Description
This delicious Tofu Bowl with Peanut Sauce is a wholesome and flavorful meal featuring marinated, pan-fried tofu, steamed mixed vegetables, and brown rice, all topped with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. Perfect for a quick and nutritious vegetarian dinner that combines rich textures and vibrant tastes in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Marinade
- 1 block of firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup of cooked brown rice
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
Peanut Sauce
- 1/4 cup of peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
Garnish
- Chopped peanuts
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prep for any optional baking steps or warming, though tofu will be cooked on the stovetop.
- Marinate Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into cubes and place them in a bowl. Pour the soy sauce over the tofu and let it marinate for 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Cook Tofu: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated tofu cubes and cook until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
- Steam Vegetables: While tofu is cooking, steam the mixed vegetables in a separate pot until they are tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined, forming a creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place cooked brown rice at the bottom of each serving bowl. Top with the golden tofu cubes and steamed vegetables.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Generously drizzle the peanut sauce over the assembled ingredients. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu properly removes excess moisture and helps it crisp better during cooking.
- You can substitute brown rice with quinoa or white rice based on preference.
- Adjust the peanut sauce sweetness or tanginess by varying honey/maple syrup and lime juice amounts.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the peanut sauce.
