Go Back
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes for an extra kick Crispy tofu Buddha bowls are not just tasty; they are also packed with nutrients. Tofu gives you protein and healthy fats. Quinoa is a great source of fiber and amino acids. The veggies add vitamins and minerals. Avocado brings in healthy fats too. This meal can keep you full and satisfied. If you want to switch things up, consider these options: - Swap tofu for tempeh for a nuttier taste. - Use brown rice or farro instead of quinoa for a different grain. - Choose your favorite veggies. Zucchini or spinach work well too. - For a kick, use sriracha instead of chili flakes. These changes help tailor the bowl to your taste and pantry. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for crispy tofu! Take the block of firm tofu and press it to remove excess water. Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes. In a large bowl, mix the cubed tofu with soy sauce. Make sure every piece is coated well. Then, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the tofu. Gently toss until all cubes have a light dusting. This cornstarch will help create that crispy crust! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze! Spread the tofu cubes out in a single layer. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over them. This adds great flavor and helps with crispiness. Bake the tofu for about 25-30 minutes. Be sure to turn the cubes halfway through for even browning. You want them golden brown and deliciously crispy. While the tofu bakes, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This removes any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork when done, and set it aside to cool a bit. Grab a steamer basket or a microwave-safe bowl. Place 1 cup of broccoli florets into the steamer. Steam for 5-7 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. If you prefer, you can sauté the broccoli with 1 cup of shredded carrots and 1 sliced bell pepper. Use a little olive oil and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Take a large bowl or plate and add a big scoop of quinoa at the bottom. It's the perfect base! Next, artfully arrange your crispy tofu, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and bell pepper on top. Don’t forget the creamy avocado slices! Make it look beautiful; it’s part of the fun. To finish, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds over the top. Add fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. If you like some heat, toss in a pinch of chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your vibrant Buddha bowl is ready to enjoy! Serve it in colorful dishes and maybe add a lemon wedge on the side for extra zest. To get crispy tofu, start with firm tofu. Press it to remove excess water. Cutting it into cubes helps it cook evenly. Toss the cubes in soy sauce for flavor. Then sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu. This gives it a nice crunch when baked. Don’t forget to bake at 425°F for the best results. Bake until golden brown, turning halfway through. To boost flavor, use sesame oil. It adds a nutty taste and helps with crispiness. You can also try adding garlic powder or onion powder to the cornstarch mix. A pinch of chili flakes gives a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten the dish. Mixing in a splash of lime juice before serving enhances the taste further. Presentation matters for a Buddha bowl. Start with a base of quinoa, making it the focal point. Arrange colorful veggies in sections for a vibrant look. Place the crispy tofu on top, and don’t forget the avocado slices. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice touch. Serving in deep, colorful bowls makes the dish pop. A lemon wedge on the side can brighten up the whole meal. {{image_4}} You can mix it up with different proteins. Tempeh is a great choice. It adds a nutty flavor and healthy benefits. Chickpeas also work well. They add protein and texture. For a meat option, try grilled chicken or shrimp. Both options pair nicely with the spices. Feel free to play with your veggies! Spinach or kale can add greens. Sweet potatoes or zucchini bring extra flavor and nutrition. You can also use snap peas for a nice crunch. The key is to use fresh, colorful veggies to keep it exciting. The sauce can change everything! A simple tahini dressing adds creaminess. You can mix lemon juice, tahini, and water for a drizzle. A peanut sauce also adds a great taste. For a spicy kick, try sriracha mixed with soy sauce. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect match! To store leftovers, place the Buddha bowl in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the tofu and veggies if you want to keep them extra crispy. This helps prevent sogginess. To reheat, warm the tofu in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will revive the crispiness. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may change. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, checking often. You can freeze the tofu separately if you want to store it longer. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Use within three months for the best quality. The veggies and quinoa don’t freeze well, so it's best to enjoy them fresh. Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses tofu, quinoa, and fresh veggies. All ingredients are plant-based. You can enjoy this dish without animal products. To get crispy tofu, start with firm tofu. Press it to remove excess water. Coat the tofu in soy sauce first, then sprinkle cornstarch. The cornstarch creates a crunchy outer layer when baked. Bake at a high temperature for the best results. You can use brown rice, farro, or barley instead of quinoa. These grains add different textures and flavors. Choose what you like or have handy. Yes, you can prep many parts ahead of time. Cook the quinoa and tofu earlier in the day. Chop the veggies and store them in the fridge. Assemble your bowl when ready to eat for the best taste. Serve your Buddha bowl with a side of lemon wedges for extra zing. You can also add a drizzle of your favorite sauce, like tahini or sriracha. Garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro adds flavor and color. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Buddha bowl. We highlighted the key ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. You learned how to ensure your tofu is crispy and how to customize your meal with different veggies and sauces. Remember, this dish is flexible. You can swap ingredients and adapt it to your taste. With these tips, you can enjoy healthy meals that are both fun and satisfying. Make your next Buddha bowl unique and delicious!

Crispy Tofu Buddha Bowls

Discover the ultimate Crispy Tofu Buddha Bowls recipe that combines health and flavor in one vibrant dish! With golden, crunchy tofu, nutritious quinoa, and a rainbow of fresh veggies, this bowl is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it's easy to make and packed with nutrients. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed

2 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup shredded carrots

1 bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 ripe avocado, sliced

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes for an extra kick

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed tofu with soy sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Then, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and gently toss until all cubes are evenly dusted. This will give your tofu a deliciously crispy crust!

    Bake the Tofu: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the coated tofu cubes in a single layer on the sheet. Drizzle the sesame oil over the tofu, enhancing the flavor and crispiness as it bakes. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the cubes halfway through, until they are golden brown and irresistibly crispy.

      Cook the Quinoa: While the tofu is baking, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly.

        Steam the Vegetables: Using a steamer basket or a microwave-safe bowl, steam the broccoli florets for about 5-7 minutes, until they are vibrant green and tender-crisp. If preferred, you can also sauté the broccoli along with the shredded carrots and bell pepper in a pan with a bit of olive oil for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender but still vibrant.

          Assemble the Buddha Bowl: Start by placing a generous scoop of cooked quinoa at the bottom of a large bowl or plate. Artfully arrange the crispy tofu, steamed broccoli, vibrant shredded carrots, sliced bell pepper, and creamy avocado on top, creating an appealing visual display.

            Garnish and Serve: Finish your Buddha bowl by sprinkling sesame seeds and fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of freshness. If you enjoy a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of chili flakes for a kick. Be sure to season with salt and pepper to taste before diving in!

              - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 2

                Presentation Tips: Serve your Buddha bowls in deep, colorful dishes to highlight the vibrant ingredients. Consider adding a lemon wedge on the side for an extra zesty touch. Enjoy your nutritious and visually stunning meal!