Sticky Tofu Bowls
Introduction
Sticky Tofu Bowls are a delicious, satisfying meal that brings a delightful mix of flavors and textures. This recipe features crispy tofu tossed in a sweet and savory sauce, served over a bed of rice and fresh veggies. They’re packed with protein and nutrients and are perfect for lunch or dinner. Get ready to treat yourself to a healthy and hearty dish that’s easy to whip up in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce.
- Vegetarian & Vegan-friendly: Packed with plant-based protein and wholesome ingredients.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The sticky sauce brings everything together, making this dish irresistible.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for lunches or to impress guests at dinner!
Ingredients Needed
For the Tofu:
- 1 package (14 oz) extra firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups steamed edamame
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Optional: sesame seeds and sliced spring onions for garnish
How to Make Sticky Tofu Bowls
- Prepare the Tofu: Start by draining the tofu and pressing it to remove excess liquid. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy texture.
- Cube the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into small to medium cubes for even cooking.
- Coat the Tofu: Place the tofu in a container, dust it with cornstarch, close the lid, and shake well until evenly coated. The cornstarch creates a crispy outer layer.
- Cook the Tofu: Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook until all sides are golden and crispy, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Mix the Sauce: While the tofu cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl or blend them for extra smoothness.
- Combine: Once the tofu is crispy, pour the sauce over it. Cook for an additional few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu well. Reserve any extra sauce for drizzling later.
- Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of cooked rice, then top with the sticky tofu, steamed edamame, and avocado slices. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, spring onions, and any remaining sauce for extra flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve your Sticky Tofu Bowls warm for the best flavor. You can add any extra spices or vegetables you like. For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a stovetop for best results.
Helpful Notes
- Tip: For extra crunch, you can bake the tofu instead of frying it. Just toss it in a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for around 25 minutes.
- Variations: Try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or swap the rice for quinoa for a different twist.
- If you’re not a fan of garlic and ginger, you can omit them or adjust the quantities to your taste.
Conclusion
Sticky Tofu Bowls are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a quick, delicious meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. With its blend of textures and flavors, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating if you tried it! Share your thoughts or any variations you made. What did you love most about your Sticky Tofu Bowl?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use alternative ingredients?
Yes, you can swap soy sauce for coconut aminos for a gluten-free option and use agave syrup instead of maple syrup.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While the cooked tofu can be frozen, it may lose its crispy texture upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy the dish fresh.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Adjust the cooking time to reach your desired consistency.
Print
Sticky Tofu Bowls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and satisfying Sticky Tofu Bowls featuring crispy tofu in a sweet and savory sauce, served over rice and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 package (14 oz) extra firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups steamed edamame
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Optional: sesame seeds and sliced spring onions for garnish
Instructions
- Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess liquid.
- Cube the pressed tofu into small to medium cubes.
- Coat the tofu with cornstarch in a container and shake well.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add tofu cubes and cook until golden and crispy, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the crispy tofu and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Assemble bowls with cooked rice, sticky tofu, steamed edamame, and avocado slices. Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions.
Notes
For extra crunch, bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for around 25 minutes. This dish is great for meal prep and allows for variations with different vegetables or grains.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 0mg