Try This Tofu Rice Bowl Recipe With Crispy Tofu And Savory Sauce
Tofu rice bowls combine marinated, crispy tofu with seasoned rice and fresh vegetables. The dish is topped with a flavorful sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. It's a nutritious, versatile meal that's easy to customize.
Harpreet Kour Updated: Aug 15, 2024 10:58 PM IST
A bowl of tofu rice is a nutritious and flavorful dish featuring marinated, crispy tofu served over seasoned rice with a variety of fresh vegetables. The tofu is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, then cooked to a golden crisp. The rice is cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, providing a tangy base. Fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and avocado are added for crunch and color. The dish is completed with a savory sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions
Ingredients:
For the Tofu Marinade:
- 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine or basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1-2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Nori strips (optional, for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
- Start by draining and pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object on top (like a skillet) for about 20-30 minutes.
- Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade.
- Add the tofu cubes to the marinade, gently tossing to ensure each piece is coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for more flavor.
2. Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch.
- Combine the rinsed rice and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, and gently stir in the rice vinegar and salt. Set aside and keep warm.
3. Cook the Tofu:
- After marinating, drain the tofu and pat dry. Lightly coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch for a crispy texture.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the tofu for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the tofu is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Julienne the carrots, slice the cucumbers, bell peppers, and avocado, and cook the edamame if needed.
- Arrange the vegetables on a plate or in small bowls, ready for assembly.
5. Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sriracha (if using), and water. Adjust the taste by adding more soy sauce for saltiness, or more hoisin for sweetness. Set the sauce aside.
6. Assemble the Bowl:
- Start by placing a generous scoop of warm rice into each serving bowl.
- Arrange the crispy tofu cubes on top of the rice.
- Neatly arrange the prepared vegetables around the tofu and rice in sections. You can create a colorful pattern by placing different vegetables next to each other.
- Drizzle the prepared sauce over the tofu and vegetables, or serve it on the side for dipping.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the bowl with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and nori strips if desired.
- Serve the tofu rice bowl immediately, allowing everyone to mix the ingredients as they eat.
Tips:
Tofu Texture:
- For an even firmer tofu, freeze the tofu block overnight and then thaw it before pressing. This gives it a chewier texture.
Rice:
- Feel free to substitute jasmine or basmati rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier version.
Customization:
- This dish is highly customizable. You can add different vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even a fried egg on top. The sauce can also be adjusted based on personal preferences.
Meal Prep:
- These bowls can be prepared in advance and assembled just before eating. Store all the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
- A bowl of tofu rice is a balanced meal that offers a great mix of textures and flavors, combining crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and seasoned rice with a delicious sauce. It's a versatile dish that's both healthy and satisfying.