BBQ Tofu Bowls

Gluten-free, Nut-free option

These bowls top white rice with crispy BBQ tofu, sautéed broccoli and sweet potato, beans, corn and a drizzle of vegan ranch dressing. They’re quick, easy and absolutely delicious. Feel free to get creative and customize these bowls with any veggies or toppings you please!

BBQ Tofu Bowls offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors, combining the crispiness of tofu, the earthiness of sautéed vegetables, and the richness of BBQ sauce. This dish provides a balanced and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The recipe brings together various elements to create a harmonious and satisfying eating experience.

The centerpiece of these bowls is the crispy tofu, which adds a protein punch and a delightful crunch to the dish. The tofu is first pressed to remove excess moisture, then coated with cornstarch and pan-fried until crispy. The final touch of BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor profile that elevates the tofu to a new level of deliciousness.

Accompanying the crispy tofu is a colorful combination of sautéed vegetables. Broccoli and sweet potatoes bring their natural sweetness and vibrant colors to the dish. The sautéing process enhances their flavors and textures, providing a wholesome and nutrient-rich element to the bowls. The addition of water during cooking ensures that the vegetables remain tender without losing their natural freshness.

Served over a bed of Perfect White Rice, the crispy tofu and sautéed vegetables create a satisfying base. To further enhance the flavors, the bowls are drizzled with Vegan Ranch Dressing and additional BBQ sauce, adding creaminess and tanginess to the dish. The combination of rice, tofu, vegetables, and flavorful sauces results in a well-rounded meal that’s both hearty and indulgent.

One of the great aspects of these BBQ Tofu Bowls is their adaptability. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, adjusting the level of spiciness with the BBQ sauce, or incorporating other sauces and toppings of your choice. Additionally, these bowls are nutrient-rich, providing a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins from the vegetables and rice.

PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus inactive time to press tofu and prep time for rice

COOK TIME: about 20 minutes

YIELD:4 bowls

INGREDIENTS:

CRISPY TOFU

• 1 (14- to 16-oz [396- to 453-g]) block firm or extra-firm tofu
• ⅓ cup (40 g) cornstarch
• ¼ cup (60 ml) canola oil
• ⅓ cup (96 g) vegan BBQ sauce, plus more as desired

SAUTÉED VEGETABLES

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) canola or olive oil
• 1 medium- to large-sized head broccoli, stemmed and chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 4 cups [200 g])
• 1 medium- to large-sized sweet potato, peeled and diced (2 heaping cups [320 g])
• ¼ cup (60 ml) water

FOR THE BOWLS

• 4½ cups (750 g) Perfect White Rice (1½ batches )
• 1 (15.5-oz [439-g]) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (136 g) corn (fresh [cooked], frozen [defrosted] or canned [drained and rinsed])
• Vegan Ranch Dressing or store-bought (nut-free if needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin the crispy tofu:
   • Drain and press tofu, then cut into cubes.
2. Prepare the sautéed vegetables:
   • Heat canola oil in a large sauté pan, add broccoli and sweet potato.
   • Cook for 5 minutes, add water, cover and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until fork-tender.
3. Meanwhile, finish the crispy tofu:
   • Coat tofu pieces in cornstarch, then cook in heated canola oil until crispy.
   • Stir in BBQ sauce until coated.
4. Prepare the bowls:
   • Distribute white rice among four serving bowls.
   • Place crispy BBQ tofu, sautéed vegetables, kidney beans, and corn in each bowl.
   • Drizzle with ranch dressing and extra BBQ sauce, as desired.
5. Serve warm.

TIPS:

• Ensure the tofu is well-pressed before coating with cornstarch to achieve optimal crispiness.
• Use your preferred brand of vegan BBQ sauce, adjusting the quantity according to your taste preferences.
• Choose fresh and colorful vegetables for sautéing to add visual appeal and nutritional value to the dish.
• Feel free to experiment with additional toppings, such as avocado slices, chopped nuts, or fresh herbs.
• Serve the BBQ Tofu Bowls warm for the best flavor and texture experience.