Zesty Asian Fusion Veggie Pasta Bowl
Elevate your meal prep with this vibrant and nutritious Zesty Asian Fusion Veggie Pasta Bowl. Bursting with flavors from fresh and sautéed vegetables, this salad offers a beautiful mix of textures, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Quick and easy to prepare, it's also highly adaptable, allowing you to use whatever veggies you have available. Whether you prefer them raw, lightly sautéed, or fully cooked, the delicious sauce infuses every bite with a tangy, savory essence. With its eye-catching colors and delightful crunch, this pasta bowl is a great way to sneak in nutritious ingredients, even those veggies that typically get left behind in the fridge. Enjoy it as a filling main dish or a refreshing side, perfect for a summer picnic or a quick lunch at home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
untoasted sesame oil or olive oil
1 tablespoon (as is)
toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon (optional)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (as is)
vinegar
1/4 cup (as is)
tamari
1/4 cup (as is)
water
1/4 cup (as is)
maple syrup
1 teaspoon (as is)
broccoli
1 cup (chopped)
mushroom
1 cup (sliced)
sea salt
1 pinch (as is)
tomato
1 (diced)
alfalfa sprout
1/2 cup (as is)
green onion
1 (chopped)
brown rice pasta
200 g (cooked)
hijiki seaweed
1 teaspoon (soaked in water, chopped (optional))
cashews
1 tablespoon (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the untoasted sesame oil (or olive oil), minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently to avoid burning the garlic, and cook until fragrant.
2
Once the garlic is lightly golden, slowly stir in the vinegar, tamari, water, and maple syrup. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to simmer, stirring occasionally, while you prepare the other ingredients.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped broccoli and sliced mushrooms, sprinkling a pinch of sea salt over the top. For added flavor, drizzle with a little tamari. Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid and shake gently to coat the vegetables. Let them marinate for about 5 minutes.
4
As the vegetables marinate, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the brown rice pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinated vegetables, diced tomatoes, chopped green onion, and optional soaked and chopped hijiki seaweed. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and gently toss to ensure everything is coated evenly.
6
Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture, tossing again to combine. Serve the salad in bowls and garnish with chopped cashews for added crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Asian Fusion Veggie Pasta Bowl?
It is a vibrant and nutritious meal prep dish featuring brown rice pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy Asian-inspired sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like tamari and maple syrup.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 200g of cooked brown rice pasta.
How do I make the sauce for the pasta bowl?
Combine oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a pan, then stir in vinegar, tamari, water, and maple syrup and simmer.
Can I use olive oil instead of sesame oil?
Yes, you can use either untoasted sesame oil or olive oil for the base of the sauce.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The bowl includes broccoli, mushrooms, diced tomato, alfalfa sprouts, and green onion.
How should the broccoli and mushrooms be prepared?
They should be chopped and sliced, then marinated with sea salt and tamari for about 5 minutes.
Is there a spicy element to this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of red pepper flakes is added to the sauce for a hint of heat.
What sweetener is used in the sauce?
One teaspoon of maple syrup is used to balance the savory flavors.
What is the purpose of marinating the vegetables?
Marinating the broccoli and mushrooms with salt and tamari enhances their flavor before they are mixed with the pasta.
How do I prepare the garlic for the sauce?
One garlic clove should be minced and cooked until fragrant in oil.
Is hijiki seaweed mandatory for this recipe?
No, the hijiki seaweed is an optional ingredient for added flavor and nutrition.
How do I prepare the hijiki seaweed if I use it?
It should be soaked in water and then chopped before being added to the vegetable mixture.
What provides the crunch in this pasta bowl?
Chopped cashews used as a garnish provide a delightful crunch to the dish.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, it is tagged as a meal prep recipe and is excellent for making ahead of time.
What are the main flavor notes of the sauce?
The sauce is tangy and savory, infused with garlic, vinegar, and tamari.
How long does it take to marinate the vegetables?
The vegetables only need about 5 minutes to marinate in the salt and tamari.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, since it uses brown rice pasta and tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to this bowl?
Yes, the recipe is highly adaptable and allows you to use whatever veggies you have available in your fridge.
How many green onions should I use?
The recipe calls for one chopped green onion.
Should the pasta be warm or cold when mixed?
The instructions suggest letting the cooked pasta cool before adding it to the vegetable mixture.
Is this a good dish for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing side perfect for a summer picnic or a quick lunch.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 17 ingredients listed in this recipe.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Stir the minced garlic gently over medium heat and avoid overcooking it before adding the liquids.
How much vinegar is used in the sauce?
The sauce requires 1/4 cup of vinegar.
Can I use toasted sesame oil?
Toasted sesame oil is listed as an optional ingredient to enhance the Asian flavor profile.
How much tamari is needed for the sauce?
The sauce requires 1/4 cup of tamari.
What is the role of alfalfa sprouts in the recipe?
They are added to the mix for additional texture and nutritional value.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is a filling dish that can be served as a main dish or a side.
Does the recipe use sea salt?
Yes, a pinch of sea salt is used specifically during the vegetable marination step.