Coconut Cauliflower Rice Buddha Bowl: A Nourishing Plant-Based Feast
A wholesome Buddha bowl featuring baked tofu,coconut-infused cauliflower rice, fresh vegetables, and a rich peanut sauce.Perfect for a balanced, plant-based meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Plant-Based, vegan
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
For the Baked Tofu:
- 1 package 300g firm or extra-firm tofu
- 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch optional, for crispier tofu
For the Coconut Cauliflower Rice:
- 1 small head of cauliflower riced (approx. 800g or 6 heaping cups chopped)
- 1 cup 250 mL of reduced-fat coconut milk
- ½ to 1 teaspoon of sea salt adjusted to your preference
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ - 1 tsp sea salt to taste
- ½ cup chopped cilantro optional
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ½ cup light coconut milk use the remainder of the can from the cauliflower rice
- 5 tbsp natural peanut or almond butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Bowl:
- 4 cups chopped and steamed broccoli 1 cup per bowl
- 1 cup grated carrot ¼ cup per bowl
- 4 handfuls greens of choice e.g., chopped romaine or spinach
- 4 tbsp sesame seeds 1 tbsp per bowl
Prepare the Tofu:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Squeeze out the excess moisture from the tofu, then slice it into bite-sized cubes.
Toss the tofu with soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and arrowroot powder (if using) for a crispier texture.
Spread the tofu evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Make the Coconut Cauliflower Rice:
While the tofu bakes, rice the cauliflower by pulsing florets in a food processor until it resembles rice. You can also grate it by hand.
In a large skillet, add the light coconut milk, shredded coconut, garlic powder, and sea salt.
Stir in the cauliflower rice and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and has absorbed the flavors. Stir in chopped cilantro if using.
Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
In a small saucepan, whisk together the remaining coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, minced garlic, sweet chili sauce, rice wine vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt.
Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring until it’s smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Buddha Bowls:
Divide the steamed broccoli, grated carrot, and greens between four bowls.
Add a generous portion of coconut cauliflower rice and top with baked tofu.
Drizzle each bowl with the peanut sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.