The Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl from True Food Kitchen features tender grilled chicken glazed with savory teriyaki sauce, served atop fluffy quinoa and a colorful medley of steamed broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, garnished with fresh sesame seeds for a wholesome and vibrant meal.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Saucepan
- Steamer basket or steaming pot
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl (for teriyaki sauce/glaze)
- Serving bowls
- Spoon (for serving/garnishing)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for a tender and juicy protein base in your Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl, while using vegetable broth instead of water to cook quinoa enhances the dish's overall flavor. Fresh broccoli, carrots, and snap peas should be steamed just until tender-crisp to retain their vibrant color and nutrients. Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty finish and authentic texture contrast, so avoid pre-roasted or salted varieties to control flavor balance. Use a high-quality teriyaki sauce or prepare your own glaze to ensure a perfect sweet-savory coating on the grilled chicken. You can recreate the Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl from True Food Kitchen's copycat menu by focusing on fresh ingredients and carefully balancing the sauce with quinoa and steamed vegetables.
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- Add quinoa and water or vegetable broth to a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed; fluff with a fork.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil.
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush chicken with teriyaki sauce on both sides.
- Remove chicken, rest for a few minutes, then slice.
- Steam broccoli, carrots, and snap peas in a steamer basket until just tender (about 3-5 minutes).
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until lightly golden, stirring frequently.
- Assemble bowls by adding a base of quinoa.
- Top with steamed veggies and sliced teriyaki-glazed chicken.
- Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the bowl, if desired.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl from True Food Kitchen copycat menu can easily be customized by substituting chicken with tofu or shrimp for different protein options. You can replace vegetable broth with water to reduce sodium content without compromising the overall flavor. Steaming vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas maintains their crisp texture, but you can also saute them lightly if a softer texture is preferred. If teriyaki sauce is unavailable, a homemade mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger works well as an alternative glaze. Your choice of quinoa can be swapped with brown rice or couscous to suit dietary preferences or pantry availability.
Tips
Make sure to rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove its natural bitterness before cooking. You want to let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices and ensure tenderness. When steaming vegetables, avoid overcooking to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat just until golden to enhance their nutty flavor without burning.
Nutritions
The Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl provides a balanced combination of macronutrients, with protein-rich grilled chicken breast supplying approximately 31 grams of protein per serving, essential for muscle maintenance and repair. Quinoa contributes complex carbohydrates and is a complete protein source, offering about 8 grams of protein and 39 grams of carbs per cup cooked, along with dietary fiber for digestive health. The steamed broccoli, carrots, and snap peas add vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants and fiber, supporting immune function and overall wellness. Your meal also includes healthy fats from olive oil and sesame seeds, which supply essential fatty acids and promote heart health.
Storage
Store leftover Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate the grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, and quinoa within two hours of cooking, and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop to warm each component evenly, and sprinkle fresh sesame seeds before serving to restore texture and flavor to your meal.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap grilled chicken for marinated tofu to create a vegetarian version while maintaining the teriyaki flavor profile. Replace quinoa with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a different texture or lower-carb option. Instead of steaming, try roasting the vegetables with a light olive oil coating to enhance their natural sweetness and add a caramelized touch. You can also incorporate sliced avocado or pickled ginger as toppings to add creaminess or tangy contrast.
Allergies
The Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl contains sesame seeds, which are a common allergen and could trigger reactions in individuals sensitive to nuts or seeds. The teriyaki sauce may contain soy and wheat, two other major allergens to watch for if you have corresponding food allergies. Always check the sauce's ingredient list or ask about allergen information to ensure your meal is safe for your dietary needs.
Why this recipe?
The Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl from True Food Kitchen combines nutrient-rich quinoa with vibrant vegetables and a flavorful teriyaki sauce, creating a balanced meal that satisfies both taste and health-conscious preferences. You benefit from a dish high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants while enjoying a harmonious blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors. Recreating this dish at home allows control over ingredient quality and customization to dietary needs, making it a rewarding culinary challenge. True Food Kitchen's emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients ensures that the bowl is as nourishing as it is delicious.