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Craving a healthy meal? I am thrilled to share this recipe for the Zen Bowl from FAB Restaurants Pub and Kitchen Concept in Toronto.
This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy vegetarian rice bowl that actually tastes amazing. This recipe is versatile, packed with colourful vegetables, and topped with a fried egg for that extra bit of comfort.
I love discovering restaurant recipes that I can recreate at home. It makes me feel like I am back in the city enjoying a night out.
Now you can get a travel to Toronto at home because, thanks to Chef Kai Chan, we have the inside scoop on how to make their popular zen bowl at their Toronto spots like Pour House and Pogue Mahone.
It is a simple one-dish meal that works perfect as a main course for lunch or dinner. Let’s get cooking!
Want more recipes? Try other Toronto Restaurant Signature Recipes or Ninja Speedi Thai Beef Bowl.
What is the Zen Bowl?
The Zen Bowl is a signature dish from the Pub and Kitchen Concept by FAB Restaurants in Toronto. It is a vibrant Canadian rice bowl with strong Asian influences.
Think of it as a healthier, more elevated fried rice. It combines hearty brown or jasmine rice with a mix of fresh greens like kale, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts.
The real magic happens with the pineapple and the signature Soy Ginger Sauce which ties everything together with a savoury and slightly sweet kick.
This vegetarian rice bowl is designed to be a complete meal that pleases the palate while nourishing the mind.
Why You’ll Love This Rice Bowl Recipe
“The Zen Bowl is one of FAB Restaurants most sought-after dishes and there is a lot more to it other than the fact that it’s gorgeous. This stunning creation is a simple one-dish meal consisting of rice, colourful vegetables and an abundance of unforgettable flavour. This versatile recipe is sure to please the palate while nourishing the body, mind and soul.“
– FAB Restaurants
This bowl is going to become a staple in your weekly rotation.
- It is incredibly healthy. You are getting a massive dose of superfoods like kale and Brussels sprouts in one go.
- It is customizable. While this is a vegetarian recipe, you can easily add chicken, salmon, or tofu if you want more protein.
- It is fast. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour.
The recipe and image for Zen Bowl was provided by FAB Restaurants to be included in the list of Toronto Restaurants Signature Recipes. If you made this Toronto recipe, share you creation on Instagram, and tag @fabeventsto and @travellingfoodie.
What You Need for This Zen Bowl
Here is what you need to gather to make this delicious healthy rice bowl.
Equipment
- Large Sauté Pan or Wok: to fry the vegetables and rice evenly.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: for all the chopping
- Whisk and Small Bowl (or Jar): to emulsify the dressing.
Ingredients
- Cooked Rice: You can use Whole Grain Brown or Jasmine rice. Day-old rice works best because it fries up better without getting mushy.
- Pineapple: This adds a surprising burst of sweetness and acidity that cuts through the savory sauce.
- Snow Peas: They provide a lovely crunch and fresh green colour.
- Asparagus: Adds an earthiness and nice texture to the mix.
- Brussels Sprouts: Shredding them allows them to cook quickly and absorb the sauce perfectly.
- Fresh Garlic: Essential for that aromatic base.
- Green Baby Kale: A nutrient powerhouse that wilts down beautifully into the rice.
- Red Peppers: Finely diced for a pop of colour and sweetness.
- White Onion: Provides the savoury foundation for the stir fry.
- Soya Sauce: The salty, umami base of the signature sauce.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, rich aroma that is classic in Asian-style bowls.
- Fresh Ginger: Gives the sauce a spicy, warm kick.
- Chili Flakes: For just a hint of heat.
- Egg: A fried egg on top adds richness and protein.
- Canola Oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat cooking.
How To Make Zen Bowl by FAB Restaurants Pub and Kitchen Concept
This recipe is all about prep, so get your chopping done first and the cooking part will be a breeze.
First, make the Signature Soy Ginger Sauce. Peel and finely mince your ginger and garlic. In a clean bowl or jar, whisk together the soya sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. Set this aside in the fridge.
Next, heat your canola oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. You want to see ripples in the oil so you know it is hot enough.
Add your minced garlic, diced onion, and pineapple chunks to the pan. Sauté this for about 2 minutes until the onions look glossy and smell amazing.
Toss in your greens including the shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped asparagus, and snow peas. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a vibrant bright green.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Feel free to add more chili flakes if you like it spicy.
Add the baby kale to the pan and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in your cooked rice and mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Pour in about 2 ounces (two shots) of your prepared Soy Ginger Sauce. Stir well.
In a separate small pan, fry an egg to your liking. Sunny side up is recommended for that runny yolk experience.
Transfer your rice and veggie mixture to a bowl or plate and top it with the fried egg. Garnish with the fine diced red peppers and serve immediately.
Want a kitchen gadget rice bowl recipe? Try our Instant Pot Beef Biryani.
FAQs and helpful tips for Zen Bowl for Beginners
Here are some tips to ensure your bowl comes out perfect every time.
Yes, the Soy Ginger Sauce can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 14 days. It tastes great on noodles too.
The standard recipe uses soya sauce which contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, simply swap the soya sauce for Tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative.
A large, wide skillet or frying pan works perfectly fine. Just make sure it is large enough so you do not overcrowd the veggies, otherwise they will steam instead of sauté.
Absolutely. You can make the rice mixture ahead of time for lunches. Just fry the egg fresh when you are ready to eat, or use a hard-boiled egg for easier transport.
Use the flat side of your knife to squish the garlic clove against the cutting board. This breaks the skin and makes it peel way easier.
About FAB Restaurant Concepts in Toronto
Since 2000, FAB Restaurant Concepts continues to make a tremendous impact on the Toronto restaurant industry by serving delicious beverages, top notch cuisine and consistently providing an exceptional guest experience.
FAB owns and operates a number of restaurants with Happy Hour throughout the city of Toronto and this specific recipe comes from the Pub and Kitchen Concept, Dominion, East of Brunswick, Murphy’s Law, Pogue Mahone, Pour House and The Goodman.
Location Map
What Dishes to Serve with Zen Bowl
While this rice bowl is a meal in itself, here are some other great dishes to serve alongside it or to round out a full feast.
- Air Fryer Kofta Kebab: These beef kebabs are packed with spices and would make a fantastic protein side to go with the rice bowl.
- Ninja Speedi Italian Meatball Soup: If you want to start with a soup course, this hearty option is a crowd pleaser.
- Instant Pot BBQ Pork Ribs: For the meat lovers, these ribs add a smoky, savoury element that contrasts well with the fresh veggies in the bowl.
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Add crispy chicken for textures and protein with your bowl.
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Sometimes you just want some carb-on-carb action, and this crispy garlic bread is a great side.
FAB Restaurant Concepts’ Zen Bowl Recipe
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I would love to see how this recipe worked for you! Please share your creations with me on social media and tag me so I can check them out: @TravellingFoodie on Instagram & Facebook and @TravellinFoodie on Twitter.
Zen Bowl
This vegetarian rice bowl is loaded with superfoods like kale, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus. If you're craving a healthy dinner, try this Zen Bowl recipe by Chef Kai Chan from Toronto's FAB Restaurants.
Ingredients
- 8oz Cooked Rice (Whole Grain Brown or Jasmine) - it's really up to you which kind you choose.
- 1 piece Egg
- 3 tablespoon Pineapple, peeled, cored and chopped into 1/4-inch chunks
- 10 pieces Snow Peas, chopped into pieces
- 2 pieces Asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 pieces Brussel Sprouts, shredded and stem removed
- 3 cloves Fresh Garlic, peeled and minced
- 2oz Green Baby Kale, cut into ribbons
- 1 tablespoon Red Peppers, brunoise (that's just chef talk for fine dice)
- 3 tablespoon White Onion, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 cup Soya Sauce
- 1 cup Sesame Oil
- 1-inch Ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 fl. oz Canola Oil
Instructions
- Let's start with the sauce, Our Signature Soy Ginger. This one is pretty quick and simple. First take your Ginger, peel it and mince it up. You want to make sure it's finely minced, a large unexpected piece of ginger can be quite spicy.
- Next, do the same with your garlic, peel and mince. A quick way to do this is to use the flat of your knife, and squish the clove of garlic, this will break the skin and you can peel it way easier. Mince and set aside. Save a teaspoon of garlic, you will need it later.
- Now, using a clean bowl, add 1 cup of soya sauce, 1 cup of sesame oil, 2oz Minced Ginger and 2.5oz of minced garlic and whisk well until it's all incorporated together. Put into an air tight container and refrigerate. This sauce can keep up to 14 days in the fridge and it goes great on Sautéed Vegetables or noodles as well.
- Now that your sauce is done, now it's time to get cooking! In a large sauté pan on medium high, heat your canola oil until you can see ripples in the oil. This means you're ready to start.
- First take your Minced Garlic, diced onion and pineapple and carefully place in the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes or until your onions look nice and glossy. Then you can add your greens; Shredded Brussel Sprouts, Chopped Asparagus and chopped Snow Peas. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until your greens turn bright green.
- Season with Salt, Pepper and Chili Flakes. If you're adventurous or just love your spicy foods, you can add a little more Chili Flakes.
- Once everything is mixed and cooked up, add the kale. This looks like a lot, but once it cooks down it will shrink quite a bit. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, add your cooked rice and mix until everything is incorporated.
- Now, you can add your Soy Ginger Sauce. About 2 fluid ounces, that's two shots. This will loosen up the rice stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Last step is to fry one egg. In a new pan, with a little oil, cook an egg to your liking. I usually cook it sunny side up, but if you have a preference, by all means!
- Using tongs or a spoon, carefully transfer your fried veggies and rice onto a plate or into a bowl, whichever you choose, and top it with your fried egg.
- Garnish with your fine diced red peppers and sit back and enjoy your Zen Bowl.
- This is a great vegetarian dish, but you can add any protein you want. Compliment your Zen Bowl with Grilled Salmon, Chicken or even Tofu.
- Enjoy!
Notes
The recipe and image for Zen Bowl were provided by FAB Restaurants for Toronto Restaurants Signature Recipes.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Asian Best Jasmine Rice, 25 Pound -
Vital Farms Organic Pasture Raised Eggs Large Brown, 12 Count -
Cubed Pineapple -
Kikkoman Lite Soy Sauce, 64-Ounce Bottle -
Organic Stringless Snap Peas -
Organic Green Asparagus -
Organic Brussel Sprouts -
Spice World Minced Garlic -
Organic Chopped Kale -
Roland Foods Whole Fire Roasted Red Peppers -
Organic Diced Onion -
La Tourangelle, Toasted Sesame Oil -
Spice World Minced Ginger -
Sichuan Chili Flakes -
Himalayan Pink Sea Salt -
McCormick Black Peppercorn Grinder -
La Tourangelle, Organic Canola Oil
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1497Total Fat: 139gSaturated Fat: 20gUnsaturated Fat: 119gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 1162mgCarbohydrates: 65gFiber: 10gSugar: 16gProtein: 15g
Please note that nutrition information you see is provided and automatically calculated by Nutritionix. This may vary depending on the specific ingredients that you use. To ensure the most accurate information, I suggest entering your specific ingredients into a nutrition calculator.
Hope this rice bowl recipe gives you an idea on what dish to make for your main course for lunch or lazy nights. This vegetarian zen bowl is proof that you can make easy healthy restaurant-quality food at home.
Let me know what other rice dish or vegetarian recipes you’d like to see or from which Toronto restaurant.
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