Zesty Spring Quinoa Power Bowl
Experience a vibrant combination of flavors and textures with this Zesty Spring Quinoa Power Bowl! This quick and healthy vegetarian dish features fluffy quinoa and an assortment of fresh, crunchy vegetables, all complemented by a tangy, Asian-inspired dressing. Rich in protein from quinoa and edamame, this nourishing bowl is not only customizable to suit your taste preferences, but it also packs well for next-day lunches. Indulge in the delightful mix of peanut butter and chili sauce that gives it a unique twist while the lime juice adds a refreshing zing. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this bowl is sure to become a favorite that brightens up your spring meals.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1/2 cup (Rinsed and drained)
water
1 cup (For cooking quinoa)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning quinoa)
peanut butter
3 tablespoons (Smooth, for dressing)
sweet Thai chili sauce
3 tablespoons (For dressing)
lime juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed, for dressing)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (For dressing)
ginger
1 tablespoon (Finely grated, for dressing)
sesame oil
2 teaspoons (For dressing)
mini Shanghai bok choy
4 (Trimmed and sliced lengthwise)
asparagus
6 thin (Ends snapped and cut diagonally)
peanut oil
1 tablespoon (For stir-frying)
frozen shelled edamame
1/3 cup (For stir-frying)
carrot
1/3 cup (Coarsely grated, for topping)
large radish
1 (Coarsely grated, optional topping)
mixed sprouts
1/4 cup (Your favorite variety, for garnish)
peanuts
2 tablespoons (Coarsely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Rinse the quinoa in a strainer under cold running water. Drain thoroughly.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, 1 cup of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
3
While the quinoa cooks, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sweet Thai chili sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, and sesame oil until smooth.
4
Trim the ends off the mini Shanghai bok choy and slice each piece lengthwise into quarters. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus and slice the spears diagonally into 2-inch pieces.
5
In a large non-stick frying pan, heat the peanut or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the bok choy, asparagus, and frozen edamame. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the vegetables are just tender, adding a splash of water if they begin to stick to the pan.
6
Pour in about 1/3 of the peanut butter sauce, tossing to coat the vegetables. Stir-fry for an additional minute until everything is heated through.
7
To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked quinoa into two or three serving bowls. Top with the stir-fried vegetable mixture, then sprinkle with coarsely grated carrots, optional grated radish, and mixed sprouts. Drizzle with any remaining peanut sauce and finish with a sprinkle of coarsely chopped peanuts.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Spring Quinoa Power Bowl?
It is a vibrant, healthy vegetarian dish featuring fluffy quinoa, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Zesty Spring Quinoa Power Bowl is a completely vegetarian dish.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa?
The quinoa takes approximately 15 minutes to simmer once it has reached a boil.
What are the ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing consists of peanut butter, sweet Thai chili sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
Can this recipe be used for meal prep?
Yes, this nourishing bowl packs well and is excellent for next-day lunches.
What vegetables are included in the stir-fry portion?
The stir-fry includes mini Shanghai bok choy, thin asparagus, and frozen shelled edamame.
What provides the protein in this power bowl?
The primary protein sources are the quinoa and the edamame.
How do I prepare the quinoa before cooking?
You should rinse the quinoa in a strainer under cold running water and drain it thoroughly before starting.
What gives the dressing its zesty flavor?
The combination of fresh lime juice, ginger, and sweet Thai chili sauce provides the zesty zing.
Can I customize the ingredients in this bowl?
Yes, the bowl is highly customizable to suit your individual taste preferences.
What type of oil is best for stir-frying the vegetables?
The recipe recommends using either peanut oil or vegetable oil for the stir-fry.
How should I cut the mini Shanghai bok choy?
Trim off the ends and slice each piece lengthwise into quarters.
What is the best way to prepare the asparagus?
Snap off the tough ends and slice the spears diagonally into 2-inch pieces.
How long should the vegetables be stir-fried?
They should be stir-fried for about 3 minutes until they are just tender.
What should I do if the vegetables start sticking to the pan?
You can add a small splash of water to the pan if the vegetables begin to stick.
How much dressing should I add to the pan during stir-frying?
Pour in about one-third of the prepared peanut butter sauce while the vegetables are in the pan.
What toppings are added to the bowl after assembly?
The bowl is topped with grated carrots, optional radish, mixed sprouts, and chopped peanuts.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to be divided into two or three serving bowls.
What kind of sprouts are recommended?
You can use any of your favorite varieties of mixed sprouts for the garnish.
Is the radish a mandatory ingredient?
No, the coarsely grated radish is an optional topping.
What is the purpose of rinsing the quinoa?
Rinsing helps remove the natural bitter coating (saponin) from the quinoa seeds.
How do I know when the quinoa is finished cooking?
The quinoa is done when all the water is absorbed and the grains can be fluffed with a fork.
Is the dressing smooth or chunky?
The dressing should be whisked until it is completely smooth.
Can I use fresh edamame instead of frozen?
Yes, though the recipe specifies frozen shelled edamame for convenience.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for standard soy sauce, but you can use tamari if you prefer.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish features a mix of fluffy quinoa and crunchy, fresh vegetables.
Is this a light or heavy meal?
It is described as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, making it versatile.
How should I finish the dressing?
Drizzle any remaining peanut sauce over the assembled bowls before adding the peanut garnish.
What provides the final crunch to the bowl?
The coarsely chopped peanuts provide a satisfying crunch at the end.
Should this dish be served hot or cold?
The recipe recommends serving it immediately after the stir-fry is complete to enjoy the fresh flavors.