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Vegan Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce

Published Jan 10, 2023 · Modified Feb 2, 2023 · by Alexis Joseph · 73 Comments

Vegan Buddha Bowl with broccoli, carrots, chickpeas and the best peanut sauce! A flavorful one-bowl meal packed with plant protein, great for adults and kids alike. This easy and healthy weeknight recipe makes amazing leftovers, too. Easily gluten free.

Bowls are a very, very hot topic as of late. Thanks to millennial lovin' and social media, beauteous bowls of food haven't gotten any less cool since making their big debut in 2016.

We don't talk about plates the way we so adoringly talk about bowls, now do we? Ease, health, and convenience are the name of the game. That can only mean that my Roasted Veggie Bowl, Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowls and Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Bowls are here to stay!

Pssst: this divine vegan Buddha bowl recipe was inspired by a favorite menu item at a popular restaurant called Northstar back in Columbus, Ohio!

What is a Buddha bowl?

Buddha bowls are a colorful assortment of grains or starchy veg, protein like beans or tofu, veggies, and often sauce. They are usually vegetarian. You may also know them as macro bowls.

They're healthy, vibrant, and nutritionally balanced with complex carbs, protein, and fat. "Buddha" refers to their large roundness, like Buddha's belly. It's all making sense!

Key ingredients

Chickpeas: One can of drained and rinsed chickpeas add a nice texture plus protein to this dish.
Broccoli: I used 1 large head of broccoli and just the florets. You can also buy pre-chopped, or even sub cauliflower.
Brown rice: The hearty base for our bowls. You can use any kind of rice or grain you like, like quinoa or wild rice. Frozen brown rice is great for convenience!
Peanut butter: To make the best peanut sauce! I use natural drippy peanut butter with just peanuts and salt as the two ingredients.
Soy sauce: For amazing umami flavor. I like reduced sodium to keep the salt at bay.
Olive oil: Roasting the veggies in oil helps get that amazing brown color and flavor.
Maple syrup: To add a touch of sweetness for balance. Honey works great, too.
Rice vinegar: Or lime juice for a bit of bright, acidic flavor.
Ginger: Dried or fresh ginger adds amazing flavor!

How to make

An easy and delicious meal in a bowl...coming right up!

First, get the rice cooking.
Chop broccoli and carrots. Place on an extra large baking sheet or two regular ones. Add chickpeas. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes.
Make the sweet and savory peanut sauce by mixing together all the sauce ingredients.
Assemble bowls by placing rice at the bottom topped with veggies and sauce. Devour!

Substitution ideas and dietary swaps

Try sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut free sauce.
Switch up the grain base of the bowl with quinoa, wild rice or even cauliflower rice for a grain free version.
Swap the chickpeas for drained and pressed tofu to amp up the protein.
Use tamari instead if soy sauce to make this meal gluten free.
Use coconut aminos for a soy free Buddha bowl.
Use whatever veggies you have in the fridge, like cauliflower or green beans!

Are Buddha bowls healthy?

This Dietitian says a whopping yes! Loaded with plant protein, whole grains, filling fiber, brain-boosting healthy fats, and antioxidants, this is a hearty meal your body will thank you for eating.

bowl with rice, vegetables, and brown sauce

How long do they keep?

These Buddha bowls will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. I like to store the sauce, rice, and chickpea veggie separately.

More healthy vegan dinners

Click here to see the step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!

About Alexis Joseph

Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!