A super flavorful and seriously satisfying vegan Thai Tempeh Buddha Bowl, packed full with nutritious foods and drizzled with a simple cashew curry sauce, this meal comes together in just 30 minutes, plus it has 20 grams of plant-based protein and 16 grams of fiber!
This post is sponsored in partnership with NOW Foods. Thank you for supporting the brands I have the pleasure of working with!
YOU GUYS. Oh em geeee I love this Thai Tempeh Buddha Bowl. SO much.
What is a Buddha bowl, you ask? I guess technically when you look up the term, it’s essentially just a large bowl packed with a mixture of raw and/or roasted vegetables, grains, beans perhaps, and typically topped with a sauce. The bowl is packed so high giving it a “Buddha” belly appearance, hence the name “Buddha Bowl”. Of course I’m sure many of you have eaten bowls like this before and not given any thought to whether or not it had a name. I’ve had plenty of Buddha bowls in the past year, truth be told I just didn’t know there was a legit name for such a thing ?
For me though, what takes this particular Buddha bowl over the edge are two things: freekeh and the delicious cashew curry sauce.
![Now Foods Tempeh [Fit Mitten Kitchen]](https://www.fitmittenkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Thai-Tempeh-Buddha-Bowl-8-683x1024.jpg)
Have you ever had freekeh (pronounced “freek-ah”) before? This was my first time and I can tell you right now, I am HOOKED. I absolutely love love love it. Quinoa is great and all, but guys… freekeh is where it’s at. It has the best texture and taste: slightly chewy and subtly nutty with a hint of sweetness. Plus, I don’t know if you saw at the top of the post, but this bowl has a total of 16 grams of fiber in it, with freekeh contributing 3 grams. Yay for fiber and being full!
The other power players in this bowl
red bell pepper
cabbage
roasted sweet potatoes
tempeh
avocado
All piled high in one glorious bowl. Oh, and don’t forget the greens. They’re hiding under all of that goodness, you just can’t see ’em.
I almost forgot! THE SAUCE. It’s a seriously to-die-for mix of cashew butter, curry paste, coconut aminos seasoning (soy-free sauce), and a touch of rice vinegar. YOU MUST make it and cover the bowl with it entirely. It’s so lovely.
Thai Tempeh Buddha Bowl
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Yield: 1 -
Cuisine: Thai
Print Recipe
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A super flavorful and seriously satisfying vegan Thai Tempeh Buddha Bowl, packed full with nutritious foods and drizzled with a simple cashew curry sauce, this meal comes together in just 30 minutes, plus it has 20 grams of plant-based protein and 16 grams of fiber!
Ingredients
- For the bowl:
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/3 container seasoned & cooked tempeh ( I used Lightlife)
- 1/3 cup cooked freekeh (or quinoa, wild rice)
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/4 cup roasted sweet potato, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped avocado
- Cashew curry sauce:
- 1 TBS cashew butter
- 1 TBS coconut milk (canned or carton)
- 1/2 TBS coconut aminos (or soy sauce, tamari)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red curry paste
Instructions
- For the tempeh, I like to chop into cubes and let marinate in mixture of 2 TBS coconut aminos (or tamari/soy sauce), 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 TBS rice vinegar for about 10 minutes. (You can skip marinating, but I think it lends itself to better flavor.) Cook tempeh in medium frying pan on medium heat for about 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- While tempeh is marinating, start the freekeh by placing 1/2 cup freekeh and 1 1/2 cups of water in medium saucepan on medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until water has evaporated.
- To make the sauce, add cashew butter, coconut milk, coconut aminos (or tamari/soy sauce), rice vinegar, and red curry paste in a small bowl and whisk vigorously until combined.
- In a medium serving bowl, add mixed greens, cooked tempeh and freekeh, layer in veggies, and top with curry sauce. This bowl is best eaten fresh, but leftovers will keep in fridge for a couple days.
Notes
–You will have leftover tempeh and freekeh after cooking these items, keep in airtight container in fridge up to 5 days. Use tempeh and freekeh in another Buddha bowl or on top of a salad.
–Nutrition does not include cashew curry sauce
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 4
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 16
- Protein: 20
![Thai Tempeh Buddha Bowl [Fit Mitten Kitchen]](https://www.fitmittenkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Thai-Tempeh-Buddha-Bowl-7-683x1024.jpg)
What’s so great about Buddha bowls is you can easily customize them to your liking. Not a fan of peppers? Add in some carrots. Don’t like tempeh? How about tofu, or chickpeas? Meat-eater? Throw in some shredded chicken, pork, etc. The main idea behind the Buddha bowl is that you’re loading up a bowl with nutritious foods, and getting a good mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. Experiment and play around with your favorites!
SO TELL ME:
- Have you had freekeh before?
- Have you heard of the Buddha bowl?
- What’s your favorite source of plant-based protein??
Happy hump ? day, party people!
SOME OF THE PRODUCTS I USED IN TODAY’S RECIPE
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I loooove me a buddha bowl. I would totally add some chicken or pork in there like you said. Gorgeous!!!
Oh pulled pork would be delicious. I’ll have to try that next! Thanks, Christina <3
Why add animal suffering to something that doesn’t need it? This looks fine!
🙂 Everyone has a different way of eating. I am not here to judge just offer options for those with a variety of diets 🙂
The fact that this has both avocado and sweet potato are making me drool. Plus that cashew curry sauce looks to-die-for. I can’t believe that I’ve never made a buddha bowl before, gotta change that!
I’m sure you’ve had something Buddha bowl-esque, its just now there is a name for it :-p Let me know if you try the sauce, it’s definitely in my weekly rotation 🙂
I loooove a good buddha bowl! I have never tried freekeh but I am pretty sure I would be a fan, especially drizzled in that cashew curry sauce!
I think you should definitely try freekeh ASAP. It’s my new obsession 🙂
I have been eating ALL of my dinners out of a bowl these past 2 weeks….I’m making everything into a “buddha bowl” so to speak, haha! All the more fun!
Bowls are the perfect dinner! Thanks Rebecca 🙂
Ashley this is PERFECTION!! I have been trying to find a new way to eat temph. Last time I made it my stomach was like meh. Going to try it again but marinating it like you said first. YAY!
Oh yay Sam! Let me know how it goes for you 🙂
SERIOUS QUESTION, where do you find that tempeh? i had it in Bali and LOVED it but can’t find it anywhere in Canada. Maybe i’ll have to order it online?! Also obsessed with cashew dressing ATM. Girl you killlllled this recipe. Love that you’re branching into these awesome meals =D
EEEE I wish I could come shop in Toronto with you and search ALL THE GROCERY STORES. I got mine at Wegmans this time (which I know you guys don’t have…). Hmmm would Loblaws carry it?? But I am so happy you’re loving the change, Beverley! I must admit, it feels funny at times, but after I ate this bowl, WOAH. I don’t want to stop.
My vegan friend introduced me to tempeh a few years ago. And it’s my fav ‘meatless’ meal alternative. It’s so versatile and I love the texture. And holy CRAP that sauce! I could throw that stuff on everything!!
I agree! It’s got such a hearty texture, perfect for Meatless Monday 😀 and the sauce is meant to be on pretty much everything, yes. 😉
Oh my gosh! YUM! This looks amazing! Seriously, I’m loving all that color! …and how high in protein and fiber it is! All while being plants based! Wow! Great recipe my friend! And I love “Budda Bowls” such a cute name!
Thanks so much Cailee 🙂 I couldn’t believe the protein and fiber count myself!
Never had freekeh before but it’s on my list of things to try. Along with that cashew curry sauce because damnnnn it sounds good.
Oh DO try the freekeh Giselle! I LOVE IT. Just made another dish with it for the blog next week. The cashew curry sauce is literally going on everything as well 😉
I LOVE BUDDHA BOWLS. Like literally, obsessed. There’s this cafe here in Seattle called Thrive that makes hands-down the best buddha bowls I’ve ever had. I used to live right by the place and spent waaaaaay too much money feeding my BB obsession. I’ve never tried making my own, but this recipe looks so good I just may need to give it a shot 🙂
Oh that place sounds dangerous. There really is something about not always having to make your own food that makes it taste 10x better! You’ll totally have to try making them though, this one definitely hit the spot.
OMG Cashew curry sauce?! Sign me up. I LOVE curry!!
ME TOO. Curry is one of those flavors I just LOVE. It’s great in so many different dishes.
YUM!!! I love one bowl dishes and this one looks fantastic. That sauce… drool. Pinned for later!
Thanks for pinning Carly! You’re the best <3
This Buddha bowl is so on point!!! I’m obsessed with tempeh so I want to dive right in.
I love the texture of tempeh! I think my friend introduced me to it last year or so, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Thanks, Emilie!
I love buddha bowls! Can’t wait to make this one.
Thanks Jill! Enjoy 🙂
Salivating at my laptop right now….
hahaha <3
Loving all of the warm colors in this bowl 🙂 Buddha bowls are AWESOME. Can’t wait to try! Pinned 🙂
Thanks Jess! I hope you love it <3
This Buddha bowl looks soooo delicious! I love tempeh and that cashew curry sauce looks amaaaazing. Totally going to make this 🙂
Thanks so much Mel! I hope you love it as much as I do 🙂
Ahhhhhh! This looks SO good. I love buddha bowls. It’s such a great way to get in a variety of foods! And the cashew sauce sounds ah-mah-zing!
Thanks Lauren! Variety is KEY <3
Hi, can I use almond or peanut butter in place of the cashew butter? Will it still taste the same? Im addicted to all these bowls right now. I’m trying this tomorrow.
Thanks
★★★★★
Hi! Yes- you can sub either almond or peanut butter. The sauce won’t taste the exact same but very similar!! All good options 🙂
My 16 year old vegan daughter made this for dinner! Absolutely delicious! Thanks for the recipe. 🙂
That’s incredible! So glad it was enjoyed. Thank you for taking the time to share with me!