Mizuna & Edamame Macro Bowl with Crispy Shiitake Mushroom
Why make Macro Bowls? Because they’re just so so easy. This week I made an oriental inspired Mizuna & Edamame Macro Bowl with Crispy Shitake Mushroom & Red Quinoa topped with crispy Seaweed, Hemp Seeds and a White Miso & Coconut Oil dressing. Took me 10 minutes and it was just perfect.
Macro bowls are one of my favourite things to eat. Not only are they super easy to put together, you really can NEVER get bored because there’s literally endless flavour options. The formula for a Macro bowl is so versatile, you can prep a couple of the components & throw it together in no time. It’s an incredibly easy, healthy and balanced meal that you can switch up for never ending versatility.
It follows the concepts of a Macrobiotic diet where breakdown your daily intake of food into grains, vegetables and protein. Add some seasoning and healthy fats and you’ve got yourself a one bowl winner. They’re the best NO THINK pantry / fridge meal you can make every week because all you have to do is have a look at what you’ve got lying around in the 5 different building blocks to the perfect macro bowl so you use what you have and wasteless, save money & maximize time with minimal effort. It’s a win win really.
Below is a quick guide to making your very own perfect Macro bowl every time.
5 steps to the Perfect Macro Bowl
1. Wholegrain - This is your base so make it nutrient rich. Choose from different types of rice (brown, white, red or wild), quinoa, buckwheat, millet, barley, farro or bulgar wheat. You don’t meed too much, 3 - 4 tablespoons are more than enough for me but see what works for you. Stick to one type at a time.
2. Protein - For veggie / plant based options you can have tofu, edamame, beans, peas & lentils. For other options try a poached / boiled egg or any meat you like. I add a palm sized quantity to my bowl but again, see what works for you.
3. Veggies - This is what I fill my bowl up with. I chose a combination of cooked and raw veg depending on my mood and what grain / protein / seasoning I’m using. I’ll always have some dark leafy greens and fill up the rest on colours to get a good quality of phytonutrients. I also love adding some fermented / pickled vet for some gut loving probiotic goodness.
4. Heart Healthy fats - To get some added omegas and heart healthy goodness, I’ll add a tablespoon or so of some seeds and nuts and a tablespoon of good quality olive oil or coconut oil. You’ll also get an extra boost of protein from the seeds & nuts and I love the crunch it adds.
5. Seasoning & Condiments - The options here are just unending. You can make a dressings with the olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric and ginger or drizzle with balsamic or pomegranate molasses. Make an oriental dressing with miso, soy and some mirin, add spices and herbs or just keep it super simple with olive / coconut oil.