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+ servings
A vibrant vegetarian rice bowls recipe featuring brown rice topped with sliced avocado, cucumber, edamame, seaweed, and a drizzle of sauce.

The Ultimate Rice Bowls Recipes Guide for Beginners

This recipe guides you through making a simple, satisfying rice bowl perfect for beginner cooks. It uses basic ingredients layered together for a flavorful meal. This simple assembly process shows how easy it is to create balanced bowls.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients
  

For the Rice Bowl
Sesame-Miso Dressing

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or rice cooker
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Cook the brown rice according to package directions. While the rice cooks, blanch the frozen edamame in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sesame-Miso Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, toasted sesame oil, mirin, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds until smooth. Add a teaspoon of water if the dressing seems too thick.
  3. Prepare the remaining ingredients: slice the cucumbers and avocados. Cut the toasted nori sheets into thin strips.
  4. Assemble the bowls. Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among four serving bowls.
  5. Arrange the toppings over the rice. Place portions of edamame, spinach, sliced cucumber, and sliced avocado neatly on top of the rice in each bowl.
  6. Finish the bowls. Drizzle each serving with a splash of extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, sea salt, black pepper, and the nori strips.
  7. Serve immediately with the Sesame-Miso Dressing on the side for drizzling.

Notes

This recipe is a base for creativity. Feel free to substitute the brown rice with white rice or quinoa. You can add cooked protein like chicken or tofu if you want a heartier meal. The key is layering textures and flavors.

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