Fried Tofu Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Tofu Bowl Recipe

• Healthy – These easy bowls are vegan and full of veggies, making them a great source of protein and nutrients.
• Plant-Based Protein – The protein base is tofu, making it versatile, flavorful, and perfect for high-protein bowls.
• Satisfying – The sweet and savory sauce, the creamy avocado, crispy tofu, and crunch vegetables make every bite so satisfying
• Quick – Ready in just 30 minutes!

RELATED: 27+ Vegan Comfort Food Recipes

Crispy Tofu Bowl Recipe

I love using tofu for a few healthy vegetarian meals each week, and my kids love it, too! After adding it to my Sofritas Meal Prep Bowls and Vegan Tofu Tacos, I truly feel like it’s such an underrated plant-based protein. And when you make it crispy in a caramelized sauce, like in these Fried Tofu Bowls, it’s truly next-level!

As a working mom of three littles, I know how challenging it can be to whip up something nutritious and tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m excited to share this amazing Fried Tofu Bowl recipe with you! Tested to perfection, this easy dinner is packed with flavor and can be easily customized to your family’s preferences. Whether you’re juggling work, school pick-ups, or bedtime routines, this recipe is a game-changer for getting a wholesome meal on the table quickly!

Like Tofu Recipes? Try my Tofu Scramble Vegan Breakfast Bowl!

Tofu Bowl Recipe Ingredients

Every single ingredient in these bowls adds layers of flavor without much time. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fried Tofu

• Extra Firm Tofu – Tofu comes packaged in water, so pressing it is necessary for this recipe. If you can’t find extra firm, firm will do just fine. The texture of your fried tofu will be a little softer, though.
• Coconut Aminos – Salty and rich, the coconut aminos (which tastes like soy sauce) adds so much flavor to the tofu cubes. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free soy sauce (called Tamari) as a substitute.
• Cornstarch – Cornstarch is the binder and helps the tofu get crisp in the skillet. You can also use tapioca flour instead.
• Paprika – A little color and a little flavor, paprika adds another layer of flavor to the tofu!
• Garlic – Use fresh, jarred, or powder, whichever is easiest for you! The garlic adds even more flavor to the tofu cubes.
• Breadcrumbs – Pankco breadcrumbs add texture and crisp to the cubes of tofu. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs or Cauli Crunch.
• Oil – I use avocado oil for just about everything. It tolerates high heat and has a neutral flavor. You can use any high-heat tolerant neutral oil you prefer.

Sweet Chili Sauce

• Coconut Aminos – The base of the sauce is coconut aminos, which gives it a salty, rich flavor. Like above, you can always substitute with a low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free Tamari.
• Chili Paste – Chili paste can be found in the international food aisle of the grocery store. The chili paste will add heat, spice, and depth to the sauce. Look for a mild paste if you don’t love heat or simply cut back on the amount you use.
• Agave – Agave syrup sweetens and balances our sauce so that the saltiness and spice aren’t overpowering. You can substitute with equal amounts of honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup if you prefer. If you use coconut sugar, you will need to double or triple the amount to get the same sweetness level.
• Cornstarch – Cornstarch thickens the sauce to a silky consistency. Substitute with tapioca starch if you’d prefer.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Completely optional, red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce, or sprinkled on top of your finish bowl for a little extra heat!

Tofu Bowls

• Rice or Noodles – The base of our bowl, I love using basmati brown rice, or rice noodles for this bowl. See below for more ideas!
• Edamame – Shelled edamame is available in the frozen section of your grocery store. Packed with protein and nutrients, its a great addition to these tofu bowls.
• Carrots – You will love the color and crunch carrots add.
• Avocado – Avocado adds healthy fats and make the bowl even healthier and satisfying.
• Broccoli – Use a frozen steamer bag, or steam fresh broccoli to add more veggies.
• Green Onions & Sesame Seeds – Optional but super tasty, you’ll love what these add to the bowls.

How to Make Fried Tofu

You’ll love how simple it is to make these healthy dinner bowls. Here’s how to make fried tofu:

1. Press and cube the tofu and toss it in a bowl with the coconut aminos and cornstarch.
2. Season the bread crumbs with the garlic and paprika and coat the tofu with them.
3. Cook the tofu in a non-stick skillet with oil, then add the sauce to the pan and stir.
4. Build the bowls with rice, tofu, veggies, and a drizzle of sauce.
5. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds and enjoy!

RELATED: Tofu Scramble Vegan Breakfast Bowl

Tofu Bowl Variations

One of the best thing about tofu rice bowls meals is how easily customizable they are. Here are some ideas of ways you can make them your own:

• Base Ingredient – Lots of different grains would work well. Try jasmine rice, quinoa, ramen noodles, or farro for more fiber. You can also use cauliflower rice or sautéed kale for a lower carbohydrate option!
• Vegetables – You can use any type of vegetable you like in these bowls. I suggest using something green like kale, sugar snap peas, or brussel sprouts along with something colorful like bright red bell peppers, radishes, red onion, or eggplant.
• Garnishes – Add fresh herbs on top like basil or cilantro, or some fried shallots for a little crunch. You can also add chopped peanuts or mung bean sprouts for even more flavor and texture. Drizzle with sesame oil or sweet chili sauce on top!

Storing

• Refrigerator – Store the completely cooled bowls in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
• Freezer – Allow the ingredients to cool completely, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheating – Reheat the bowls in the microwave for 2-3 minutes from the fridge, or 4-5 from the freezer.

More Healthy Bowl Recipes You’ll Love

• Chicken Al Pastor Bowls
• BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls
• Fried Shrimp Bowls
• Korean Beef Bowls
• Vegan Turmeric Quinoa Power Bowls