Description
These Sweet and Savory Crispy Tofu Bowls with Peanut Sauce are a delightful dance of sweet and savory flavors, all brought together by a luscious peanut sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels special enough for company. Imagine tender, golden-brown tofu cubes nestled in a vibrant bowl, generously drizzled with a creamy, irresistible peanut sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Tofu:
1 block firm or extra firm tofu (14-16oz)
1 tbsp coconut aminos or tamari, soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
2 tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp ground ginger
For the Peanut Sauce:
3 tbsp smooth natural peanut butter (ingredients are just peanuts + salt)
1 tbsp coconut aminos
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
juice from ½ lime
2–3 tbsp water as needed to thin
For the Bowls:
¾ cup dry white rice
1.5 cups water
1 cup shelled edamame thawed
¾ large english cucumber diced
chopped green onion
sesame seed optional, for garnish
Instructions
1. Press the tofu for 30 minutes to remove excess liquid. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a towel and place a heavy object on top.
2. Cut the pressed tofu into small cubes.
3. In a bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with coconut aminos and oil until coated. Then, add arrowroot starch, garlic powder, and ground ginger, and toss again.
4. **Air Fryer Method** Air fry the tofu at 400F for 15 minutes. You may need to cook in batches to ensure space between the cubes.
5. **Oven Method** Preheat your oven to 425F. Spread the tofu evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. While the tofu cooks, prepare the rice. Bring water to a boil in a pot, add the rice, and stir. Once boiling again, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
7. Whisk together all the peanut sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Add water as needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
8. Assemble the bowls by layering rice, cucumber, edamame, crispy tofu, a drizzle of peanut sauce, green onions, and optional sesame seeds.
Notes
Don’t rush the tofu pressing: The more water you remove, the s-p-a-r-k-l-i-n-gly crispy your tofu will be.
Achieving that perfect crisp: Ensure your skillet is adequately heated before adding the tofu. This creates an instant sear that leads to crispiness.
Sauce consistency control: If your peanut sauce seems too thick, a little warm water is your best friend. Add it a tablespoon at a time until it’s perfectly dippable or drizzly.
Marinating time: While 10 minutes is good, if you have more time, let the tofu marinate for up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor integration.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired