Crispy Tofu Rainbow Buddha Bowls

Buddha Bowls are a new favorite meal in our house.  These crispy tofu rainbow Buddha Bowls are easily customized and can be served deconstructed for picky eaters, ensuring everyone has a healthy dinner they will enjoy.

What is a Buddha Bowl?

The first few times I served these Rainbow Buddha Bowls for dinner, my boys kept asking “what is a Buddha Bowl”?  Simply put, a Buddha Bowl is a bowl packed with a variety of veggies, a grain or starch, and some type of plant-based protein.  Bon Appetite has a great story discussing the history of the Buddha Bowl if you want to read more (link).

Veggie Buddha Bowls are a Healthy Family Meal

To make Buddha Bowls your whole family will enjoy, simply use ingredients your family loves.  Customize your bowls with an assortment of favorite vegetables.  When we first started eating these Rainbow Buddha Bowls, my preschooler wouldn’t eat tofu, so I made sure to always include shelled edamame and quinoa for additional protein options.

Rainbow Buddha Bowl Vegetable Options:

• Bell Peppers (Red and Yellow especially for color)
• Sliced carrots
• Baby spinach
• Shelled edamame
• Sliced cucumber
• Shredded red cabbage
• Steamed baby bok choy
• Broccoli florets
• Cauliflower florets

Grain and Starch Suggestions for Rainbow Buddha Bowls:

• Quinoa
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Steamed brown rice
• Buckwheat soba noodles

Tips & Tricks for Rainbow Buddha Bowls

• Leftovers are a great way to add variety to Buddha bowls.  When roasting sweet potatoes or other veggies for dinner, consider doubling the quantity for a second meal.  Whole grains like quinoa and rice are another great make-ahead or reheated component of these Buddha bowls!
• Frozen veggies are a huge timesaver when it comes to creating colorful Buddha bowls with a variety of vegetables.  In addition to being washed and pre-cut, most frozen vegetables are blanched (quickly cooked) ahead of freezing. (Have you ever wondered if frozen veggies are as healthy as fresh?  Check out this post comparing vitamin content in fresh and frozen veggies!)

Tested and delicious soy substitutions:

• Tempeh can be used in place of firm tofu for a fermented-soy option.  Tempeh has a firm texture compared with pressed tofu, so there is no need to press tempeh to remove water.  If using tempeh, reduce roasting time to 10 minutes
• Low sodium soy sauce can be used in place of tamari for the crispy tofu (recipe will not be gluten-free)
• Coconut aminos can be used in place of tamari if you want a soy-free and gluten-free option

Crispy Tofu Rainbow Buddha Bowl Recipe

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