refreshing crunch to the dish.
Green onion: It adds a mild, sweet flavor.
Lime wedges: They provide a tangy freshness that balances the other flavors.
Sesame oil: It's used for its strong, nutty flavor.
Sesame seeds: These seeds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Flaky sea salt: It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
One reader, Aurelie Nemeth says:
This homemade buddha bowl recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh veggies, flavorful dressing, and perfectly cooked rice makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. It's easy to prepare and offers a burst of healthy goodness. I highly recommend trying it out for a nourishing and delightful dining experience.
Techniques Required for Making a Buddha Bowl
How to cook the rice and veggies: Boil the rice in a large pot of water for 25 minutes, then add the edamame and cook for 3 more minutes. Add the snap peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Drain well and return the rice and veggies to the pot. Season with tamari or soy sauce to taste.
How to assemble the bowls: Divide the rice and vegetable mixture into 4 bowls. Arrange the cucumber slices along the edge of the bowl. Drizzle with dressing and top with sliced green onion. Place a lime wedge or two in each bowl.
How to serve the avocado: When ready to serve, divide the avocado into the bowls. Lightly drizzle sesame oil over the avocado, followed by a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and flaky sea salt.
How To Make Homemade Buddha Bowl
This healthy buddha bowl makes the best well-balanced meal for either lunch or dinner! Whip this up easily in just one hour.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Rice and Veggies:
- 1¼cupsshort-grain brown rice,or long-grain brown rice, rinsed
- 1½cupsshelled edamame,frozen, preferably organic
- 1½cupssnap peas,trimmed and roughly chopped, or thinly sliced broccoli florets or snow peas
- 2tbsptamari,reduced-sodium, or soy sauce, to taste
- 4cupsred cabbage,chopped, ribs removed, or spinach or romaine lettuce or kale
- 2avocados,halved, pitted and thinly sliced into long strips
For Essential Garnishes:
- 1small cucumber,very thinly sliced
- dressing,like ginger carrot dressing, or of choice
- ½green onion,sliced thinly, about ½ small bunch
- lime wedges
- sesame oil,toasted for drizzling
- sesame seeds
- flaky sea salt
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of water to boil.
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Once the water is boiling, add the rice and continue boiling for 25 minutes.
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Add the edamame, then cook for 3 more minutes.
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Add the snap peas, then cook for 2 more minutes.
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Drain well, then return the rice and veggies to the pot.
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Season to taste with 1 to 2 tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce, then stir to combine.
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Divide the rice, vegetable mixture and raw vegetables into 4 bowls.
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Arrange the cucumber slices along the edge of the bowl.
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Drizzle lightly with dressing, then top with sliced green onion.
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Place a lime wedge or 2 in each bowl.
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When ready to serve, divide the avocado into the bowls.
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Lightly drizzle sesame oil over the avocado, followed by a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and flaky sea salt.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Check out how to make our Ginger Carrot Dressing Recipe for this bowl.
Nutrition
- Calories: 553.85kcal
- Fat: 25.18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.66g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.39g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.09g
- Carbohydrates: 72.05g
- Fiber: 15.18g
- Sugar: 7.89g
- Protein: 16.42g
- Sodium: 960.52mg
- Calcium: 137.42mg
- Potassium: 1288.04mg
- Iron: 4.84mg
- Vitamin A: 80.05µg
- Vitamin C: 90.41mg
Helpful Technique for Assembling a Buddha Bowl
When preparing your Buddha Bowl, it's important to keep in mind the balance of flavors and textures. For instance, the avocado provides a creamy element, while the snap peas and cucumber offer a satisfying crunch. The tamari or soy sauce gives a savory umami flavor, and the lime wedges add a tangy freshness. Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and dressings to suit your personal taste. Remember, the key to a great Buddha Bowl is variety and balance.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing a Buddha Bowl
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and cook rice in advance to streamline the process.
Multi-task: While the rice is cooking, prepare the dressing and slice the vegetables to save time.
Organized workspace: Keep all ingredients and tools within reach to avoid unnecessary movement.
Efficient cooking: Cook multiple components simultaneously to expedite the process.
Clean as you go: Wash dishes and utensils while the rice is cooking to minimize post-cooking cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Buddha Bowl Recipe
short-grain brown rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a high-protein alternative to rice and provides a nutty flavor and fluffy texture, adding a nutritional boost to the buddha bowl.
shelled edamame - Substitute with chickpeas: Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and can provide a similar texture and flavor to edamame in the buddha bowl.
snap peas - Substitute with sugar snap peas: Sugar snap peas have a similar crunch and sweetness to snap peas, making them a suitable substitute in the buddha bowl recipe.
tamari - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for tamari, providing a savory and umami flavor to the dish.
red cabbage - Substitute with purple cabbage: Purple cabbage can be used as a substitute for red cabbage, providing a vibrant color and a similar crunchy texture to the buddha bowl.
avocados - Substitute with sliced almonds: Sliced almonds can add a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor to the buddha bowl, providing a satisfying alternative to avocados.
cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be spiralized or thinly sliced to provide a similar refreshing crunch and mild flavor to the buddha bowl.
green onion - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for green onions, providing a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
lime wedges - Substitute with lemon wedges: Lemon wedges can be used as a substitute for lime wedges, providing a similar citrusy zing to the buddha bowl.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil, providing a light and flavorful base for the dressing in the buddha bowl recipe.
sesame seeds - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds can provide a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the buddha bowl, serving as a substitute for sesame seeds.
flaky sea salt - Substitute with Himalayan pink salt: Himalayan pink salt can be used as a substitute for flaky sea salt, providing a delicate and mineral-rich seasoning for the buddha bowl.
Presenting Your Homemade Buddha Bowl
Elevate the plating: When presenting the homemade buddha bowl, focus on creating a visually stunning arrangement. Use vibrant colors and varied textures to create an eye-catching display that is as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Utilize sesame oil to create elegant, artistic drizzles on the avocado. This not only adds a touch of sophistication to the dish but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the cucumber slices in a symmetrical pattern along the edge of the bowl, creating a sense of balance and harmony in the presentation.
Highlight the freshness of ingredients: Showcase the freshness of the snap peas and avocado by arranging them in a way that accentuates their natural beauty. This will emphasize the quality of the ingredients and elevate the overall presentation.
Use minimalistic garnishes: Opt for minimalistic garnishes such as lime wedges and sesame seeds to add subtle accents to the dish without overwhelming the visual appeal. This approach aligns with the refined taste of culinary professionals.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Buddha Bowl
- To store leftover buddha bowls, separate the components into individual airtight containers. Store the rice, edamame, snap peas, and red cabbage in one container. Place the cucumber slices and any leftover avocado (with pit intact) in another container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to enjoy, reheat the rice and vegetable mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add fresh cucumber slices and avocado, then drizzle with dressing and garnish with green onion, a squeeze of lime juice, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and flaky sea salt.
- To freeze the buddha bowls, place the cooled rice and cooked vegetables in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Do not freeze the raw vegetables, as they will lose their texture and flavor when thawed.
- To reheat frozen buddha bowls, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat the rice and vegetables in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add fresh cucumber, avocado, and garnishes before serving.
- For best results, store the dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help maintain its flavor and consistency.
How To Reheat Leftover Buddha Bowl
The best way to reheat your leftover buddha bowl is to separate the components and reheat them individually. This will ensure that each ingredient retains its optimal texture and flavor.
Start by removing the avocado and any other cold toppings, such as cucumber or green onion, and set them aside. These ingredients are best added fresh after reheating.
For the rice and edamame, place them in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of water. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
If your snap peas have become soggy, it's best to steam them briefly to restore their crunch. Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water for 30-60 seconds, or until they're heated through and slightly crisp.
For the red cabbage, you can either enjoy it cold or quickly sauté it in a pan with a bit of sesame oil over medium-high heat until it's warmed through and slightly softened.
Once all the components are heated, reassemble your buddha bowl by placing the warm rice and veggies in a serving bowl. Top with the reserved fresh ingredients, such as avocado, cucumber, and green onion.
Drizzle with your favorite dressing, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and flaky sea salt to refresh the flavors.
If you prefer, you can also reheat your entire buddha bowl in the microwave, covering it with a damp paper towel to prevent the rice from drying out. However, keep in mind that this method may result in some ingredients becoming overcooked or soggy.
Interesting Fact About Buddha Bowls
Buddha bowls are a versatile and customizable dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. They typically consist of a balanced combination of grains, vegetables, and protein, making them a nutritious and satisfying meal option.
Is Making Buddha Bowls at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade buddha bowl recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as brown rice, edamame, snap peas, and cabbage, are affordable and nutritious. The addition of avocado and sesame seeds may increase the cost slightly, but they provide essential nutrients and flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25. Overall, this recipe offers a healthy and budget-friendly meal option. Verdict: 9.
Is This Buddha Bowl Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The homemade Buddha bowl recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that incorporates a variety of healthy ingredients. The recipe includes:
- Brown rice, which is a whole grain rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Edamame and snap peas, both of which are excellent sources of plant-based protein, fiber, and various micronutrients
- Red cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Avocados, which provide healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals
- Cucumber, a low-calorie vegetable that adds freshness and hydration to the dish
The use of tamari or soy sauce adds flavor without significantly increasing the calorie content. The garnishes, such as green onion, lime wedges, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and flaky sea salt, enhance the overall taste and nutritional value of the bowl.
To further improve the nutritional value of this already healthy Buddha bowl, consider the following suggestions:
- Add a variety of colorful vegetables to increase the diversity of nutrients, such as grated carrots, sliced bell peppers, or roasted sweet potatoes
- Include a fermented food, like kimchi or sauerkraut, to promote gut health and boost the immune system
- Experiment with different whole grains, such as quinoa, barley, or farro, to provide a variety of textures and nutritional profiles
- Incorporate a small portion of lean protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to make the meal more satiating and support muscle growth and repair
- Drizzle the bowl with a homemade dressing made from healthy ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices, to add flavor and additional nutrients
Editor's Opinion on This Buddha Bowl Recipe
This homemade Buddha bowl recipe is a delightful combination of wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. The use of brown rice, edamame, and snap peas provides a nutritious base, while the addition of red cabbage, avocado, and cucumber offers a refreshing crunch. The dressing and garnishes, including lime wedges, sesame oil, and sesame seeds, elevate the dish with a delightful burst of tanginess and nuttiness. The balance of textures and flavors in this recipe makes it a nourishing and satisfying meal that is both visually appealing and delicious.
Enhance Your Homemade Buddha Bowl Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for a Buddha Bowl Meal
Why trust this Homemade Buddha Bowl Recipe:
This homemade buddha bowl recipe offers a delightful combination of wholesome ingredients, including nutrient-rich brown rice, protein-packed edamame, and vibrant snap peas. The addition of avocado provides a creamy texture, while the red cabbage adds a beautiful pop of color. The recipe's use of tamari and sesame oil infuses the dish with rich, savory flavors. With a refreshing touch of cucumber and a zesty squeeze of lime, this recipe promises a satisfying and nourishing meal that's both delicious and wholesome.
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