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- Firm tofu and its preparation You need one block (14 oz) of firm tofu. Start by pressing it. This helps remove extra water. After that, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Pat the cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy when you cook them. - Marinade components For the marinade, mix these ingredients: - ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil Whisk these together in a bowl. This creates a sweet and savory flavor that soaks into the tofu. - Cooking oil and vegetables Use 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for frying the tofu. For the veggies, gather: - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 carrot, julienned You can also add ¼ cup of chopped green onions and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for garnish. These add color and extra crunch to your bowl. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by pressing the tofu. Place the block on a cutting board. Use a heavy object to press it for about 30 minutes. This step removes excess water, making the tofu firm. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Pat the cubes dry with paper towels. Drying helps the tofu absorb the marinade better. Now, let’s make the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Next, place the tofu cubes in a mixing bowl. Pour half the marinade over the tofu. Toss gently to coat each cube. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes. Flip the cubes halfway through for even flavor. After marinating, it’s time to coat the tofu. Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated cubes. Gently toss to ensure even coverage. The cornstarch helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated tofu cubes. Cook for about 7-10 minutes. Turn the tofu to get golden-brown color on all sides. Once crispy, remove the tofu and set it aside. For the veggies, I suggest using broccoli, red bell pepper, and carrots. Cut the broccoli into small florets, slice the bell pepper, and julienne the carrot. In the same skillet, add the vegetables. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender but still bright in color. Pour the reserved marinade over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat. Cook for another minute to heat everything through. Now it’s time to assemble your bowl. Start with a base of cooked jasmine rice. Next, add a layer of crispy tofu. Then, top it with the sautéed vegetables. For a nice touch, drizzle extra marinade over the top. This adds more flavor and moisture. Garnish your bowl with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This adds a nice crunch and extra flavor. Enjoy your colorful and tasty meal! To get the best crispy tofu, pressing is key. Start by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top, like a cast-iron skillet. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess water and helps the tofu absorb flavor. If you want to try other cooking methods, baking or air-frying are great options. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the coated tofu on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip halfway through for even crispiness. For air-frying, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Toppings can make your tofu bowl shine. Try adding chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for added crunch. You can also drizzle extra teriyaki sauce on top for a flavor boost. To make your dish more exciting, play with spices. A hint of garlic powder or chili flakes can add depth. Don't shy away from using fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. They bring freshness that complements the teriyaki sauce well. Pro Tips Press Tofu Thoroughly: Ensure you press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture when frying. Customize the Marinade: Feel free to add garlic or ginger to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also be a wonderful addition. Use High Heat for Frying: Cooking the tofu over medium-high heat allows it to develop a golden-brown crust. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan for best results. Serve Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. If preparing ahead of time, store components separately and assemble just before serving to retain texture. {{image_2}} For a vegan twist, you can swap tofu for chickpeas or tempeh. Both options provide protein and flavor. If you need a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This small change keeps the dish free of gluten. You can use any vegetables you like. Try adding snap peas, bok choy, or zucchini for more color and crunch. For rice alternatives, consider quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa adds protein, while cauliflower rice is low in carbs. Both options work well with the teriyaki sauce. Enjoy experimenting with flavors to make the bowl your own! To keep your crispy teriyaki tofu bowl fresh, you need to store it well. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature first. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the tofu soggy. Store the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, you want to reheat it right. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a little vegetable oil to the pan. This helps the tofu regain its crispiness. Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir gently to avoid breaking the tofu. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheat. Set it to 375°F and cook for about 5 minutes. This keeps everything crunchy and delicious. If you want to save your crispy tofu bowl for later, freezing is an option. First, make sure the bowl is fully cooled. Then, separate the tofu from the rice and vegetables. This helps keep them fresh. Place the tofu in a freezer-safe bag or container. Seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze the rice and vegetables in separate bags too. They will last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, take the tofu out a day before you plan to eat it. Place it in the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, use the microwave's defrost setting. When it’s time to reheat, use a skillet or air fryer again. Just remember to let everything heat through properly. Reheating in the oven can also work well. Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes. This keeps your meal tasty and satisfying. If you want to swap out tofu, several great options exist. You can use tempeh, which has a firmer texture and nutty taste. Chickpeas or lentils also work well, providing protein and fiber. For a different flavor, try seitan. It has a chewy texture that mimics meat. Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. It has a similar taste but is made without wheat. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten is present. Most other ingredients in this recipe are already gluten-free. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. You can also mix in some fresh chili or hot sauce when sautéing the veggies. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. Enjoy the heat! This blog post covered how to make a delicious crispy tofu bowl. You learned about the right ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfecting flavors. Remember, pressing tofu and using the right cooking techniques are key. Don't hesitate to get creative with different veggies or sauces. You can make this dish your own, no matter your diet. With these methods, enjoy tasty meals while keeping it healthy. Now, it's time for you to try this crispy tofu bowl yourself. Happy cooking!

Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Bowl

A delicious and healthy bowl featuring crispy tofu, sautéed vegetables, and jasmine rice, all coated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 unit carrot, julienned
  • 0.25 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Tofu: Place the pressed tofu on a cutting board and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Pat the cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  • Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
  • Marinate the Tofu: In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with half of the marinade, reserving the other half. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even flavor distribution.
  • Coat the Tofu: After the marinating time, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
  • Fry the Tofu: In a non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated tofu cubes and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, approximately 7-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.
  • Combine with Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for another minute to heat through.
  • Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, layer the cooked jasmine rice, crispy tofu, and sautéed vegetables. Drizzle additional sauce if desired.
  • Garnish: Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Keyword Bowl, healthy, teriyaki, tofu, vegan