The Best Vegetarian Buddha Bowl (with Crispy Tofu) -

The Best Vegetarian Buddha Bowl (with Crispy Tofu)

Course: Main Course

Diet: Vegetarian

Keyword: bowl, buddha, healthy, vegetables

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Rice Cook Time (varies): 45

Total Time: 1 10

Servings:

Calories: 977kcal

Eat healthy without sacrificing flavour! This vibrant Vegetarian Buddha Bowl features crispy tofu, edamame, brown rice, a spicy sriracha mayo and more.

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Equipment

Ingredients

Rice Base

1½ cups uncooked brown rice (short grain)
3 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Garlic Butter Mushrooms & Cabbage

1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon garlic (about 2 cloves) minced
2 ½ cups cremini mushrooms sliced
1 pinch sea or kosher salt plus extra for cabbage
1 pinch ground black pepper plus extra for cabbage
2 cups purple cabbage sliced thinly

Crispy Tofu

3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
¾ cup firm tofu (smoked or regular) cut into 1-inch cubes

Cold Vegetables & Toppings

2 cups edamame beans boiled and shelled
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
2 cups english cucumber cut into quarters
2 whole avocados halved & sliced
1 cup Kimchi
¾ cup Inari (seasoned fried bean curd) sliced
2 Tablespoons Japanese rice seasoning Katsuo Fumi Furikake

Dressings

¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon sriracha hot sauce

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Instructions

Cook the Rice: Rinse the brown rice under cold water. Add to a rice cooker with 3 cups water, 1 Tbsp butter, and 1 tsp salt. Cook on the brown rice setting (approx. 45 mins) or follow package instructions.
Sauté the Hot Toppings: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter and 1 tsp oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes until soft. Remove to a bowl. Wipe skillet clean (or use a new pan), add 3 Tbsp vegetable oil, and pan-fry the cubed Tofu for 4 minutes until golden and crispy; remove to a paper towel. In the remaining hot oil, sauté the purple cabbage with a pinch of salt and pepper for 5 minutes until slightly wilted but crunchy.
Mix the Sauces: In a medium bowl, whisk the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sriracha, then transfer to a small zip-top bag (snip a tiny corner off the bag for drizzling later).
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice among 4 large bowls. Arrange the cooked mushrooms, cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, edamame, avocado, and kimchi in neat sections around the bowl. Place the crispy tofu and sliced Inari in the center.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle ½ Tablespoon of Furikake over each bowl. Pour 2 Tablespoons of the soy vinaigrette over the ingredients, finish with a heavy drizzle of the spicy sriracha mayo, and serve!

Video

Notes

Tofu Prep: Always buy “Firm” or “Extra Firm” tofu for pan-frying. Soft or silken tofu has too much water content and will crumble apart in the pan. I love using Smoked Firm Tofu for this recipe because it adds an amazing “BBQ” element!

What type of Brown Rice should I use?

You can use any type of brown rice you prefer! I love using a short-grain "California Brown Sweet" rice (like the Texana brand) because it yields a beautifully sticky, creamy texture similar to sushi rice. Just be sure to read your specific package instructions, as cooking times and water ratios vary wildly between long-grain and short-grain rice!

What if I can’t find shelled Edamame beans?

No problem! If you can only find frozen edamame still in their pods, simply bring 4 cups of water to a boil, drop in the pods, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain them, rinse under cold water, and easily pop the bright green beans right out of their shells into a bowl.

Is this bowl good for meal prep?

Yes! Buddha bowls are the ultimate meal-prep lunch. Simply pack your rice and hot toppings in one container, and keep your cold veggies and sauces in separate small containers. Microwave the rice and hot toppings, then pile on the fresh veggies and dressing right before eating!

Nutrition