Vegetarian & Vegan Bowls

Crispy Sesame Garlic Tofu & Edamame Bowl

Crisp tofu in sticky sesame garlic glaze with edamame and carrots over brown rice.

Prep
20 min
Cook
45 min
Total
1 hr 5 min
Makes
4 bowls
Protein
~22 gestimate per serving
Crispy Sesame Garlic Tofu & Edamame Bowl with brown rice, sesame garlic tofu, edamame and carrots in a speckled cream bowl

Tofu gets the same treatment as crispy sesame chicken here: pressed, coated in cornstarch, pan-fried and tossed in a sticky glaze at the last minute. Maple syrup keeps it vegan.

Why this recipe works

Pressing and coating the tofu gives a crunchy shell, and reducing the glaze before adding the tofu keeps it crisp.

Ingredient notes

Use tamari for gluten-free. About 22 grams of protein per bowl (an estimate).

Common mistakes

  • Simmering the tofu in the sauce.
  • Skipping the pressing.

What to serve with it

Sriracha or scallions.

Meal prep

Store the glaze separately to toss after reheating.

More bowls like this

Cooking tips

Press tofu for at least 15 minutes. Serve right away for the crispest tofu.

Swaps and variations

Use jasmine rice. Air-fry the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 4 days. Re-crisp in an oven or air fryer.

Recipe

Crispy Sesame Garlic Tofu & Edamame Bowl

Prep
20 min
Cook
45 min
Total
1 hr 5 min
Makes
4 bowls
Protein
~22 g

Ingredients

4 servings

You’ll need: large nonstick skillet; medium saucepan with lid; small pot

Method

  1. Cook the brown rice: bring the rice and water to a boil, cover and simmer on low 40 to 45 minutes; rest 10 minutes.

  2. Boil the edamame 4 minutes and drain.

  3. Toss the tofu with the cornstarch. Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and fry 8 to 10 minutes, turning, until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate and pour off the oil.

  4. Lower the heat to medium. Add the soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, garlic and sesame oil and simmer 1 to 2 minutes until syrupy.

  5. Return the tofu, toss quickly to coat and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

  6. Divide rice, tofu, edamame and carrots among 4 bowls.

Questions

Can I bake the tofu?

Yes, 25 minutes at 425°F (220°C).

Is it vegan?

Yes.

Comments

Made it? Tell us how it went

Questions, swaps that worked, things that didn’t. Comments are moderated.