Name: 7 Amazing CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS, Deliciously Bad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 14 ounce block extra firm or super firm tofu, drained, cubed and patted dry; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 1 cup rice; 1 cup mixed greens; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/2 cup edamame; 4 radishes, sliced; 2 large carrots, peeled; 4 mini cucumbers, sliced; 1/4 cup spicy mayo; Sesame seeds for garnish; Green onion for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Okay, so picture this: it’s Wednesday night, you’re *starving*, and the thought of ordering takeout AGAIN makes you cringe. Sound familiar? That’s where these CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS come in! I’m seriously obsessed with tofu bowls – they’re my go-to for a healthy and satisfying meal that doesn’t take, like, forever to make.

Seriously, who doesn’t love a good bowl packed with plant-based protein? I know I do! And these aren’t just *any* tofu bowls. We’re talking seriously CRISPY tofu, coated in the most addictive sticky sauce. Best part? You can whip these babies up in under 30 minutes, and customize them with whatever veggies you’ve got hanging out in the fridge. Trust me, you’re gonna love ’em!

Why You’ll Love These CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, when I say quick, I MEAN it. We’re talking from fridge to face in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you’re juggling a million things!

Packed with Flavor

Oh man, the flavor! The sticky sauce is like, a symphony of sweet, savory, and umami. It’s seriously addictive. You’ve been warned!

Customizable to Your Liking

Don’t like carrots? Swap ’em for bell peppers! Feeling crazy? Add some pineapple! These CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS are totally customizable to whatever you’re craving. It’s all about using what YOU love!

Plant-Based Protein Powerhouse

Forget boring salads, these bowls are packed with protein thanks to the tofu and edamame. They’ll keep you full and satisfied for hours. Hello, healthy and delicious!

Ingredients for Your CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS

CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS - detail 1

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need a 14-ounce block of extra-firm (or super-firm!) tofu – make sure it’s drained, cubed, and patted dry. Plus, we’ve got 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce), 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 cup mixed greens, 1 sliced avocado, 1/2 cup edamame, 4 sliced radishes, 2 peeled carrots (ribboned!), 4 sliced mini cucumbers, 1/4 cup spicy mayo, sesame seeds and green onion for garnish. Phew! That’s it!

How to Make CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS: Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Tofu

Okay, listen up, this is SUPER important: you gotta press that tofu! Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and press down, like, really press. You can even use a tofu press if you’re fancy, or just pile some heavy books on top. We’re talking 15-20 minutes here. Why? Because the less water in the tofu, the crispier it gets! Trust me on this one.

Coat the Tofu

Now for the fun part! Toss those beautiful tofu cubes into a big bowl. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and salt, and then gently toss everything together until each piece is coated. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy, that’s totally fine!

CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS - detail 2

Make the Sticky Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the tamari, sesame oil (2 tablespoons, remember!), rice vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Give it a good whisk until everything’s combined. Set this aside for now – it’s about to become magical!

Cook the Tofu

Grab your biggest nonstick skillet and heat up 2 tablespoons of avocado or olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot (careful, it splatters!), add the tofu. You’ll want to cook it until it’s golden brown and crispy on *all* sides. This usually takes about 10 minutes, but keep an eye on it! When it’s done, transfer the crispy tofu to a clean plate.

Combine and Serve Your CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS

Now, return that skillet to the burner over medium heat and pour in the sticky sauce. Let it come to a *slow* boil – the sauce will thicken up FAST, so watch it! Once it’s thickened, add the crispy tofu back into the skillet and toss, toss, toss until every single piece is completely coated in that glorious sauce. Finally, spoon some rice into each bowl, pile on your favorite veggies, and top with that amazing sticky tofu. Don’t forget a drizzle of spicy mayo, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and some chopped green onion for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS

Pressing the Tofu is Key

Seriously, don’t skip this step! The drier the tofu, the crispier it gets. Think of it like squeezing out all the sadness so the tofu can reach its full potential! More surface area = maximum crispiness. You got this!

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

I know, I know, you’re hungry and want to cook all the tofu at once. But trust me on this one! If you overcrowd the pan, the tofu will steam instead of getting crispy. Cook it in batches, and you’ll be rewarded with golden-brown perfection. Patience, my friend!

Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste

Is the sauce not sweet enough? Add a *tiny* bit more maple syrup! Want more of a kick? Go crazy with the spicy mayo! This recipe is just a starting point, so feel free to play around and make it your own. That’s what cooking’s all about!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS

Tamari Substitutions

Okay, so tamari is my go-to ’cause it’s gluten-free, but no worries if you don’t have it! Regular soy sauce works just fine. Or, if you’re looking for something a little different, try coconut aminos. It’s a bit sweeter, but still totally delish!

Maple Syrup Alternatives

Out of maple syrup? Oops! No biggie. Honey or agave nectar will totally work in these CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS. Just keep in mind they might change the flavor a little bit, so taste as you go and adjust accordingly. I usually start with a little less and then add more if I need it.

Veggie Swaps

Seriously, the veggie possibilities are endless here! Don’t have radishes? No problem! Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas… they’re all fantastic in these bowls. Use whatever veggies you love and have on hand. That’s the beauty of these CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS – they’re super flexible!

Serving Suggestions for Your CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS

Okay, so these CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS are pretty awesome on their own, but if you’re looking to make it a *real* feast, here are a few ideas! A simple side salad is always a good call. Or, how about some warm miso soup? Yum! And if you’re feeling fancy, spring rolls are always a winner. Basically, anything goes!

Storing and Reheating Your CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS

Got leftovers? Lucky you! But here’s a pro tip: store the tofu and rice separately. Trust me, nobody likes soggy rice AND soggy tofu. Keep ’em in airtight containers in the fridge, and they’ll be good for 3-5 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the tofu in a skillet or microwave and assemble your bowl. Boom! Lunch is served!

Frequently Asked Questions About CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can totally prep some of the components in advance. I often cook the rice ahead of time, and even make the sticky sauce a day or two before. You can also press and cube the tofu, so it’s ready to go. Just store everything separately in the fridge, and you’ll be enjoying your CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS in no time!

How do I make the tofu extra crispy?

Okay, so the *real* secret to extra crispy tofu is all about the pressing! The more moisture you remove, the crispier it’ll get. Also, make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan when you’re cooking it. Give those little tofu cubes some space to breathe and get golden brown. And don’t be afraid to let them get *really* golden brown!

Can I use a different type of rice?

Totally! I usually use white rice because it’s what I have on hand, but brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa would be delicious in these CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS. It’s really up to you! Just cook it according to the package directions, and you’re good to go.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It *can* be! Just make sure you use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce. Regular soy sauce usually contains wheat, so it’s important to check the label. Otherwise, all the other ingredients in these CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS are naturally gluten-free. Easy peasy!

Can I add other toppings?

Heck yeah! Get creative! I love adding things like kimchi, pickled ginger, or even a sprinkle of toasted seaweed flakes to my CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite combinations. The possibilities are endless!

Nutritional Information for CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS

Okay, so here’s the deal: the nutritional information I’m giving you is just an estimate. It can totally vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands and all that jazz!). So, please don’t take it as gospel, okay? Just a general idea of what you’re putting in your body with these delicious CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS!

Enjoy Your CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS!

Alright, you made it! Now go dig in and enjoy your amazing CRISPY STICKY TOFU BOWLS! If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment and rate it below! And don’t forget to share it on social media – tag me so I can see your creations!