Noodles are generally considered one of the most nourishing ‘fast foods’ on earth. That was enough to inspire me to fulfil a special request from a beautiful friend of mine to create an “everyday” healthy protein bowl that puts the fast-food version to shame! This simple, “on-the-go” recipe can be enjoyed both hot AND cold, with an easy yet satisfying homemade soy-ginger sauce! Think BIG BOWL, black rice, noodles, marinated crispy tofu, fresh veg, creamy avocado, seeds and herbs all mixed into a delightful Asian sauce only waiting to be twirled up, raised high above your head (I’m talking’ super high!) and lowered smack dab into your hungry mouth! Right?…… totally.
Hiiiii Dee, this one’s for you girl!
“Nat, I need a tasty, simple, everyday, “hectic-life”, protein bowl that I can enjoy for lunch and/or dinner throughout the week that is both nutritious and filling”…. Promise delivered! 🙂
Anyone that really knows me knows I am always up for a challenge. I LOVE challenging myself to new things in life, whether it be a tiny “I can totally do this” challenge, OR a “Nat your insanely crazy and probably shouldn’t be doing this” challenge. Either way, I love them all and truly believe not over thinking things is the key to personal growth in life. If I thought about absolutely everything to the fullest extent I probably wouldn’t have tried doing half of them which would amount to me having regrets, leaving me to wonder what the outcome would have been.
This little challenge in particular was brought to my attention a few weekends ago by a lovely friend of mine who lives in downtown Toronto. Enough said?…. She leads a busy, city, go-go-go lifestyle and surrounds herself with the hustle and bustle of big city living. Where every 10 steps there appears a tempting fast-food restaurant calling her name. Healthy options are amongst them however at a high price tag. Once and a while we all have to do it, spend a little more to get a quick, healthy, good quality meal. However, I wouldn’t recommend making a habit of it. Especially when you can whip up this bad boy in under 30minutes using just a few simple ingredients. No rocket science necessary.
Once all of these yummy ingredients have been food prepped they should be sealed up into air-tight containers and refrigerated. Taking only 30 minutes to prepare and lasting up to 5 days in the refrigerator this recipe is an absolute no-brainer! It is a perfect way to use up any sad, lonely veggies in your fridge, and I can guarantee you it will put a smile on your face as you toss all of the colourful ingredients into a bowl and literally eat the rainbow!
For those of you who have never cooked Black Rice Noodles they are completely organic and wheat & gluten-free. I like to use King Soba’s brand of noodles as they contain several times more protein and minerals than ordinary white rice noodles, are rich in iron, calcium, zinc, manganese, selenium, and B vitamins. King Soba Organic Black Rice Noodles are also kosher, ideal for vegetarians, vegans, and celiacs. These and other varieties of King Soba noodles provide a quick and healthy food alternative to pasta’s and other rice dishes. You will notice there black rice noodles turn a deep purple color when cooked, rendering a deliciously nutty flavor.
This BIG BOWL of goodness will leave you satisfied, full, and after the final slurp you will already start to dream about the next one, wishing it was tomorrow already!!!
So Dee, I hope this recipe soothes your soul and warms your heart as much as it does mine. Enjoy babe!
As previously mentioned the ingredients listed can EASILY be swapped for any other fresh veggies you have on hand, no rules people! Just load em’ up and add the protein of your choice! Whether it be legumes, grains, seasonal vegetables, adding fish, meat, boiled eggs, nuts, and so on. Anything and everything can be thrown into this crazy delicious power bowl. Just don’t forget to save some extra sauce to pour on top of your daily creation!
This recipe would be perfect for your next dinner party as a “BUILD-YOUR-OWN ASIAN NOODLE BOWL” night with friends and family! Chop up and prepare all of your ingredients and place them in separate bowls in the middle of the table. Have your guests bring over there own favourite BIG bowl and notice how many different variations and styles everyone will personally create using all of the colourful ingredients you have laid before them!
Happy Thursday Everyone!
(vegan) 
(gluten-free) 
(dairy-free)
Nutritional information calculated per serving with a total of 6 servings, including all ingredients listed and soy-ginger sauce.
