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Crispy Tofu Rice Bowls Recipe


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4.3 from 42 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crispy golden tofu served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables and a savory sesame-soy sauce. A flavorful, protein-rich bowl that’s perfect for lunch or dinner, combining crunchy tofu, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing for a balanced and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Tofu and Seasoning

  • 400 g extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Rice and Vegetables

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp sriracha (optional)


Instructions

  1. Press tofu: Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture during cooking.
  2. Cube tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-size cubes for even cooking and easy serving.
  3. Season tofu: Toss the tofu cubes with soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and cornstarch to coat them evenly, which adds flavor and helps create a crispy crust.
  4. Heat oil: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for frying the tofu.
  5. Cook tofu: Add the tofu cubes to the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  6. Make sauce: Whisk together all the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional sriracha—in a small bowl until well combined.
  7. Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls, then top with sliced cucumber, julienned carrot, sliced avocado, and the crispy tofu cubes.
  8. Finish and garnish: Drizzle each bowl with the prepared sesame-soy sauce and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Tofu can also be air-fried at 200°C for about 15–18 minutes for an alternative cooking method.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
  • Add edamame, shredded cabbage, or broccoli for extra vegetables and nutritional variety.
  • For meal prep, keep the sauce separate until serving to maintain the crispiness of the tofu.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Bowls, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired