Buddha bowls are a popular and healthy meal option that typically include a variety of nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, whole grains, and proteins.
One of the best things about Buddha bowls is that they are highly customizable, allowing you to mix and match different ingredients to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
However, a key component of a delicious Buddha bowl is the sauce or dressing that ties all the ingredients together.
Whether you prefer a sweet and tangy flavor or something more savory and spicy, there are countless sauce options to choose from.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best sauces for Buddha bowls, ranging from classic favorites to more unique and flavorful options.
These sauces are not only delicious, but also easy to make and can be whipped up in just a few minutes.
From tahini sauce to peanut sauce to vinaigrettes, these sauces will take your Buddha bowl to the next level and add a burst of flavor to your meal.
So, whether you’re a seasoned Buddha bowl pro or just starting out, read on to discover the perfect sauce to elevate your next bowl.
Soy Sauce-Based Sauces
Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines, and it’s no surprise that it’s a popular base for Buddha bowl sauces. Here are some of the best soy sauce-based sauces to try:
- Teriyaki Sauce: A classic Japanese sauce made with soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. It’s sweet, savory, and perfect for drizzling over rice and veggies.
- Ponzu Sauce: A citrusy sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and yuzu or other citrus juice. It’s tangy and refreshing, and pairs well with seafood and greens.
- Black Bean Sauce: A Chinese sauce made with fermented black beans, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It’s salty, pungent, and great for adding depth of flavor to stir-fries and rice bowls.
- Sesame Sauce: A creamy sauce made with soy sauce, tahini, sesame oil, and other seasonings. It’s nutty, rich, and perfect for drizzling over roasted veggies and tofu.
These soy sauce-based sauces are versatile, flavorful, and easy to make. They add a delicious umami kick to any Buddha bowl, and are sure to become a new favorite in your sauce repertoire.
Peanut Sauce-Based Sauces
One of the most popular sauce choices for Buddha bowls is peanut sauce, which is creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet. Here are some variations of peanut sauce-based sauces that you can try:
- Thai Peanut Sauce: This sauce is a classic favorite, made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and ginger. It’s perfect for adding a little bit of heat to your Buddha bowl.
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: If you like your food with a little bit of kick, try adding some chili flakes or sriracha to your peanut sauce. This will give it a spicy twist that’s sure to wake up your taste buds.
- Peanut-Lime Sauce: For a tangy twist on traditional peanut sauce, try adding some lime juice to the mix. This will give it a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs well with fresh veggies and herbs.
These peanut sauce-based sauces are versatile and can be used on a variety of different Buddha bowl combinations. Experiment with different ingredients and find the perfect combination of flavors that works for you.
Teriyaki Sauce-Based Sauces
Teriyaki sauce is a popular choice for Buddha bowl sauces. This sweet and savory sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. It’s a versatile sauce that can be used as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce. Here are some teriyaki sauce-based sauces to try:
- Peanut Teriyaki Sauce: This sauce combines teriyaki sauce with peanut butter, garlic, ginger, and lime juice. It’s a creamy and flavorful sauce that pairs well with tofu and vegetables.
- Sesame Teriyaki Sauce: This sauce is made with teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. It’s a tangy and nutty sauce that complements the flavors of roasted vegetables and grains.
- Spicy Teriyaki Sauce: This sauce adds a kick to the classic teriyaki sauce with the addition of chili flakes or sriracha sauce. It’s a great sauce for those who like a little heat in their meals.
These teriyaki sauce-based sauces are easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences. They add a delicious flavor to your Buddha bowls and make them more interesting and enjoyable. Try them out and see which one you like the most!
Sesame Sauce-Based Sauces
Sesame sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious sauces for your Buddha bowls. Here are some of the best sesame sauce-based sauces:
- Sesame Ginger Sauce: This sauce is a perfect blend of sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to your Buddha bowl.
- Sesame Miso Sauce: This sauce is made with sesame oil, miso paste, rice vinegar, and honey. It has a creamy texture and a savory umami flavor that pairs well with roasted vegetables and tofu.
- Sesame Peanut Sauce: This sauce is a combination of sesame oil, peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that goes well with grilled chicken or shrimp.
These sesame sauce-based sauces are easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. They are perfect for adding flavor to your Buddha bowls and making them more interesting.
Curry Sauce-Based Sauces
Curry sauces are packed with flavor and can be used in a variety of ways to add depth to your Buddha bowl. Here are a few curry sauce-based sauces to try out:
- Green Curry Sauce: This Thai-inspired sauce is made with green curry paste, coconut milk, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup. It adds a spicy kick to your bowl and pairs well with veggies and rice.
- Red Curry Sauce: Similar to green curry sauce, this sauce is made with red curry paste, coconut milk, and lime juice. It has a slightly sweeter taste and pairs well with tofu, sweet potatoes, and quinoa.
- Yellow Curry Sauce: This mild curry sauce is made with turmeric, coconut milk, and a blend of spices. It’s a great option for those who don’t like too much spice in their food and pairs well with chickpeas, cauliflower, and brown rice.
These curry sauce-based sauces are easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for a few days, making them a great option for meal prep. Give them a try and see which one becomes your new favorite!
Tahini Sauce-Based Sauces
Tahini sauce is a popular sauce for Buddha bowls because it’s creamy, nutty, and versatile. Here are a few tahini sauce-based sauces you can try:
- Tahini Dressing: Made with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water, this dressing is a classic choice for Buddha bowls. It’s tangy, nutty, and adds a creamy texture to your bowl.
- Tahini Thai Sauce: This sauce combines tahini with coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. It’s a flavorful and spicy sauce that pairs well with vegetables, tofu, or tempeh in your bowl.
- Tahini Miso Dressing: This dressing is a combination of tahini, miso paste, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and garlic. It’s a savory and tangy dressing that adds depth of flavor to your bowl.
These tahini sauce-based sauces are easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Experiment with different ratios of ingredients to find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste buds.
Chili Sauce-Based Sauces
If you’re a fan of spicy food, you’ll love these chili sauce-based sauces for your Buddha bowls. They add a kick of heat to your meal and are perfect for those who love bold flavors.
- Sriracha Mayo: This sauce is a combination of the popular hot sauce, sriracha, and creamy mayo. It’s a great addition to any Buddha bowl and adds a tangy, spicy flavor.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce is a mix of chili peppers, sugar, and vinegar. It’s sweet and spicy and adds a unique flavor to your Buddha bowl.
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: This sauce is made with peanut butter, soy sauce, and chili sauce. It’s a creamy, spicy sauce that is perfect for dipping veggies or drizzling over your Buddha bowl.
These chili sauce-based sauces are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chili sauce, and you can make them creamier by adding more mayo or peanut butter.
Try these sauces on your next Buddha bowl for a spicy kick of flavor.
Hoisin Sauce-Based Sauces
If you’re a fan of hoisin sauce, you’ll love these sauces for your Buddha bowls. Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savory sauce made from soybeans, sugar, vinegar, and garlic. It’s a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine and adds a depth of flavor to any dish.
- Hoisin Peanut Sauce: Combine hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This sauce is perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables or tofu.
- Hoisin Sriracha Sauce: Combine hoisin sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until well combined. This sauce pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken or beef.
- Hoisin Garlic Sauce: Combine hoisin sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. This sauce is perfect for dipping spring rolls or dumplings.
- Hoisin Ginger Sauce: Combine hoisin sauce, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until well combined. This sauce pairs well with stir-fried vegetables or noodles.
These hoisin sauce-based sauces are easy to make and add a delicious flavor to your Buddha bowls. Try them out and see which one is your favorite!
Conclusion
There you have it, the 10 best sauces for Buddha bowls that will take your bowl from bland to flavorful in no time. Whether you prefer a creamy tahini sauce or a tangy peanut sauce, there’s a sauce on this list for everyone.
Remember, the key to a great Buddha bowl is to have a variety of textures and flavors. Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients to create your own unique bowl. And with these sauces, you can easily switch up the flavor profile of your bowl without having to change the entire recipe.
Experiment with different combinations and find your favorite sauce to take your Buddha bowl game to the next level. Enjoy!
- Try the tangy and sweet maple-mustard sauce for a burst of flavor.
- For a creamy and nutty flavor, go for the tahini sauce.
- The spicy sriracha sauce is perfect for those who love a little heat.
- For a refreshing and citrusy flavor, try the orange-ginger sauce.
- The avocado-cilantro sauce is perfect for those who love the taste of fresh herbs.
- For a classic flavor, the soy-ginger sauce is a great choice.
- The peanut sauce is perfect for those who love a nutty and savory flavor.
- For a smoky and sweet flavor, try the BBQ sauce.
- The miso-tahini sauce is perfect for those who love a savory and umami flavor.
- And finally, the lemon-tahini sauce is perfect for those who love a bright and tangy flavor.
10 Best Sauces for Buddha Bowls
Ingredients
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Ponzu Sauce
- Black Bean Sauce
- Sesame Sauce
- Thai Peanut Sauce
- Spicy Peanut Sauce
- Peanut-Lime Sauce
- Sesame Ginger Sauce
- Sesame Miso Sauce
- Green Curry Sauce
Instructions
- Select your favorite sauce from this article.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious sauce recipe in 30 minutes or less!