Kimchi Brown Rice Bliss Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these Kimchi Brown Rice Bliss Bowls because they’re flavorful, colorful, and packed with texture. The nutty brown rice complements the tangy, spicy kimchi, while fresh vegetables and protein make it a complete, balanced meal. It’s easily customizable, meal-prep friendly, and can be enjoyed warm or chilled. Whether you’re craving something comforting or fresh, this bowl delivers pure bliss in every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bowl:

• Cooked brown rice
• Kimchi, chopped
• Carrots, shredded
• Cucumber, sliced
• Spinach or kale, lightly sautéed or steamed
• Avocado, sliced
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds
• Olive oil or sesame oil

Protein Options (choose one or mix):

• Fried or poached egg
• Crispy tofu or tempeh
• Grilled chicken or shrimp (optional)

For the Sauce:

• Soy sauce or tamari
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha
• Rice vinegar
• Honey or maple syrup
• Sesame oil
• Garlic, minced

Directions

1. Cook the rice: Prepare brown rice according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.
2. Prepare the vegetables: Shred carrots, slice cucumbers, and lightly sauté spinach or kale in a bit of sesame oil.
3. Cook the protein: Pan-fry tofu until golden or cook your preferred protein as desired.
4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and garlic until smooth.
5. Assemble the bowls: Divide brown rice among serving bowls.
6. Top with ingredients: Arrange kimchi, vegetables, avocado, and protein over the rice.
7. Drizzle with sauce: Spoon the gochujang dressing over the top and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
8. Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add Crunch: Sprinkle roasted seaweed, peanuts, or crispy shallots on top.
• Make It Vegan: Use tofu or tempeh for protein and maple syrup instead of honey.
• Spicy Upgrade: Add extra gochujang or a drizzle of chili oil.
• Grain Swap: Try quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice instead of brown rice.
• Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, roasted sweet potato, or zucchini for more texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the rice and protein before serving, and add the kimchi, avocado, and sauce fresh. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Avoid freezing as it changes the texture of the vegetables and rice.

FAQs

1. Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, white rice works perfectly if you prefer a softer texture and quicker cooking time.

2. Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat from the kimchi and gochujang, but you can adjust it to taste.

3. Can I make it vegan?

Yes, simply use tofu or tempeh for protein and maple syrup in the sauce.

4. What kind of kimchi works best?

Traditional napa cabbage kimchi or radish kimchi are both great options.

5. How can I make it gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your gochujang is gluten-free.

6. Can I serve this cold?

Absolutely! It’s delicious both warm and chilled, making it great for meal prep.

7. How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days if stored properly in airtight containers.

8. Can I add an egg on top?

Yes, a fried or poached egg adds richness and a bibimbap-style touch.

9. What can I use instead of gochujang?

Sriracha or chili garlic sauce are good substitutes for a similar kick.

10. Can I meal prep this bowl?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep—just store the sauce and avocado separately until serving.

Conclusion

Kimchi Brown Rice Bliss Bowls are a delicious harmony of flavor, color, and nutrition. With hearty brown rice, spicy kimchi, and a mix of crisp veggies and savory sauce, this bowl is both comforting and refreshing. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, it brings together the best of wholesome ingredients and bold Korean-inspired taste for a truly blissful meal experience.

Kimchi Brown Rice Bliss Bowls

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Kimchi Brown Rice Bliss Bowls are a vibrant fusion of Korean-inspired flavors featuring nutty brown rice, spicy kimchi, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet gochujang sauce. Packed with nutrients and texture, this bowl is satisfying, colorful, and energizing.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Korean Fusion
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 2 cups spinach or kale, lightly sautéed or steamed
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
• Protein options: 4 fried or poached eggs, or 1 block (14 oz) tofu or tempeh, or 1 lb grilled chicken/shrimp
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.
2. Shred carrots, slice cucumbers, and lightly sauté spinach or kale in a bit of sesame oil.
3. Pan-fry tofu until golden or prepare your preferred protein such as an egg, chicken, or shrimp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
5. Divide brown rice among serving bowls.
6. Top each bowl with kimchi, carrots, cucumber, spinach or kale, avocado, and protein.
7. Drizzle the gochujang sauce over the top and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use tamari and gluten-free gochujang for a gluten-free version.
• Swap honey for maple syrup to keep it vegan.
• Try adding roasted seaweed, peanuts, or crispy shallots for crunch.
• Store components separately and add avocado and sauce fresh before serving.
• Enjoy warm, chilled, or at room temperature.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 0mg