"Vibrant vegan Buddha bowl with drizzled tahini sauce, served on a clean background."

Vibrant Vegan Buddha Bowl with Tahini Sauce

/ Vegan Recipes / By

Vibrant Vegan Buddha Bowl with Tahini Sauce

A nourishing, customizable bowl packed with protein, roasted vegetables, and creamy tahini dressing

KEY INFO
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: 450 per serving
  • Protein: 15g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Diet: Vegan, Gluten-free optional
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
  • Large baking sheet
  • Saucepan or rice cooker
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Small bowl for sauce
  • Kitchen towels or tofu press

*No fancy tools? Use a jar to shake dressing and stack heavy books to press tofu*

INGREDIENTS
Base
  • 2 cups brown rice or quinoa (400g)
  • 4 cups water (960ml)
Protein (choose one)
  • 1 block extra-firm tofu (400g)
  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained (480g)
Vegetables
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed (400g)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (200g)
  • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded (100g)
  • 1 ripe avocado
Tahini Sauce
  • ¼ cup tahini (60g)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Water to thin
  • Salt to taste

METHOD
  1. Start your grain base
    • Rinse rice/quinoa thoroughly
    • Cook according to package instructions
    • Let stand 5 minutes after cooking
  2. Prepare protein
    • If using tofu: Press for 15 minutes, cube, season with soy sauce
    • If using chickpeas: Drain, pat dry, season with cumin and paprika
  3. Roast vegetables
    • Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C
    • Toss sweet potatoes and broccoli with oil and seasonings
    • Spread on baking sheet
    • Roast for 25–30 minutes until edges are golden
  4. Make tahini sauce
    • Whisk tahini with lemon juice and maple syrup
    • Add water gradually until pourable
    • Season to taste
  5. Assemble bowls
    • Layer grain base
    • Add roasted vegetables
    • Top with protein
    • Garnish with cabbage and avocado
    • Drizzle with sauce

Colorful buddha bowl filled with variety of fresh vegetables and grains

CRUCIAL TIPS
  • Press tofu thoroughly – wet tofu won’t crisp
  • Keep vegetables spaced apart on baking sheet
  • Make sauce slightly thinner than desired – it will thicken
  • Season each component separately
Storage & Prep
  • Store components separately up to 4 days
  • Keep sauce in sealed jar
  • Cut avocado just before serving
Common Mistakes
  • Overcrowding the roasting pan
  • Under-seasoning components
  • Making sauce too thick
Variations
  • Swap sweet potato for butternut squash
  • Try different grains like farro or barley
  • Use different sauces (peanut, miso, etc.)

Remember: A great Buddha bowl is all about balance – aim for a mix of textures, colors, and flavors in every bite!