A wholesome bowl with kimchi, grains, fresh vegetables, and savory dressing for lunch or dinner.
# Components:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup uncooked brown rice or quinoa
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Fermented Vegetables
04 - 1 cup chopped kimchi (ensure vegetarian if needed)
05 - 1/2 cup sauerkraut (optional, for variety)
→ Fresh Vegetables
06 - 1 cup shredded carrots
07 - 1 cup sliced cucumber
08 - 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
09 - 1 avocado, sliced
10 - 2 radishes, thinly sliced
11 - 1/4 cup sliced scallions
→ Protein (optional)
12 - 1 cup cooked edamame or firm tofu, cubed
→ Dressing
13 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
14 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
15 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
16 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
17 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
18 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
→ Toppings
19 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
20 - 1 sheet nori, sliced (optional)
21 - Chili flakes (optional)
# Method:
01 - Rinse the brown rice or quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Combine grains, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 25 minutes if using brown rice or 15 minutes for quinoa until tender. Fluff with a fork and cool slightly.
02 - Shred carrots using a box grater or food processor. Slice cucumber, avocado, radishes, and scallions with a chef's knife. Arrange the vegetables in separate bowls for easy assembly.
03 - If using tofu, pat dry and cube evenly. Optionally, pan-sear the tofu in a nonstick pan with a drizzle of oil over medium heat until golden on all sides. Alternatively, use cooked edamame.
04 - Whisk together soy sauce or tamari, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup or honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small mixing bowl until emulsified.
05 - Divide the cooked grains into four individual serving bowls. Arrange kimchi, sauerkraut (if using), fresh vegetables, and protein atop the grains in each bowl.
06 - Drizzle the prepared dressing over each bowl. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, nori strips, and chili flakes if desired.
07 - Serve bowls immediately while vegetables and grains are fresh.
