Banh Mi Rice Bowl
A delightful blend of crispy vegetables, savory marinated protein, and vibrant herbs inspired by the traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich.
Ingredients
For the Rice
- 2 cups Jasmine rice, rinsed and soaked for about 30 minutes
- 4 cups Water
For the Protein
- 1 lb Halal chicken breast or tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces Use tofu for a vegetarian option.
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce Use a low-sodium option for a lighter taste.
- 2 tablespoons Sesame oil Adds a lovely nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder For an aromatic touch.
- 1 teaspoon Ginger powder To give it that zing.
For the Bowl
- 1 cup Carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
- 1 cup Cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Cilantro, chopped for garnish
- 1/2 cup Radishes, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 piece Lime, cut into wedges for serving
- Sriracha sauce (optional) For those who love a kick.
Instructions
Cooking the Rice
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a pot, combine the rice with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to low heat.
- Cook for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
Preparing the Protein
- While the rice is cooking, marinate the chicken or tofu. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Let your protein soak up the flavors for about 10 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the marinated chicken or tofu until golden and thoroughly cooked — about 6-8 minutes for chicken and 4-5 minutes for tofu, flipping halfway through.
Assembling the Bowl
- In each serving bowl, add a portion of fluffy rice.
- Top with cooked protein, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and optional radishes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and a drizzle of Sriracha sauce.
Notes
Feel free to swap out chicken for halal beef, shrimp, or even tempeh for a different texture. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the protein to achieve that perfect golden color. Avoid overcooking the rice to maintain a great texture.