Vegetable Rainbow Rice Bowl with Sesame Dressing

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

A vibrant bowl filled with colorful steamed vegetables and fluffy rice, drizzled with a nutty sesame dressing for a wholesome vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends jasmine rice, water, medium, julienned carrot into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 1 1/4 cups water in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While rice cooks, steam 1 medium julienned carrot, 1 small thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup shelled edamame, and 1 cup shredded purple cabbage for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still vibrant.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp honey, and 1/2 tsp grated ginger until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide into four bowls. Arrange the steamed vegetables on top, sprinkle with 2 chopped green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle each bowl with the sesame dressing just before serving for a fresh, colorful, and nutritious meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetable Rainbow Rice Bowl with Sesame Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Vegetable Rainbow Rice Bowl with Sesame Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetable Rainbow Rice Bowl with Sesame Dressing?

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 Vegetable Rainbow Rice Bowl with Sesame Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Vegetable Rainbow Rice Bowl with Sesame Dressing vegetarian?

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

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