Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a vibrant twist on a Vietnamese classic! Our Veggie Quinoa Banh Mi Bowls are not just a feast for the eyes, but also a wholesome, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a delightful mix of crunchy veggies and fluffy quinoa, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with fresh flavors that will leave you craving more. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to bring a taste of Vietnam to your kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables: thinly slice cucumber, julienne the carrot, and slice the red bell pepper into thin strips.
- Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the quinoa, gently mixing to ensure even coating and flavor distribution.
- Arrange the sliced vegetables over the quinoa in separate sections for a colorful presentation.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, adding a bright, herbal note to the dish.
- Serve immediately in individual bowls, allowing each person to mix the vegetables and quinoa as desired.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to eliminate its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this task.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: To achieve that light and fluffy texture, let the quinoa sit covered for an additional 5 minutes after cooking before fluffing it with a fork.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables! Radishes, cabbage, or even avocado can make excellent additions to your Banh Mi bowls.
- Add Some Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to elevate the flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance! Store the quinoa and veggies separately in the fridge, and mix them together just before serving for a fresh meal any time.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro! It adds a burst of herbal freshness that complements the dish beautifully.
- Serving Style: Serve in individual bowls to allow everyone to customize their portions, mixing the quinoa and veggies to their liking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
