This healthy Asian inspired Edamame Quinoa Buddha Bowl with Miso Tahini Dressing is a complete meal.
What Is A Buddha Bowl?
I have seen Buddha bowls all over the internet for awhile now, and I became curious. There are a few different stories of how and when they came about, but no consensus. Some say they are called such because the bowl looks like the round belly of a Buddha.
Other stories suggest it has to do with a Buddhist's begging bowl. The thing that I know is why I was attracted to them in the first place. They contain ingredients that I normally eat in one sitting, and sometimes in one bowl.
As I understand it, a Buddha bowl is a meal sized bowl that includes a grain, greens, raw and / or cooked vegetables, a protein, a dressing (many times tahini based), and possibly a fermented food (like kim chi). They also can have nuts or seeds.
My norm, which you wouldn't know about, because all of my recipes need to be photo worthy, is that I love to eat out of a bowl. The bowl that I like to eat out of is not large, like the one shown, but is cross between a plate and a bowl, so it's edges are not very deep.
Maybe I gravitate to it because of it's size and shape. Whatever reason, it is my go-to way of eating.
For this Edamame Quinoa Buddha Bowl with Miso Tahini Dressing I have included edamame, quinoa, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, kelp, and a miso tahini dressing.
Okay, I know what you are probably thinking: Willow, why on Earth would I want to eat seaweed? Well, first of all, you could use fresh greens instead, if you really are resistant to the whole seaweed idea.
Second, I have doctored up the seaweed, so you won't even notice that you are eating seaweed. No seaweed taste here!
I used kelp because I didn't have any fresh greens, and needed to use up my kelp. I originally bought it for my Miso Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms, which begged to have some seaweed in it.
Other Asian Inspired Recipes That You Might Like
- Tofu and Thai Noodles with Peanut Sauce
- Baked Tofu Temaki Sushi with Cauliflower Rice
- Crispy Teriyaki Tofu and Cauliflower Rice
- Gluten Free Vegan Tempura
Edamame Quinoa Buddha Bowl with Miso Tahini Dressing
This vegan Buddha bowl with Asian flavors is a versatile meal. Use left over veggies or the ones listed here. Change it up each day to make things exciting!
*Don't forget to come back and leave your feedback and star rating.
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Edamame Quinoa Buddha Bowl with Miso Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
Miso Tahini Dressing
- 2 tablespoons white miso
- ½ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lime juice - I used key limes
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon low sodium gluten free tamari
Kelp (or use lettuce greens)
- 1 cup kelp
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon low sodium gluten free tamari
For the bowl
- ½ cup dry quinoa
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup thinly sliced cucumber
- ½ cup chopped fresh or cooked bell pepper
- 1 cup edamame cooked according to directions
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Dressing: Mix all ingredients until smooth. If you refrigerate before serving, you may want to thin with more water afterwards.
- Kelp: Boil enough water to cover kelp, then simmer for 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain water. Chop into small pieces and cook for a couple of minutes in a pan with toasted sesame oil and tamari.
- Bowl: Rinse quinoa thoroughly. Bring quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Layer quinoa, grated carrots, thinly sliced cucumber, bell pepper, edamame, and kelp in a bowl. Dress with miso tahini dressing. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Nutrition
*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.
Hil says
I've never eaten a Buddha bowl before but it looks like it would be amazing. I should try it!
You should come link up at the Bloggers Spotlight party, all links get posted to our group board. We have two parties in one, one section to link up posts and another section to link up pins.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I've often been curious about the origins of the naming of Buddha bowls. There are a few spots in Portland that make amazing bowls of yummy goodness, and this recipe looks like one I would really enjoy!
Willow Moon says
I have heard about many awesome spots to eat in Oregon with vegan and gluten free food! I have only been to Portland and a few other cities in Oregon once. Can't wait to go back!
Brianne_L says
This looks SO good (and healthy)! I will definitely need to save this recipe!
alanarobin says
This looks so yummy! I am a huge fan of both edamame and quinoa, so I will need to try this out 🙂
hooplah says
Love the flavors in this! The perfect healthy snack bowl 😀
Aarika says
Yummy! Your recipes always sound super delicious, and your pictures are stunning. I love the optional addition of kelp. I am a big fan, and I am always looking for ways to include it in recipes. Thanks!
Willow Moon says
Thank you, I appreciate the feedback! I have been working on improving my photos. If you look at the ones from a year ago when I started this blog, you'll see why I needed to work on them!
Chelsea @ Olive & Ivy says
This sounds amazing!! I love edamame, love quinoa and love miso- so this sounds like a combo from heaven to me!
Ann says
That dressing is so good! I have slathering it on all my vegetables and salads.
Willow Moon says
Thanks Ann, I'm glad you like it!