Looking for a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your health? Dive into the world of Buddha Bowls with Peanut Sauce! This colorful dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with nutrients, making it the perfect choice for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. With a delightful medley of fresh vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and a creamy, irresistible peanut sauce, you’ll be coming back for seconds! Ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup edamame
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- For the peanut sauce:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Water to thin
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the quinoa. If you haven't already cooked it, rinse 1 cup of dry quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and peel the carrots, then shred them using a box grater or a food processor. Slice the cucumber and bell pepper into thin strips. If using frozen edamame, cook it according to package instructions, usually by boiling for about 3-5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Next, prepare the peanut sauce. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 minced clove of garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the quinoa is cooked and the vegetables are prepared, it's time to assemble the Buddha bowls. Divide the cooked quinoa evenly among four bowls as the base.
- Top each bowl with equal portions of shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, bell pepper, and edamame. Sprinkle chopped green onions and chopped peanuts over the top for added flavor and crunch.
- Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over each bowl, adjusting the amount to your taste preference. You can serve the remaining sauce on the side for those who want extra.
- Garnish with additional chopped peanuts and green onions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your nutritious and delicious Buddha bowls with peanut sauce!
Tips
- Quinoa Perfection: Rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness. This simple step ensures a nutty flavor and fluffy texture.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables! Try adding avocado, radishes, or even roasted sweet potatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Peanut Sauce Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce. For a sweeter sauce, increase the honey to taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Prepare a larger batch of quinoa and sauce, and store them separately in the fridge for quick assembly throughout the week.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Buddha bowls with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to round out the meal. They also make a great lunch option to take to work!
- Garnishing: Don’t skip the garnishes! Chopped peanuts and green onions not only enhance the presentation but also add an extra crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
