Buzz
Photo by Caitlin BenselThis vegetarian rice bowl features tofu, a flavorful and protein-packed topping. The key to crispy tofu is pressing it gently yet firmly with a clean dish towel to remove excess moisture. For extra crispiness, place a heavy skillet over the towel-wrapped tofu block for up to 30 minutes to release more water. Coat the tofu with cornstarch and a bit of oil before roasting at a high heat for a perfectly crispy texture. After roasting, toss the tofu in a rich peanut butter, soy sauce, and ginger sauce for added flavor. Top the crispy tofu on fluffy rice with a zesty lime kick, and finish with spicy marinated cucumbers that bring a delightful punch to every bite.
Ingredients Needed
1 cup uncooked basmati rice
1 14-oz. package extra-firm tofu
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 tablespoon lime zest and 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 3 limes)
½ cup seasoned rice vinegar
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 cup thinly sliced Persian cucumbers (from 2 cucumbers)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (from a 1 ½-inch piece)
1 ½ teaspoons honey or maple syrup
Optional: Thinly sliced scallions and chopped peanuts, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare rice as per the instructions on the package. Once done, mix in lime zest and fluff the rice with a fork.
Press the tofu in a clean towel to remove any excess moisture. Slice it into ¾-inch cubes and place in a bowl. Coat with cornstarch and oil. Spread the tofu in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the edges.
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar and crushed red pepper. Add the sliced cucumbers and stir to coat.
For the sauce, whisk peanut butter, 5 tablespoons of water, soy sauce, ginger, honey, and lime juice in another small bowl until smooth.
Combine the tofu cubes with ¼ cup of the peanut butter mixture. Serve the tofu over rice with the cucumber mixture, and optionally top with scallions and peanuts. Drizzle with the remaining peanut sauce to taste.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Information (per serving): 557 calories; 24g fat; 0mg cholesterol; 1,436mg sodium; 71g carbohydrates; 5g dietary fiber; 21g protein; 15g sugars; 4g saturated fat.
