5 Buddha Bowls with Rice or Quinoa as the Base
Rice and quinoa make the perfect foundations for hearty, wholesome Buddha bowls. They’re versatile, nutritious, and pair beautifully with a variety of flavors and textures. Here are five mouthwatering Buddha bowl recipes where you can choose between rice or quinoa as the base.
1. Teriyaki Chicken Buddha Bowl
Ingredients:
Base: Rice or quinoa
Protein: Shredded chicken tossed in teriyaki sauce
Veggies: Steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, snap peas, and edamame
Toppings: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Dressing: Extra teriyaki sauce or a drizzle of soy sauce
Why It Works:
The savory-sweet teriyaki sauce soaks into the grains, creating a delicious base for the fresh veggies and tender chicken.
2. Greek Chicken BUDDHA Bowl
Ingredients:
Base: Rice or quinoa
Protein: Shredded chicken seasoned with olive oil, oregano, and garlic
Veggies: Chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and marinated olives
Toppings: Feta cheese and parsley
Dressing: Lemon-tahini sauce or a squeeze of lemon and olive oil
Why It Works:
This Mediterranean-inspired bowl is light yet satisfying, with fresh, zesty flavors that pair beautifully with the warm, nutty grains.
3. Spicy Korean Buddha Bowl
Ingredients:
Base: Rice or quinoa
Protein: Shredded chicken mixed with gochujang (Korean chili paste) and soy sauce
Veggies: Kimchi, sautéed spinach, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced radishes
Toppings: Sesame seeds and a fried egg (optional)
Dressing: Extra gochujang or a drizzle of sesame oil
Why It Works:
The bold, spicy flavors of gochujang combined with the nutty grains create a meal that’s both exciting and comforting.
4. Mexican Chicken Buddha Bowl
Ingredients:
Base: Rice or quinoa
Protein: Shredded chicken tossed with taco seasoning
Veggies: Black beans, roasted corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce
Toppings: Avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream
Dressing: Salsa or creamy chipotle ranch
Why It Works:
This bowl brings a fiesta to your dinner table with its vibrant, zesty flavors and hearty ingredients.
5. Harvest Buddha Bowl
Ingredients:
Base: Rice or quinoa
Protein: Shredded chicken with a touch of rosemary and garlic
Veggies: Roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and baby spinach
Toppings: Dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese
Dressing: Maple Dijon vinaigrette
Why It Works:
Perfect for cozy evenings, this bowl combines warm, earthy flavors with a touch of sweetness for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Why Rice or Quinoa?
Rice: A classic option with a mild flavor that complements bold toppings and dressings.
Quinoa: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a lighter option with a slightly nutty taste.
Pro Tip:
Make a batch of both rice and quinoa at the start of the week and mix them up to enjoy variety without extra effort.
Which one of these bowls will grace your table tonight? Both rice and quinoa will do the heavy lifting, so all you have to do is assemble and enjoy!
