Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl
Tofu dreams really do come true with this Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl. This vibrant vegan dish features spicy baked tofu, cilantro lime rice, roasted peppers, black beans, and creamy avocado. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, each bite bursts with flavor. This bowl is not only satisfying but also easy to customize for various occasions, making it the ultimate go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy baked tofu and zesty cilantro lime rice creates a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch at the start of the week for delicious lunches or dinners.
- Nutrient-Packed: Packed with protein from tofu and fiber from beans, this dish is as nourishing as it is tasty.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.
- Quick Cooking: With a total time of just 50 minutes, you can whip up this bowl even on busy weeknights.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Gather these essential items before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for roasting tofu and veggies evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps in cutting tofu and vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Ingredients
To make your own Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl, gather the following ingredients:
For the Base
- 1 batch cilantro lime rice or Vegan Mexican Rice
- 1 can black beans
For the Tofu
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons corn starch or arrowroot starch
- 1-2 teaspoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2-1 teaspoon salt
For the Veggies
- 1 red pepper
- 1 orange pepper
For Serving
- 1 avocado
- 1 batch spicy tahini dressing
How to Make Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your tofu gets crispy as soon as it goes in.
Step 2: Prepare the Tofu
Remove the tofu from its package and drain out excess liquid. Place it between two towels and put a heavy object on top (like a few books or a tea pot) to press it for 5–10 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness!
Step 3: Mix Your Spices
While the tofu is pressing, mix together the coconut sugar, corn starch, spices, and salt in a bowl.
Step 4: Cube the Tofu
Chop the pressed tofu into cubes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Step 5: Combine Oil and Sriracha
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and sriracha until well combined.
Step 6: Toss with Sauce
Add half of the oil/sriracha mixture to the cubed tofu and toss lightly to coat. Set aside the remaining mixture for later use.
Step 7: Coat with Spices
Toss the coated tofu cubes with your spice mixture until they are well coated.
Step 8: Roast Tofu and Peppers
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your seasoned tofu on one side of the sheet. Chop the red and orange peppers into strips, place them on the same sheet away from tofu to ensure they roast rather than steam. Drizzle with olive oil (about 1–2 teaspoons) and sprinkle lightly with salt.
Step 9: Bake
Bake everything in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes. After this time, brush the remaining sriracha mixture over the tofu for added flavor. Continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until both tofu is crispy on the outside and peppers are softened.
Step 10: Assemble Your Bowl
To serve, assemble each bowl starting with cilantro lime rice as your base. Add warmed black beans, roasted peppers, crispy spicy baked tofu, diced avocado, spicy tahini dressing, and any additional toppings such as salsa if desired. Enjoy!
This Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!
How to Serve Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl
Serving a Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl is all about creativity and personalization. You can enhance the flavors and textures by adding various toppings and sides. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your bowl experience.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds freshness and bright flavor.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a mild onion taste that complements the dish.
Include Extra Sauces
- Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce can give an extra kick.
- Vegan Sour Cream: This creamy addition balances the spices and adds richness.
Incorporate Crunchy Elements
- Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips add a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Toasted Seeds: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added texture and nutrition.
Pair with Grains
- Quinoa: For an additional protein boost, serve your burrito bowl over quinoa.
- Brown Rice: Swap cilantro lime rice for brown rice for a different flavor profile.
Serve with Salads
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette refreshes the palate alongside your bowl.
- Corn Salad: A corn salad with tomatoes and lime pairs perfectly, adding sweetness and acidity.
How to Perfect Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl
Perfecting your Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl ensures every bite is delicious. Here are some essential tips to help you achieve that!
- Press the Tofu Well: Ensuring excess moisture is removed will lead to crispier tofu.
- Use a Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference.
- Chop Vegetables Evenly: Cutting peppers into uniform strips helps them cook evenly and enhances presentation.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the bowl to sit for a few minutes lets flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl
Complementing your Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl with side dishes can create a more satisfying meal. Here are some great options that pair well with this vibrant dish.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice enhances flavor and provides a luscious texture.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This sweet corn salad featuring lime and chili powder adds sweetness and zest.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness that balances spicy flavors in the bowl.
- Black Bean Soup: A warm black bean soup can serve as a hearty accompaniment, making for a filling meal.
- Cucumber Salsa: This refreshing salsa adds crunch and brightness, complementing the bowl’s richness.
- Spanish Rice: Flavored rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices offers an aromatic side that enhances the overall dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl, it’s essential to sidestep common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Overcooking the tofu: Ensure you monitor the baking time closely. Overbaking can lead to dry tofu. Aim for crispy on the outside but still soft inside.
- Not pressing the tofu enough: Skipping or rushing the pressing step means excess moisture will remain in the tofu, preventing it from crisping properly. Always press for at least 5-10 minutes.
- Using stale spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor significantly. Check your spice cabinet and replace any old spices for optimal taste.
- Skipping the marination step: The sriracha and oil mixture adds flavor. Don’t skip tossing the tofu before baking; this step is crucial for a flavorful dish.
- Neglecting seasoning for veggies: Just like tofu, your peppers need a sprinkle of salt and olive oil to bring out their flavors. Don’t overlook this simple step.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl
- Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl?
A Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl is a delicious vegan meal featuring crispy baked tofu served over cilantro lime rice with black beans, roasted peppers, and avocado.
Can I customize my Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl?
Absolutely! You can add any veggies you prefer or substitute quinoa for rice. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences as well.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To ensure your Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl is gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce in your spicy tahini dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This burrito bowl is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and maintains its flavor when reheated.
Final Thoughts
The Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl is not only a satisfying meal but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Enjoy trying out this delightful dish!
Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience a fiesta of flavors with this Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl, a vibrant and nourishing vegan meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Featuring crispy baked tofu marinated in zesty sriracha, fluffy cilantro lime rice, and colorful roasted peppers, this bowl is packed with protein and fiber. Topped with creamy avocado and a drizzle of spicy tahini dressing, each bite is not only satisfying but also customizable to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this delicious recipe will delight your taste buds and keep you feeling great!
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons corn starch or arrowroot starch
- 1–2 teaspoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2–1 teaspoon salt
- 1 batch cilantro lime rice or Vegan Mexican Rice
- 1 can black beans
- 1 red pepper
- 1 orange pepper
- 1 avocado
- 1 batch spicy tahini dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Press tofu to remove excess moisture for 5–10 minutes.
- Mix corn starch, coconut sugar, and spices in a bowl.
- Cube the pressed tofu and toss with half the olive oil-sriracha mixture.
- Coat tofu cubes with spice mixture then spread on a lined baking sheet.
- Add chopped peppers drizzled with olive oil to the sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes; brush remaining sriracha mix on tofu, then bake an additional 10–15 minutes until crispy.
- Assemble bowls with rice, beans, veggies, tofu, avocado, and tahini dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (400g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
