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    Home Β» Recipes Β» Vegan Mains

    Crispy Tofu Bowl

    Published: Jan 12, 2021 Β· Modified: Aug 25, 2022 Β· by Puja Verma

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This crispy tofu bowl is packed with plant-based protein, flavor, and color. It’s made with good-for-you ingredients, like edamame, kale, and farro, and comes together in under an hour! With how easy it is to make, this bowl is perfect for meal prepping or weeknight dinners.

    You really don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated steps to make the perfect sticky tofu bowl. And if you love simple, healthy meals like this, try my vegan taco bowl!

    Why I Love This Recipe

    This crispy tofu bowl makes plant-based eating feel so simple yet so satisfying. It’s my go-to lunch or dinner, especially on busy weeks!

    Pan-fried tofu is tossed in a sticky-sweet hoisin sriracha glaze that’s honestly pretty hard to beat. You’ve also got hearty farro, bright pickled carrots, tender edamame, and a quick lime-massaged kale to round it out.

    It’s super budget-friendly, and most ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store. Plus, it reheats well, so it’s great for next-day lunches or prepping ahead!

    Ingredient Notes

    Here’s a full breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this crispy tofu bowl.

    • Farro: This nutty whole grain adds chewiness and fiber. Plus, it’s quite high in protein!
    • Tofu: I prefer extra-firm tofu for this recipe since it holds its shape best when pan-fried and crisps up nicely.
    • Hoisin: Sweet, tangy, and umami-rich, hoisin creates a sticky glaze that coats the tofu.
    • Sriracha: Adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness of the hoisin.
    • Toasted Sesame Oil: I use this in the sauce and for massaging the kale, giving both depth and a warm, nutty aroma.
    • Edamame: This protein-packed veggie adds a tender texture and fresh green color.
    • Kale: Tuscan kale holds up well when massaged, making it ideal for bowls like this.
    • Lime Juice: To massage the kale, making it more tender and easier to digest.
    • Carrot: Once pickled, carrots add a sweet tang and the perfect crunch.
    • Pickling Liquid: To quick-pickle the carrots, I use a mixture of water, distilled vinegar salt, and sugar.Β 

    Substitutions

    • Farro: You can use brown rice, quinoa, or barley in a 1:1 swap.
    • Tofu: If you don’t have tofu, tempeh or soy curls also work well for a firmer texture. Marinate them before cooking for a better flavor.
    • Hoisin: Try teriyaki sauce or a mix of soy sauce and maple syrup (2:1 ratio) for a similar sweet-savory taste.
    • Sriracha: Feel free to use chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
    • Tuscan Kale: Curly kale or baby spinach also work here. Massage curly kale the same way, but you don’t need to massage spinach (just toss it with the dressing).
    • Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar both work well with a 1:1 ratio.
    • Sugar: Agave, maple syrup, and coconut sugar will work in a pinch for the pickling liquid, but they will turn the color slightly darker.
    • Edamame: Use green peas or blanched snap peas for a similar pop of color and flavor.

    How to Make

    Making this sticky tofu bowl is seriously so simple! Just follow my tips for the best results.

    Preparation

    Wash and julienne the carrot, mince the garlic, stem and shred the kale, and crush or thaw the edamame if frozen. Mix the quick pickle brine and submerge the carrots. Let them sit for at least 1 hour.

    Drain and press the tofu using a kitchen towel and a heavy pan (like a cast iron) for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.

    Cooking

    Step 1
    Rinse the farro and cook it according to the package directions. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and set aside.

    Step 2
    Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cut the pressed tofu into cubes and sautΓ© until golden on all sides, flipping occasionally to ensure even browning. Use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent sticking and get better crisping.

    Step 3
    Once the tofu is golden, drizzle in hoisin sauce, sriracha, and salt. Toss gently to coat and cook until the glaze is thick and sticky. Add the sauces only once the tofu is crisped (adding them too early will prevent browning and create steam).

    Step 4
    In a small bowl, massage the kale with sesame oil, lime juice, and salt until it becomes soft and tender.

    Step 5
    Assemble each crispy tofu bowl with cooked farro, kale, edamame, tofu, and pickled carrots. Top with cilantro, lime wedges, and sriracha aioli if desired, and enjoy!

    Expert Tip

    The thing with tofu is that if you want it crispy like the kind you get at a restaurant, the preparation is essential. Pressing it is non-negotiable so it can actually crisp up instead of steaming in the pan. I usually just wrap mine in a towel and throw something heavy on top.

    Then, make sure your pan is hot (non-stick works best), and don’t overcrowd it. If the pieces are too close together, they’ll steam and go soggy. Let each side sit without touching it for a couple of minutes to build that golden crust, then toss on your glaze at the end.

    Cooking Tips

    • Massage the Kale: Since you’re not cooking it, it’s important to break down the kale’s fibers to make it tender and easier to digest.
    • Pickle Carrots in Advance: You’ll need to let them sit for at least an hour, but longer is better. If possible, pickle your carrots the day before and store them in the fridge.
    • Adjust the Seasonings: Lime juice, salt, or sriracha can all be adjusted to your preferences. Taste and balance the five tastes (sweet, salty, sour, umami, spicy).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I skip pressing the tofu?

    Pressing tofu is essential for removing excess water. Without it, the tofu will not crisp up, and the sauce will not cling properly. If you’re in a rush, wrap the tofu in a paper towel and press with your hands for 5 minutes.

    Can I air-fry the tofu instead?

    Yes, you can air fry tofu at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. It creates a crispy texture with less oil. Just toss it in the sauce after air frying to avoid burning the sugar.

    Do I need to peel the carrots before pickling?

    No, but give them a good scrub. The skin is edible and adds earthy flavor, but peeling can create a cleaner look and softer texture. Either way, julienne them thinly for faster pickling.

    Storing & Reheating

    This sticky tofu bowl should be fully cooled before storing to preserve the texture of the crispy tofu.

    • Fridge: Store each component in separate airtight containers. The tofu and vegetables will stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the pickled carrots can last up to 10 days if stored properly.
    • Reheating: To reheat the tofu, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving it if possible, as it will turn rubbery.

    More Tofu Recipes

    • Buffalo tofu garnished with herbs and served with ranch dip.
      Buffalo Tofu
    • Gochujang tofu chunks in a serving plate garnished with green onions alongside a lime wedge.
      Gochujang Tofu
    • Chow fun noodle dish with tofu strips and vegetables in a serving bowl.
      Chow Fun Noodles (With Tofu)
    • Marry me tofu in saucepan.
      Marry Me Tofu (With Vegan Tuscan Sauce)
    Tofu bowl with other vegetables and grains.

    Crispy Tofu Bowl

    5 from 1 vote
    Prep Time: 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 35 minutes mins
    Total Time: 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins
    Serving Size: 2 people
    Author Puja Verma
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    DESCRIPTION

    This crispy tofu bowl is packed with plant-based protein, flavor, and color. It’s made with good-for-you ingredients, like edamame, kale, and farro, and comes together in under an hour! With how easy it is to make, this bowl is perfect for meal prepping or weeknight dinners.

    INGREDIENTS
     
     

    Grain

    • Β½ cup Farro I used Trader Joe's 10 Min Farro

    Protein

    • 1 block tofu extra firm
    • 2 tablespoon sesame seed oil toasted
    • Β½ teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoon hoisin sauce
    • 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce

    Vegetable

    • Β½ cup edamame

    Leafy Greens

    • 1 cup tuscan kale shredded
    • 2 teaspoon sesame seed oil toasted
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • ΒΌ teaspoon salt

    Pickle

    • 1 whole carrot julienne cut
    • ΒΌ cup water
    • ΒΌ cup distilled vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon sugar

    Garnish

    • cilantro
    • lime wedges

    METHOD
     

    Pickle Carrots

    • Mix water, distilled vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small mixing bowl. Submerge julienne cut carrots, and set aside for at least an hour.

    Prepare Tofu

    • Wrap tofu block with a kitchen towel and set something heavy over it (I used a cast iron) for 15 to 20 minutes. Then unwrap the towel from the tofu block, and cut into cubes. In a medium size skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Once hot, sautΓ© tofu, flip occasionally to cook on all sides; allowing all sides to get brown. Drizzle hoisin sauce, sriracha, salt and gently coat all sides of the tofu. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes till crispy.

    Grain

    • Cook you choice of healthy grains per the package instructions. I used farro, but brown rice or quinoa are a great choice as well.

    Leafy Greens

    • Put shredded kale in a small mixing bowl and drizzle it with oil, lime juice and salt. Wash your hands properly and then massage the kale (gently squeezing and tossing) until it softens.

    Veggies

    • If you have frozen edamame, then make sure to thaw it. You can also steam or boil frozen edamame for 15 minutes till soft and chewy.

    Assemble

    • Divide all components into each bowl in the amount desired. Place the farro in the bowl, add the edamame, tofu, leafy greens, pickled carrots and garnish with cilantro, lime and my homemade Sriracha Aioli Sauce.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 2362mg | Potassium: 379mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1151IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 3mg
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Asian
    Keyword: power bowl, tofu bowl, vegan power bowl
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Puja from Green Heart Love

    I’m Puja! I love creating, developing & exploring vegan recipes made entirely from whole food & plant based ingredients.

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    More about me β†’

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