Asian Buddha Bowl

Asian Bowl is the perfect way to enjoy fresh veggies for lunch or dinner. Ready in just 12 minutes, this buddha bowl with peanut sauce is with flavor and easy to make. Made with zucchini noodles, chopped veggies and quinoa, this zoodle bowl is the perfect meal to enjoy when you want something light but filling.

If you love nourishing bowls like this that are easy to prep and packed with flavor, you have to try this Green Goddess Bowl or Mexican Buddha Bowl recipe.

Why you will love this recipe

• No cooking required
• Filling vegetarian meal
• Great alternative to salad
• Great for meal prep
• Customizable

Ingredients

• Zucchini – spiralized into zucchini noodles (zoodles)
• Quinoa (cooked) – you could also use rice, cauliflower rice or your favorite grains in the zoodle bowl.
• Shredded carrots (optional) – I like to buy pre-shredded carrots, but you can also shred your own carrots using the food processor or hand grater.
• Sugar snap peas (optional) – sugar snap peas add a great crunch to this buddha bowl and a slight layer of sweetness.
• Sliced radish (optional) – radish adds great crunch and a slightly spicy bite.

Peanut Dressing Ingredients

• Peanut butter – peanut butter helps make this dressing creamy, rich and
• Coconut aminos – coconut aminos are a soy free substitute for soy sauce. They are also gluten free and add a very deep, rich flavor to the sauce.
• Rice wine vinegar – this helps to cut through the peanut butter and adds a bit of tang to the dressing
• Ground ginger, garlic powder, salt – the spices help to add flavor to the dressing without much cost.

How to make asian buddha bowl

Start by mixing up the peanut dressing ingredients together in a bowl and allow to sit to let the flavors start to blend together.

Reheat the quinoa. (Cook quinoa in the instant pot or on the stove if you don’t have any frozen).

Spiralize the zucchini and divide it into 2 bowls.

Chop the sugar snap peas, radish and any other veggies you choose to use and add them on top of the zucchini noodles.

Spoon out the quinoa (or other grains) on top of the zucchini noodles.

Pour the peanut dressing over the buddha bowl and stir well.

Tips for the most successful zoodle Bowl

Prep:

• Use frozen quinoa (defrosted and just heated through) or buy 90 second cooked quinoa so no cooking is required.
• Make extra peanut sauce – stores well for 5 days in the fridge.

Customize:

• Add your favorite protein to make it even more filling
• Swap quinoa for brown rice or cauliflower rice
• Adjust peanut sauce thickness with water or coconut milk
• Use tahini for nut-free option

Other veggies to use

This Asian Zoodle Bowl is very easy to adapt to whatever you have on hand. Feel free to add your favorite veggies as well.

• Daikon radish noodles or carrot noodles for crunch and contrast to the zoodles
• Chopped bell peppers, broccoli slaw or shredded cabbage for crunch and volume
• Sautéed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower
• Cubed or sliced avocado to add even more creamy texture to the bowl.

Other great additions to buddha bowls

• Nuts and seeds add crunch and help to make this vegan buddha bowl even more filling! You could use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, sliced almonds, chopped pecans, walnuts, cashews or even peanuts.
• Spice: I love adding spice and heat to the buddha bowls. Some of my favorite ways to add spice include sriracha (1/2 – 1 tbsp), chili garlic sauce (1/2 – 1 tbsp) or 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes.
• Protein: Add tofu, edamame, tempeh, chickpeas, Asian chicken or air fried teriyaki salmon

Common questions

What is a Buddha Bowl

Buddha bowls combine veggies, grains, veggies, proteins and some sort of fat in one satisfying bowl. They’re known for their colorful ingredients and variety of flavors and textures –the perfect customizable meal.

How to make zoodles (spiralized zucchini noodles)

You will need a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles. I like the models that will suction to the countertop and are easy to clean up. This is my go to spiralizer.

To spiralize a zucchini:

• First wash the zucchini, then cut off the top and the bottom.
• Insert the tray you need to make the appropriate size noodles. You will want spaghetti sized noodles for this bowl.
• Place the zucchini between the handle and the blade. Once secure, start to spin the handle, spiralizing the zucchini.
• Once all the noodles are spiralized, cut them with a knife so they aren’t as long.

Can you buy zoodles at the store?

Yes, many grocery stores have zoodles (zucchini noodles) in the refrigerated section. You can also find them in the frozen foods section (you have to cook these for a few minutes, the texture is different).

Can you double this for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep because the veggies do not wilt quickly. Assemble the Asian buddha bowls (leave the dressing off until right before serving). If you are adding avocado, wait to cut it until right before serving.