Fermented Vegetable Bowl Fusion (Printable version)

Kimchi, grains, veggies, and flavorful dressing combine for a colorful, nourishing vegetarian bowl.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup brown rice or quinoa, uncooked
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Fermented Vegetables

04 - 1 cup kimchi, chopped (vegetarian if needed)
05 - 1/2 cup sauerkraut (optional)

→ Fresh Vegetables

06 - 1 cup shredded carrots
07 - 1 cup cucumber, sliced
08 - 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
09 - 1 avocado, sliced
10 - 2 radishes, thinly sliced
11 - 1/4 cup scallions, sliced

→ 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)

# How to Make It:

01 - Rinse the grains thoroughly, then combine with water and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook according to the package instructions; expect approximately 25 minutes for brown rice or 15 minutes for quinoa. Once grains are tender, fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly.
02 - Shred carrots, slice cucumber, avocado, radishes, and scallions. Set prepared vegetables aside for assembly.
03 - If using tofu, pat dry and cut into cubes. Optionally, pan-sear tofu in a nonstick pan with a splash of oil over medium heat until uniformly golden. Alternatively, use cooked edamame.
04 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup or honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic until fully blended.
05 - Divide cooked grains evenly among four serving bowls. Arrange kimchi, optional sauerkraut, fresh vegetables, and protein on top of grains, distributing ingredients attractively.
06 - Drizzle each bowl with dressing. Finish with toasted sesame seeds, optional sliced nori, and chili flakes.
07 - Present immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Relies on simple pantry and fridge staples
  • Packed with probiotics from fermented veggies
  • Ready in under one hour
  • Endlessly customizable for taste and dietary needs
  • Makes meal prep easy and fun
02 -
  • Rich in fiber and vitamins thanks to diverse vegetables
  • Probiotic power from kimchi and sauerkraut helps gut health
  • Completely customizable for different dietary needs
  • Easily doubles for batch meal prep
  • Lower in calories but truly filling
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet until fragrant—this simple step brings the flavor to life
  • Taste your kimchi before adding so the bowl’s acidity is balanced and nothing overpowers
  • Slice vegetables thin so each spoonful blends texture and keeps the bowl easy to eat