Fermented Vegetable Bowl Grain

Featured in: Everyday Easy Dishes

This vibrant bowl highlights the bold flavors of kimchi and sauerkraut alongside fresh carrots, cucumber, avocado, and greens layered over hearty grains like brown rice or quinoa. Add protein with edamame or tofu, then tie everything together with a tangy soy-sesame-ginger dressing. Top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped nori for crunchy contrast. This bowl is easy to customize for vegan, vegetarian, or even non-vegetarian preferences with your choice of grains and proteins. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for a nourishing lunch or light dinner with minimal effort.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:25:00 GMT
Vibrant fermented vegetable bowl with kimchi, fresh veggies, and hearty grains.  Pin It
Vibrant fermented vegetable bowl with kimchi, fresh veggies, and hearty grains. | fordish.com

A vibrant nourishing bowl featuring tangy kimchi fresh seasonal vegetables hearty grains and a flavorful dressing—perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

The first time I made this fermented vegetable bowl it instantly became a staple in my kitchen. The play between crunchy fresh veggies savory grains and the zesty dressing is satisfying and keeps me feeling energized throughout the day.

Ingredients

  • Brown rice or quinoa: 1 cup (180 g) uncooked
  • Water: 2 cups (480 ml)
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Kimchi: 1 cup (150 g) chopped (ensure vegetarian if needed)
  • Sauerkraut: 1/2 cup (75 g) (optional for variety)
  • Shredded carrots: 1 cup (100 g)
  • Cucumber: 1 cup (80 g) sliced
  • Baby spinach or mixed greens: 1 cup (60 g)
  • Avocado: 1 sliced
  • Radishes: 2 thinly sliced
  • Scallions: 1/4 cup (15 g) sliced
  • Edamame or firm tofu (optional): 1 cup (160 g) cooked or cubed
  • Soy sauce or tamari: 2 tbsp
  • Toasted sesame oil: 1 tbsp
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tbsp
  • Maple syrup or honey: 1 tsp
  • Fresh ginger: 1 tsp grated
  • Garlic clove: 1 small minced
  • Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tbsp
  • Nori: 1 sheet sliced (optional)
  • Chili flakes: as desired (optional)

Instructions

Cook the grains:
Rinse the grains and cook them with water and salt according to package instructions (about 25 minutes for brown rice 15 minutes for quinoa). Once cooked fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
Prepare vegetables:
Shred carrots slice cucumber avocado radishes and scallions.
Prep protein:
If using tofu pat dry and cube. Optionally pansear the tofu in a nonstick pan over medium heat with a splash of oil until golden on all sides.
Make dressing:
In a small bowl whisk together the soy sauce sesame oil rice vinegar maple syrup ginger and garlic to make the dressing.
Assemble bowls:
Divide the cooked grains among four bowls. Arrange kimchi sauerkraut (if using) fresh vegetables and protein on top of the grains.
Add toppings:
Drizzle each bowl with the dressing. Garnish with sesame seeds nori and chili flakes if desired.
Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy.
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Sharing this bowl with my family always sparks conversations about our favorite flavor combinations and encourages everyone to build their own colorful creation at the table.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 350 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 11 g

Serving Suggestions

This bowl pairs perfectly with a crisp dry Riesling or iced green tea for a refreshing meal experience.

Allergen and Dietary Notes

Contains soy (soy sauce tofu edamame kimchi may contain soy) and sesame. Double-check ingredient labels for vegan gluten-free and allergen considerations depending on your needs.

Colorful mixed greens and sliced avocado atop a nourishing fermented vegetable bowl.  Pin It
Colorful mixed greens and sliced avocado atop a nourishing fermented vegetable bowl. | fordish.com

Experiment with seasonal produce to keep this bowl exciting all year round. Enjoy a nourishing meal that is both delicious and beautiful to serve.

Fermented Vegetable Bowl Grain

A colorful bowl combining kimchi, grains, seasonal veggies, and sesame-ginger dressing for a satisfying lunch.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Recipe by Fordish Mia Harper


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Fusion (Korean-inspired)

Result 4 Portion Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian Option, No Dairy

Ingredient List

Grains

01 1 cup brown rice or quinoa, uncooked
02 2 cups water
03 1/2 teaspoon salt

Fermented Vegetables

01 1 cup kimchi, chopped (ensure vegetarian if needed)
02 1/2 cup sauerkraut (optional, for variety)

Fresh Vegetables

01 1 cup shredded carrots
02 1 cup cucumber, sliced
03 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
04 1 avocado, sliced
05 2 radishes, thinly sliced
06 1/4 cup scallions, sliced

Protein

01 1 cup cooked edamame or firm tofu, cubed

Dressing

01 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
02 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
03 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
04 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
05 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
06 1 small garlic clove, minced

Toppings

01 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
02 1 sheet nori, sliced (optional)
03 Chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Cook the grains: Rinse brown rice or quinoa thoroughly and combine with water and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook according to package instructions—approximately 25 minutes for brown rice, 15 minutes for quinoa. Once tender, fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.

Step 02

Prepare fresh vegetables: Wash and prepare all produce. Shred carrots, slice cucumber, avocado, radishes, and scallions evenly for balanced texture and presentation.

Step 03

Prepare protein (if using tofu): If using tofu, pat dry and cube. Optionally, pan-sear tofu in a nonstick pan over medium heat with a small amount of oil until golden brown on all sides.

Step 04

Mix dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup or honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth and well blended.

Step 05

Assemble bowls: Divide the cooked grains between four bowls. Arrange chopped kimchi, sauerkraut if using, fresh vegetables, and protein over the grains, organizing each component attractively.

Step 06

Finish and garnish: Drizzle each bowl with dressing. Top with toasted sesame seeds, nori slices, and chili flakes if desired.

Step 07

Serve: Serve the bowls immediately and enjoy.

Tools Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Chefs knife
  • Cutting board
  • Whisk

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains soy from soy sauce, tofu, edamame, and potentially in kimchi.
  • Contains sesame in toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds.
  • Kimchi may include fish sauce or shellfish; verify vegetarian or vegan options as needed.
  • If using tamari, select gluten-free for those with gluten sensitivity.
  • Always check ingredient labels if allergies are present.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Values provided for reference. Consult your medical provider with questions.
  • Energy Value: 350
  • Lipids: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 11 g