Filipino-Inspired Moringa Rice Bowl (UK-Friendly)
Looking for a healthy, budget-friendly Filipino dish you can make with ingredients from your local UK supermarket? This Filipino-Inspired Moringa Rice Bowl blends traditional Pinoy flavors with nutrient-rich moringa (malunggay) for a satisfying meal the whole family will love. It's a fantastic way to incorporate the miracle tree into your diet. Wholesome, affordable, and packed with flavor!
Watch the Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
Base:
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
- Pinch of salt
Vegetables & Protein Stir-fry:
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (sunflower, rapeseed, or olive oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or sliced
- 1 courgette (zucchini), chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 100g mushrooms (button or chestnut), sliced
- 1 handful fresh or frozen moringa leaves (or 1–2 tsp dried moringa powder)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Proteins:
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes (vegan)
- Or 1–2 cooked chicken thighs, shredded
Toppings (Optional):
- 1 fried or soft-boiled egg per bowl
- Spring onions, chopped
- Toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts
- Lime wedge or calamansi juice
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse and cook rice according to package instructions with a pinch of salt. Set aside and keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics & Veggies: In a large pan or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and lightly golden (about 1-2 minutes).
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the carrots, courgette, and mushrooms to the pan. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add Protein & Flavour: If using, add your chosen cooked protein (chickpeas, tofu, or chicken). Pour in the soy sauce, vinegar, and optional brown sugar. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
- Add Moringa & Finish: Add the sliced red bell pepper and the fresh/frozen moringa leaves (or stir in dried moringa powder). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the moringa leaves wilt and the bell pepper is slightly softened but still vibrant. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Build Your Bowl: Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top generously with the vegetable and moringa mixture. Add optional toppings like a fried/boiled egg, chopped spring onions, toasted seeds/nuts, and a squeeze of lime or calamansi juice.
Why Add Moringa?
Moringa (malunggay) is a superfood rich in iron, calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants — and it grows abundantly in the Philippines. Adding it to this bowl significantly boosts its nutritional value. Discover more about its potential impact on malnutrition and poverty.
If you're new to moringa, explore easy ways to add it to your diet or learn how to make moringa tea.
Want more healthy, plant-powered recipes? Try our Basic Moringa Soup or refreshing Pure Moringa Juice Recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Add toppings fresh before serving.
Make It Your Own
- Swap in other vegetables like green beans, spinach, kale, or broccoli.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for extra fiber.
- Increase the heat by adding chili flakes, fresh chili, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
- Try different proteins like cooked prawns or lentils. Explore more ways to easily add moringa to various meals.
Looking for More Moringa Recipes?
Explore our collection of simple and healthy moringa meals!
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