These broccoli brown rice bowls with tofu, coconut bacon, and almond satay sauce require a few steps but the result is well worth the effort!

A bowl with shredded carrot, broccoli, tofu, kale and a creamy sauce.
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Recipe Features

  • vegan and gluten-free – perfect if you have dietary restrictions (be sure to use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce to make it GF)
  • great for meal prep – make these in advance for delicious readymade lunches all week
  • high in protein – thanks to the tofu, kale and broccoli, these bowls have a good amount of plant-based protein

Ingredient Notes

Kale, broccoli, rice, coconut milk and various sauces in bowls on a countertop.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Make the Tofu

Add the tofu ingredients to a small dish and let it sit while you make the coconut bacon. After you’ve made the coconut bacon (step 2), place the marinated tofu on a baking tray and bake for 30-40 minutes until browned.

Slices of tofu in a small bowl with soy sauce.
Slabs of marinated tofu on a baking tray.

Step 2. Make the Coconut Bacon

Mix the coconut bacon ingredients together in a bowl then spread evenly on a baking tray. Bake them for 10 minutes then flip and bake for a few more minutes until dark, golden brown.

Quick Tip: Be sure to keep a close eye on the coconut bacon because it can easily burn.

Find more details, tips and tricks on how to make coconut bacon here.

Flakes of coconut spread on a baking tray.
Baked coconut chips in a bowl.

Step 3. Make the Almond Satay Sauce

Whisk all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl or jar until smooth and creamy.

Creamy almond sauce in a jar with a spoon.

Step 4. Prepare the veggies.

  • Finely chop and lightly steam the kale in a pan with a little water or in a steamer.
  • Chop the broccoli and steam the broccoli in a pan with a little water or a steamer.
  • Grate the carrot.

Step 5. Assemble the bowls.

Lastly, divide all those yummy ingredients between 4 bowls and enjoy!

A bowl with tofu, sauce, kale, broccoli, carrot and coconut bacon.

Tips, Substitutions and FAQs

Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely. Here are a few tips for prepping these in advance:

  • Option 1. Assemble the finished bowls in containers for up to 4 days. For best results, store the sauce separately until you’re ready to eat. I’d also recommend undercooking the broccoli and kale so it doesn’t get soggy as the bowls sit.
  • Option 2. Prep what you can in advance, such as the tofu, brown rice, coconut bacon, and sauce. Make the kale, broccoli and carrot fresh when you’re ready to eat. Chopping the veggies in advance and storing raw will also help speed things up.
A bowl with shredded carrot, broccoli, tofu, kale and a creamy sauce.

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A bowl with tofu, sauce, kale, broccoli, carrot and coconut bacon.

Broccoli Brown Rice Bowls

  • Author: Deryn Macey
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

There are few steps involved in these broccoli brown rice bowls but the result is well worth the effort. The sweet and tangy almond satay sauce with the salty, crunchy coconut bacon, chewy brown rice and fresh veggies is a match made in heaven. You’ll love these healthy, nourishing bowls!

★★★★★

5 from 4 reviews
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Ingredients

For the Tofu

For the Coconut Bacon

For the Almond Satay Sauce

For the Bowls

  • 3/4 cup cooked (1/4 cup dry) brown rice per person
  • 4 cups chopped and steamed broccoli (about 1 cup per bowl)
  • 4 cups finely chopped and lightly steamed kale (about 1 cup per bowl)
  • 2 cups grated carrot (about 1/2 cup per bowl)

Instructions

To Make the Tofu

  1. Slice a block of tofu into slabs and add to a bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Let it sit while you make the coconut bacon.
  2. Once the coconut bacon is done, increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees.
  3. Lay the tofu slabs out on a parchment paper or silicone mat-lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove and flip each piece.
  5. Place back in the oven for 10-20 minute until brown and crispy.

To Make the Coconut Bacon

  1. Preheat oven to 325 F.
  2. Add the coconut flakes to a bowl.
  3. Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a small dish then pour over the coconut flakes and mix to coat.
  4. Spread the coconut flakes on a baking sheet in an even layer. They can be made directly on the pan or you can use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes then stir and flip. Spread back into an even layer. Continue baking in 3-5 minute increments until dark golden brown. Watch carefully once it starts turning brown as it will burn very quickly.
  6. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan.

To Make the Almond Satay Sauce

  1. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Store any extras in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Make the Veggies

  1. Destem and finely chop the kale. Steam for 1-2 minutes in a steamer basket or in a covered pan with a bit of water.
  2. Chop the broccoli into florets and steam for 5 minutes in a steamer basket or in a covered pan with a bit of water.
  3. Grate the carrot using a grated or a julienne peeler.

To Assemble the Bowls

  1. Start with a base of lightly steamed kale then add the brown rice, broccoli, tofu and carrot.
  2. Top each bowl with equal amounts of the almond sauce and coconut bacon and dig in.

Notes

Find full details, tips and tricks on coconut bacon here.

Try this marinated tempeh, edamame or chickpeas instead of tofu.

Kale can be substituted with spinach.

Brown rice can be substituted with quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Assembled bowls can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the sauce separately until serving, if possible.

Keywords: brown rice buddha bowl, brown rice bowl

UPDATE NOTE: This recipe was originally published on October 2, 2017. It was updated on June 1, 2020 with new photos and text.