Delicious and Nutritious Asian Buddha Bowl

Name: Delicious and Nutritious Asian Buddha Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked brown rice; 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast or few thighs (can substitute with tofu for a vegan buddha bowl); 1 cup shelled and cooked edamame; 1 carrot, julienned or shredded; 1 cucumber, sliced thin; 1 avocado, sliced; 2 green onions, sliced thin; 1/4 cup kimchi (optional for a flavorful kick); Sesame seeds for garnish; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced (or a teaspoon of garlic powder)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 1 review

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both tasty and healthy, this Asian Buddha Bowl is the perfect pick! It’s packed with juicy chicken (or tofu if you’re going vegan), fresh veggies, and a spicy ginger-sesame dressing that brings everything together.

Buddha bowls have become really popular, and it’s easy to see why! They’re great any time of year and can be customized to fit whatever you're craving. Plus, they’re super fun to make because you can mix and match ingredients however you like!

The idea of the Buddha bowl comes from the concept of balance and nourishment, much like how a Buddha's belly is round and full. This Asian-inspired version adds a fun twist with ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil - just how I like it! 🙂

If you are looking for more ideas, check out my healthier take on pad see ew or this amazing quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette!

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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Equipment
Storage
Top Tip
FAQ
Related

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Here’s why you'll love this recipe:

Great textures: From crunchy veggies to soft avocado and chewy rice, every bite is interesting!
Super flavorful: The spicy ginger-sesame dressing makes every bite pop!
Healthy but filling: Packed with protein, grains, and veggies, it keeps you full and energized.
Easy to customize: You can swap chicken for tofu or add your favorite veggies.
Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Quick and simple: It doesn’t take long to put together, even on busy days.

Ingredients

It’s got everything—tender chicken, creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and a spicy ginger-sesame dressing that ties it all together. The brown rice is soft and chewy, and the edamame adds a nice pop. This Asian Buddha Bowl is seriously one of my favorite meals.

Let’s start with chicken. It’s a great source of protein and can be grilled, baked, or even pan-seared depending on how much time you have. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can easily swap it out for tofu or tempeh.

Next is brown rice, which is rich in fiber and keeps you fuller for longer. If you’re short on time, you can use quick-cooking brown rice.

Edamame is a great plant-based protein that adds a fresh, almost sweet flavor.

Carrots bring a nice crunch. If you don’t have carrots, shredded cabbage or bell peppers can add similar crunch and nutrition.

Cucumber adds a cool, refreshing element to the bowl. It’s light and hydrating.

Avocado is the creamy star of the bowl, loaded with healthy fats.

Then there’s kimchi, which brings a spicy, tangy kick and is full of probiotics that are great for gut health. If you’re not into fermented foods, pickled veggies like radishes or carrots can be a milder option.

Dressing ingredients include soy sauce, which gives the dressing a salty, umami flavor that ties everything together. Then there is:

Sesame oil with rich, nutty flavor,
Rice vinegar gives the dressing a fresh punch.
For sweetness, we use honey or maple syrup.
Fresh ginger is key to giving the dressing that zing!
Garlic brings a warm, savory bite to the dressing

Finally, we have sesame seeds for garnish. You can use chia seeds or sunflower seeds if you want something different but still get a good source of fats.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

This recipe is super simple, and once you get started, it all comes together pretty quickly. Now that we’ve got all our ingredients ready, it’s time to put everything together!

Start by cooking the brown rice according to package instructions. While it is cooking, you can prep the rest of the bowl ingredients. Grill or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

Julienne the carrot, slice the cucumber, avocado, and green onions, and set them aside. Boil shelled edamame for 3-5 minutes.

mixing buddha bowl dressing ingredients.

In a small bowl, whisk the sauce ingredients together – soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic.

In a large bowl, start with a base of brown rice, then layer on the chicken (or tofu), edamame, carrot, cucumber, avocado, and kimchi. Drizzle generously with the spicy ginger-sesame dressing and sprinkle sesame seeds for garnish.

This bowl is perfect on its own but can also be paired with a light miso soup or some crispy spring rolls for a fuller meal. If you love peanut butter, you could even swap the dressing for a creamy peanut sauce!

Hint: cook your rice and protein in advance, so assembling the bowl is quick and easy, especially if you’re meal prepping for the week.

Variations

There are so many fun ways to switch up this Buddha Bowl! One variation is to make it vegan by swapping the chicken for tofu. You can fry or bake the tofu until it’s crispy, and it still absorbs all the flavors from the dressing.

Another option is to add sweet potatoes. Roast them until they’re soft and caramelized for a sweet, hearty addition to the bowl. They go perfectly with the spicy ginger-sesame dressing.

If you’re in the mood for a different flavor, try using a peanut sauce instead of the ginger-sesame dressing. It’s creamy, and rich, and pairs well with all the ingredients, especially if you’re craving a slightly different Asian-inspired twist!

Equipment

You don’t need much equipment to make this recipe! A rice cooker or a simple pot will work great for cooking brown rice.

A sharp knife is handy for chopping all the veggies, and a grill pan or skillet will help you cook the chicken (or tofu) to perfection.

Lastly, a small bowl and whisk are all you need to mix up the delicious spicy ginger-sesame dressing. It’s super easy, and you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen!

Storage

For storing in the fridge, keep all the ingredients separate in airtight containers to keep them fresh. The rice, chicken (or tofu), and veggies will last about 3-4 days. Just add the dressing right before you eat to keep everything from getting soggy.

Top Tip

Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, especially if you’re packing it for later. This will keep the veggies fresh and crisp!

FAQ

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Absolutely! White rice will work just as well, though brown rice adds a bit more fiber and nutrients.

How long will the dressing last in the fridge?

The dressing will stay fresh in the fridge for about a week in an airtight container. Give it a good shake before using it!

How can I make this spicier?

You can add extra Sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing for more heat.

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