Thai Coconut Quinoa Bowl (Printable)

Creamy coconut quinoa topped with crisp vegetables and zesty peanut dressing

# What You Need:

→ Coconut Quinoa

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 1 cup coconut milk, full-fat or light
03 - 1 cup water
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 1 cup carrot, julienned or shredded
07 - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
08 - 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
09 - 1/2 cup edamame, cooked and shelled
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
11 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

→ Peanut Dressing

12 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
13 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce, gluten-free if needed
14 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
15 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
16 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
17 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
18 - 1 to 2 tablespoons warm water, as needed to thin

# Directions:

01 - Combine quinoa, coconut milk, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
02 - While quinoa cooks, slice the red bell pepper thinly, julienne or shred the carrot, slice the cucumber and purple cabbage. If using frozen edamame, cook according to package directions and shell.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup or honey, and sesame oil. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time, whisking until dressing is smooth and pourable.
04 - Divide cooked coconut quinoa evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with equal portions of prepared vegetables and edamame.
05 - Drizzle peanut dressing generously over each bowl. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing cold bowl.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything comes together in under 40 minutes, but it tastes like you spent the afternoon fussing.
  • The coconut quinoa is creamy enough to feel indulgent without any heaviness.
  • You can prep the vegetables and dressing ahead, then assemble bowls all week without boredom.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and easily vegan, so it works for nearly everyone at the table.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the quinoa, the natural coating called saponin can make it taste soapy and bitter.
  • Warm water is the secret to a smooth dressing, cold water makes the peanut butter seize up and get clumpy.
  • If you're meal prepping, store the dressing separately or the vegetables will get soggy by day three.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds before sprinkling them on, it wakes up their flavor completely.
  • If the dressing thickens in the fridge, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to bring it back to life.
  • Use a mandoline to slice the cabbage and cucumber paper-thin, it makes the bowl feel more restaurant-quality.
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