No-Oil Steamed Vegetable Rice Bowl with Tahini Drizzle

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A wholesome steamed vegetable and brown rice bowl drizzled with a tangy tahini sauce, perfect for a light and nutritious meal. This international-inspired vegan (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown rice, water, broccoli florets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 3 International cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the rice with 2 cups water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
  2. Step 2: While rice cooks, place 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup carrot sticks, and 1/2 cup snap peas in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and vibrant.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp water until smooth and pourable.
  4. Step 4: To serve, divide steamed rice into bowls, top with steamed vegetables, and drizzle each bowl with the prepared tahini sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Oil Steamed Vegetable Rice Bowl with Tahini Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover No-Oil Steamed Vegetable Rice Bowl with Tahini Drizzle?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Oil Steamed Vegetable Rice Bowl with Tahini Drizzle?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Oil Steamed Vegetable Rice Bowl with Tahini Drizzle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is No-Oil Steamed Vegetable Rice Bowl with Tahini Drizzle vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free, low fat based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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