Description
This Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowl is a vibrant, plant-based dish featuring crispy roasted tofu and vegetables served over fluffy white rice, all topped with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. Perfect for a wholesome, flavorful meal that balances protein, vegetables, and a punch of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Vegetables
- 2 blocks of extra firm tofu
- 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 small (or 1 large) head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into strips
Rice
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (toasted or dark)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sambal oelek or chili paste (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 2 tablespoons sugar, honey, or agave
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
- 1 clove fresh garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Press and Prep Tofu: Press the liquid out of the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cube the tofu into bite-sized pieces and gently toss with cornstarch until well coated, which helps in achieving a crispy texture when roasted.
- Prepare Vegetables and Roast: Arrange the tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. On a separate baking sheet, arrange the broccoli florets and red bell pepper strips. Drizzle olive oil over both the tofu and vegetables, then sprinkle with salt. Roast both baking sheets in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until the tofu is slightly crisped and the broccoli and peppers are roasted to a tender and flavorful finish.
- Cook Rice: While the tofu and vegetables roast, cook the white rice according to package instructions until fluffy and fully cooked.
- Make Peanut Sauce: Combine the peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sambal oelek or chili paste, sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave), fresh ginger, garlic, and water in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning and spice level to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the roasted tofu and vegetables over a bed of cooked white rice. Drizzle generously with the spicy peanut sauce. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying bowl warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, flip tofu and veggies halfway through the roasting time.
- Adjust the amount of sambal oelek or chili paste to control the spiciness level.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content and balance flavors.
- To make the dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- This recipe is vegan and can be modified to be low fat by reducing oil quantities.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowl, Roasted Tofu, Vegan Bowl, Peanut Sauce, Asian-Inspired, Healthy Dinner
