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Weeknight • Vegetarian

Crispy Sesame Ginger Tofu Bowls

Golden, crispy tofu coated in a sweet and savory sesame-ginger sauce, served over rice with fresh, colorful vegetables.

Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Crispy Sesame Ginger Tofu Bowls

These Crispy Sesame Ginger Tofu Bowls are a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying vegetarian meal! The tofu gets delightfully crispy, then tossed in a luscious, savory, and slightly sweet sauce. Served over fluffy rice with a medley of fresh vegetables, it’s a healthy, quick, and absolutely delicious option for a light lunch or a fulfilling dinner. You won't miss the meat, we promise!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Tofu

  • 1 (14 oz) block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce

  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

For Serving

  • Cooked rice or quinoa
  • Steamed broccoli florets
  • Shredded carrots
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the tofu: After pressing and cubing, pat tofu very dry with paper towels. Toss tofu cubes with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated.

  2. Step 2

    Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using). Set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Cook the tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.

  4. Step 4

    Finish the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

  5. Step 5

    Return crispy tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat thoroughly with the sauce.

  6. Step 6

    Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice or quinoa among serving bowls. Top with crispy sesame ginger tofu, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumber. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.

Tips

  • Pressing the tofu is key for crispiness! Wrap it in paper towels, place a heavy object on top, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
  • Feel free to customize your veggies! Bell peppers, snap peas, or edamame would also be delicious.
  • Add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra crunch.

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