Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Marinated Baked Tofu Recipe Ingredients
• How to Make Baked Tofu

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I know people like to make fun of tofu, but it’s honestly one of my favorite foods. It’s such a great source of plant-based protein, and it’s a chameleon – it can take on so many different flavors and textures.

I’ve shared recipes for crispy pan-fried tofu, amazing air fryer tofu, tofu bacon (so good!), saucy buffalo tofu, and even a scrambled tofu fried rice. But today, I thought I’d share my favorite baked tofu.

This tofu is SO easy to make, and the long bake results in a bouncy-textured tofu with concentrated caramelized flavor. I especially love that it’s mostly hands-off to make.

Marinated Baked Tofu Recipe Ingredients

• Tofu – You’ll want to start with extra-firm tofu for the best texture. You’ll need one block.
• Tamari – Tamari is a gluten-free, not-quite-as-salty type of soy sauce. You can use soy sauce too, but plan on a saltier bite of tofu (which I think is delicious, but I just want to let you know!)
• Rice vinegar – For a bit of acid and tang.
• Brown sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Pure maple syrup – Adds another touch of sweetness plus helps create a sticky-delicious texture.
• Garlic powder – You can use fresh garlic too, but I designed this recipe to need minimal chopping. If you swap in fresh, go with one large or two medium cloves of garlic.
• Ginger – Again, I’ve opted for dried ground ginger instead of fresh. If you use fresh, use about a pinky-size piece, peel it, and finely dice it.
• Water – To help thin out the marinade.

How to Make Baked Tofu

1. First, press and cut your tofu into squares.
2. Next, mix together the marinade ingredients. Add the tofu and stir to coat the blocks.
3. Soak the tofu in the marinade for about 30 minutes, carefully stirring occasionally.
4. Spread the tofu on a baking sheet and bake, flipping one or two times during baking, until dark golden brown and caramelized.

I hope this marinated baked tofu helps to transform your mealtimes like it has ours! We love to keep a batch in the fridge or freezer for easy grain bowls, stir fries, or even just a quick snack on the go!

Print

Marinated Baked Tofu

Tofu made unbelievably tasty! Chewy, caramelized, full of flavor hunks of tofu, made almost entirely hands-off right in the oven.

Keyword baked tofu, marinated baked tofu

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4 1/2 cup servings

Calories 126kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 14 ounces extra firm tofu one block

For the marinade

• 1/2 cup soy sauce or Tamari
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger
• 1/4 cup cold water

Instructions

Press & cut your tofu

• Open the tofu and drain the water. Using a tofu press, press the excess water out of the tofu, then cut it into roughly 1-inch squares. You can also skip the pressing step and cut it into blocks, then blot it well with paper towels.

Marinate tofu

• In a medium-size bowl, add all of the marinade ingredients. Mix with a whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved.
• Add the tofu to the marinade and stir until all blocks are coated.
• Soak tofu at room temperature for around 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to help distribute the marinade. If you want to marinate it for much longer, I recommend refrigerating it. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

Bake tofu

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread the marinated tofu hunks on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes, until browned on some sides and slightly crisp in spots. Stir one or two times while baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 1686mg | Potassium: 255mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Marinated Baked Tofu appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Start here if you’re new to grain bowls:

• Learn the basic formula
• Jump to easy recipe ideas

I know it’s going to be an excellent week when I’ve got all of my grain bowl components prepped and in the fridge for fast, easy, and healthy meals all week long.

If Grain Bowls look intimidating to you or you’re just not sure how to build one, or if you’re looking for new buddha bowl ideas, this is the article for you! My aim is to include loads of options and inspiration – I want to bowl you over with grain bowl ideas! I know, I know, that was a stretch. Carrying on …

What is a Grain Bowl?

Grain bowls aren’t actually new – they’re more like a modern name for a very classic way of eating: building a meal around a grain, then adding vegetables, protein, and sauce.

Across many food cultures, this “base + toppings” structure has existed for centuries. In Asia, it shows up in rice bowls like bibimbap. In the Mediterranean and Middle East, it appears in grain-and-legume-based meals paired with vegetables, herbs, and yogurt or tahini sauces. Worldwide, people have long combined starches, vegetables, and proteins in a single bowl.

What is on the newer is the Western “grain bowl” trend, which grew popular in the 2010s along with interest in meal prep, plant-based eating, and customizable “build-your-own” meals. The appeal is simple: grain bowls are flexible, balanced, and endlessly adaptable.

What is a Buddha Bowl?

A Buddha Bowl is essentially a grain bowl but vegetarian or vegan. It’s more veggie-forward and often served cold or room temp, which makes it even easier to prep ahead (no reheating when serving!)

But why is it called a Buddha Bowl? Apparently because a full bowl resembles the rounded “belly-like” appearance of Buddha. It could also be because it’s connected loosely to Buddhist-inspired vegetarian eating traditions.

Why You’ll Love Grain Bowls

• Perfect for meal prep – I’ll often prepare a grain, roast a vegetable, clean some greens, and make a sauce, then keep the components in the fridge. Then it’s just a matter of opening a can of beans, chopping up an avocado or another veg, and assembling the bowl.
• Solves the lunch conundrum – I don’t know if it’s just me, but lunch is the most difficult meal of the day! It’s so hard to come up with healthy vegetarian options that come together quickly (it’s the time of day when I have the smallest amount of time). So when I’ve got grain bowl ingredients prepped and ready, lunch is a breeze.
• SO easy – Once you have the components prepped, it’s super easy to assemble grain bowls for quick nutritious meals.
• Endlessly customizable – Hate kale? Swap in some arugula! Not a fan of tofu? There are plenty of other protein options available! It’s super easy to create your very own “house” grain bowl that is fine-tuned to your tastes.

How to Make A Grain Bowl

1. First, add your grain base.
2. Next, arrange the main veggie(s) to the side.
3. Add the protein.
4. Pile on the greens.
5. Add toppings and garnishes.
6. Drizzle with sauce.
7. Devour!

Easy Grain Bowl Recipe Ideas

With all of the ingredient options available to you, the combos are pretty much endless. But here are some of my favorites:

Sweet Potato & Chickpea Grain Bowl

Quinoa with roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, shredded kale, and a delicious green goddess dressing, lots of pickled red onions, pepitas, creamy avocado, and micro-greens.

Black Bean & Sweet Potato Grain Bowl

Brown rice topped with crisp lettuce, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and cilantro lime dressing. Pepitas are a great addition too!

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Rice, farro, or bulgur with roasted or fresh red bell peppers, cucumber, spinach, and chickpeas with crumbled feta and Kalamata olives. Drizzle with Greek salad dressing or Tzatziki sauce, or add a generous dollop of hummus.

Peanut Thai Veggie Grain Bowl

On a base of brown rice, add crispy pan-fried tofu, fresh spinach, steamed broccoli, and sliced bell peppers. Drizzle with peanut sauce and garnish with salted peanuts.

Veggie Sushi Grain Bowl

Seasoned rice with carrots, cucumbers, avocado, edamame, sesame seeds, and sesame-wasabi dressing. Yum!

Meal Prepping Grain Bowls

One of the best things about buddha bowls? They’re perfect for meal prep.

I pick a protein and a grain, and start with prepping those. Place them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge, then prep your veggies. Store those in the fridge, and whip up some sauce. Place that in a jar or container. Now you have a whole grain bowl meal prep kit on your refrigerator shelf for super easy lunches and dinner all week long!

I hope that having more information about how to make a grain bowl is inspiring to you! I just love that they’re so great for meal prep and are so easy to customize to match any craving I might have. Here’s to beautiful Buddha bowls in your future!

Print

Grain Bowl Formula (How to Build a Perfect Buddha Bowl)

Grain bowls (also known as Buddha Bowls) are my favorite way to make sure I'm getting a good amount of veggies and fiber in my diet. They're full of nutrients, ridiculously satisfying, perfect for prepping ahead of time, and endlessly customizable!

Course dinner, lunch

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword buddha bowl, grain bowl

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1 bowl

Author Kare

Ingredients

1/2 cup grain base (choose one)

• rice white or brown
• farro
• quinoa not a grain but a seed that acts like a grain
• bulgur
• couscous a pasta, but behaves like a grain
• buckwheat

3/4 cup protein (choose one)

• tofu baked tofu, pan-fried tofu, or air-fryer tofu
• edamame
• chickpeas
• black beans
• white beans like navy beans or cannellini beans
• cooked lentils
• peas
• chopped hard-boiled eggs

1 cup veggies (1/2 cup roasted or fresh veg + 1/2 cup greens)

• roasted sweet potatoes
• roasted butternut squash
• roasted cauliflower
• roasted broccoli
• roasted carrots
• sliced cucumbers
• shredded raw carrots
• cherry tomatoes
• sliced bell peppers
• baby arugula
• baby spinach
• shredded kale
• shredded cabbage
• shredded romaine lettuce
• mixed spring greens

1/4 cup garnish/toppings (choose one or more)

• avocado
• pickled red onions
• fresh herbs
• cheese if dairy is ok
• micro-greens
• pumpkin seeds
• sunflower seeds
• sesame seeds
• hemp seeds
• chopped nuts
• olives

3 tablespoons sauce/dressing (choose one)

• lemon tahini sauce
• green goddess dressing
• cilantro lime sauce
• pesto
• peanut sauce
• vinaigrette

Instructions

• Place the grains in a medium-size serving bowl. Arrange the protein, veggies, greens, and garnish/toppings over the grains. Drizzle with dressing and serve.

Notes

Cooking time is basically just for assembly, not for cooking individual components. 

The post Grain Bowl Formula (How to Build a Perfect Buddha Bowl) appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

These Crispy Fried Buffalo Tofu Bites are an incredible vegetarian alternative to buffalo wings. And it is super, SUPER easy to make – just 8 ingredients and 30 minutes (including pressing your tofu!)

Crispy, Craggy Tofu Bites Drenched in Buttery Buffalo Sauce = YES PLEASE

I’m a huge fan of tofu, but I don’t have nearly enough tofu recipes on Kitchen Treaty! So I’m really excited to share this crispy buffalo tofu with you today.

I love the idea of a spicy buffalo situation with ranch and/or blue cheese to cool things off. Celery (and maybe even carrot) sticks mandatory!

But as a vegetarian, Buffalo wings are a no-go. I’ve tried Buffalo cauliflower, and it’s great! But I wanted something that had more main-dish cred, with more protein than cauliflower can offer. Enter stage right: Tofu! (*applause!*)

I wanted the tofu to start out crispy, so I took a cue from my salt and pepper crispy tofu and decided to toss it in cornstarch then pan-fry it. And it was excellent.

But tearing the tofu into hunks, instead of cutting it, was the clincher for this buffalo tofu! Tearing it into chunks gives us lots of crispy, craggy edges that get golden and perfect and really hold on to the buffalo sauce. I like, too, that the nuggets differ in sizes. Makes this buffalo tofu more interesting to eat!

My first bite of this crispy Buffalo tofu was one of wide-eye, just, YES. And then quickly a drink of water to cool things down.

Because yes – it’s spicy. But in the best possible way!

Crispy Buffalo Tofu Ingredient Info

• Tofu – You’ll want a block of extra-firm tofu.
• Cornstarch – Tossing the tofu with cornstarch helps soak up any additional moisture and gives crispy tofu its crispiness!
• Garlic powder – The garlicky touch pairs nicely with the spicy sauce.
• Smoked paprika – For a smoky note.
• Salt & pepper – For flavor!
• Vegetable oil – To fry the tofu. You can use another favorite neutral high smoke-point oil such as canola oil, or avocado oil is a great option if you’re looking for a non-seed oil.
• Buffalo sauce – I go with a classic usually: Frank’s Red Hot. But Primal Kitchens makes an excellent one, too.
• Butter – Melted into the Buffalo sauce.
• For serving – Scallions for garnish, ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping, carrot and/or celery sticks served alongside

Print

Crispy Buffalo Tofu Recipe

Crispy pan-fried golden tofu nuggets, tossed in a buttery buffalo sauce. Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping (and putting out the fire!) is mandatory!

Keyword buffalo tofu, crispy buffalo tofu, tofu buffalo wings

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 158kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 14 ounces extra firm tofu one block; pressed for 15-20 minutes; torn into 1-2" hunks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce I use Frank's Red Hot Sauce
• 3 tablespoons butter can sub vegan butter
• 2 scallions thinly sliced, for garnish

For serving

• ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
• celery sticks and/or carrot sticks
• sliced scallions for garnish

Instructions

Press & prepare the tofu

• Open the container of tofu and discard the liquid. Place it in a tofu press or on a plate with several paper towels or a clean dish towel underneath. Add another paper towel or towel on top and stack 3-4 plates or a couple of books on the top. This will help gently press excess moisture out of the tofu. Watch your stack carefully, though, and make sure it's not near the edge of the counter! Sometimes the pile can topple. I may or may not have broken several plates this way recently. Doh.
• Tear the block of tofu into 1" to 2" pieces and place them into a gallon-size storage bag. If you have a few bigger or smaller pieces, that's okay! They'll all taste great.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt over the tofu in the bag. Seal the bag and gently toss and shake the tofu around, evenly distributing the spices and cornstarch as much as possible.
  

Warm the buffalo sauce

• Place the butter (or vegan butter) and buffalo sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook until warm and the butter has melted. Keep warm while you cook the tofu.

Cook the tofu

• Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of your skillet, so if 3 tablespoons isn't quite enough, go ahead and add another tablespoon or two if needed.
• Pour the bag of tofu into the pan. Cook, turning occasionally and separating the pieces when/if they stick together, until golden brown and crisp in most spots, about 10 minutes.
• Line a plate or board with paper towels and use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked tofu from the skillet to the paper towel. Gently blot the top with another paper towel. This will help to drain off any excess oil.
  

Combine the tofu and sauce

• Place the coked tofu in a medium bowl. Drizzle the warm buffalo sauce mixture over the top. Toss gently with a spatula. Transfer to a platter or individual plates and garnish with sliced scallions, if using. Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing and carrot and/or veggie sticks.
  

Notes

Tips for success

• Let it fry for longer than you think it might need. A deep golden brown sear is where it’s at!
• Don’t skip the step of pressing your tofu. This helps remove any excess water so your tofu can crisp up nicely.

Vegan/dairy-free tofu buffalo wings:

Make sure your buffalo sauce is vegan and use your favorite vegan butter instead of dairy butter. And make sure your dipping sauce is dairy/egg free, too.

Serving info: Serves about four as an appetizer. As an entree, it’s more like two generous serving.

Storage: You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, but I recommend eating this crispy tofu pretty much right after you cook it. The crispiness is just not going to be there after refrigerating and reheat. It’ll still taste great! The texture will just be different. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 1173mg | Potassium: 186mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 384IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

More Tofu Recipes

• Crispy Salt & Pepper Tofu
• Tofu Bacon
• Sheet Pan Tofu & Veggies
• Ultimate Veggie BLT
• Grilled Tofu Tacos

The post Crispy Buffalo Tofu Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

In this Article

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love this Tofu Fried Rice Recipe
• Tofu Fried Rice Ingredients
• How to Make It
• How to Top It
• Other Favorite Tofu Recipes
• FULL, PRINTABLE RECIPE
• Reviews & Comments

The Story Behind the Recipe

I love a good fried rice recipe, but I wanted one without eggs yet lots of protein. I also love a good tofu scramble, and I thought … why not make a tofu scramble situation then add that to a fried rice situation?! I know, I know, that’s a lot of situations – but trust me. This tofu fried rice, uh, situation … works.

In a nutshell, instead of the more traditional eggs, this vegan fried rice recipe uses a good amount of tofu to increase the protein quotient and make it vegan while it’s at it.

If you’re a vegan, you undoubtedly know all about tofu scrambles. But if you don’t? Basically, you crumble up extra-firm tofu and saute it with spices and maybe a few veggies. The end result is remarkably reminiscent of scrambled eggs, especially if you throw a little turmeric into the mix to lend the tofu a yellowish hue while it cooks.

I adapted this recipe from Pinch of Yum’s 10-Minute Fried Rice. My version takes a couple more minutes because it includes onions, which isn’t necessarily normally found in fried rice, but I love the flavor it lends to the tofu.

Why You’ll Love this Vegan Tofu Fried Rice

It tastes like traditional fried rice – but it has more protein and is super hearty and filling! The tofu doesn’t need to be cubed or separately cooked or pressed or otherwise fussed with. Just mash it and add it to the pan! No need to remove it before you add the rice, either, like with eggs. The tofu benefits from some extra cooking time, and you get to enjoy all the convenience. 12 minutes from fridge to table – seriously.

Here are a couple of highlights from the comments and reviews section from those who’ve made it:

• “I love this recipe. I’ve done it more than once. I usually add the whole block of tofu, because I never remember to use the extra tofu! Tastes great every time. Thanks so much for this.“
• “Very very yummy! My husband is a devoted carnivore but he loved it too.“

Tofu Fried Rice Recipe Ingredients

• Extra-firm tofu – just like when you make a tofu scramble, there is no need to press it
• Olive oil – sub veg or canola oil if you want a completely neutral oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Toasted sesame oil – adds so much flavor!
• Ginger
• Smoked paprika & turmeric – not exactly common fried rice ingredients, but perfect for adding flavor and color to the tofu
• Rice – brown or white, use your fave! 
• Frozen corn
• Frozen peas
• Tamari or soy sauce

Adaptation Idea

Bacon option (including vegan bacon!) – Because we’re a mixed-diet home, sometimes my guy will crumble a little cooked bacon over his plate of fried rice. Leave it to our household to top a vegan dish with bacon! The good news is, on the vegetarian side of things, I have a vegetarian tofu bacon recipe that is amazing, and I like to add some of this to my own dish too.

How to Make It

1. Cook the onion, garlic, and spices in your pan, then add your mashed tofu.
2. Cook for a bit, then add your rice until sizzling. Add the corn, peas, and soy sauce at the last minute and cook through until steaming hot. That’s it!

Jump to the full, printable recipe

How to Top Tofu Fried Rice

Sometimes, I keep it simple and skip the toppings (like in the photos). Other times, I top mine with a few goodies – usually a combo of something like this:

• Garnish with chives, scallions, and/or herbs
• Drizzle with a little (or a lot) Sriracha sauce
• Spoon on a bit of spicy chili crisp or chili oil
• Add diced avocado or sliced cherry tomatoes

Print

Tofu Fried Rice (12-Minute Recipe)

Tofu scramble meets fried rice for an ingenious 12-minute, protein-heavy, vegan tofu fried rice dish. So easy!

Keyword tofu fried rice, vegan fried rice

Prep Time 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time 9 minutes minutes

Total Time 12 minutes minutes

Servings 3

Calories 490kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 7 ounces extra-firm tofu half of a 14-ounce block
• 1 tablespoon olive oil*
• 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion about 1/2 small onion
• 1 medium clove garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil divided
• 1 thumb-sized knob ginger peeled and minced) (about 1 tablespoon
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 3 cups cooked brown rice** I like brown Basmati rice) (cold, day-old rice is best
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2-3 tablespoons Tamari or soy sauce***

Instructions

• Set the tofu on a large cutting board and mash with a potato masher or fork until it’s crumbled. Set aside.
• Place a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil. When hot, add the onion. Saute until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute.
• Add one tablespoon of the sesame oil, then add the ginger, smoked paprika, turmeric, and mashed tofu. Cook, stirring until the spices are well-incorporated, about 2 minutes.
• Increase heat to medium-high. Add the remaining sesame oil and the rice. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice sizzles and is thoroughly warmed through, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the corn, peas, and Tamari (or soy sauce) and cook until the veggies are warm, about one more minute.
• Taste and add additional Tamari or soy sauce if desired.

Notes

Yield: 3 smaller servings or 2 large servings.

Topping Ideas

Serve topped with chopped chives or other herbs of choice, chopped scallions, or even a little crumbled bacon for the carnivores’ portions if you like. We like to pass the Sriracha and/or chili crisp with this fried rice, as well.

* Oil Note

If you prefer to use a more neutral oil, feel free to sub vegetable or canola oil.

** Rice Note

You can use white rice too! Whichever rice you prefer – just remember day-old usually makes better fried rice. 

*** Soy Sauce Note

If you’re eating gluten-free, be sure to opt for Tamari (which is gluten-free) vs soy sauce (which has gluten).

Meat option

Top the carnivores’ portions with some cooked and crumbled/chopped bacon.

Adapted from Pinch of Yum’s 10-Minute Fried Rice

Nutrition

Calories: 490kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 719mg | Potassium: 550mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 669IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 3mg

Originally published 1/11/2016

Other Favorite Tofu Recipes

Is tofu the most versatile ingredient in the world? Might just be!

• Crispy Air Fryer Tofu – So easy and so good! I make this in bulk and freeze it. Super convenient.
• Plant Power Protein Breakfast Bowls with tofu scramble make for the perfect hearty breakfast
• Cashew Veggie Stir Fry is a one-dish-two-ways meal with tofu in one wok for the vegetarians and chicken in the other for the meat-eaters.
• This Tofu Bacon is unbelievably delicious – crispy and done in 10 minutes!
• Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu is so great with so many dishes.
• This Tofu Edamame Bowl from The Little Kitchen is so fresh and delicious!

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?

Yes, but day-old is much better. Fresh rice tends to be softer, which can make your fried rice a little mushy. One ideas is that if you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool completely (or pop it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes). The drier the rice, the better the texture.

What kind of tofu works best?

Extra-firm tofu is what you’ll want here. You can make a firm tofu work, too (pressed well) but it might not hold up as well.

Do I need to press the tofu?

If it’s extra-firm, a quick blot with a paper towel is usually enough.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Everything in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, with the exception of the soy sauce. To make it fully GF, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce

Can I add more veggies?

Sure! The frozen peas and corn are a must in my book. Carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or shredded cabbage also work beautifully. Chop the veggies up small (around the same size as the corn and peas), then sauté them with the onion until tender, then proceed with the recipe.

How do I add more protein?

This recipe already has a good amount of protein, thanks to the tofu, but you can increase it by stirring in some shelled thawed edamame or serving fried rice with a side of pan-fried tofu or air-fryer tofu.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes; it reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture (a splash of water helps revive it), or microwave if you’re in a hurry.

What’s the best pan to use?

A large skillet works great. If you have a wok, even better. The key is enough surface area so everything can brown instead of steam.

The post 12-Minute Tofu Fried Rice (Easy High-Protein Recipe) appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

No marinating needed. No baking needed. Plus, we’re talking only five ingredients in this vegetarian bacon recipe – and that’s if you include the cooking oil!

Table of Contents

• About this Vegetarian Bacon Recipe
• Why You’ll Love It
• Vegetarian Bacon Recipe Ingredients
• How to Make Vegetarian Bacon
• What to Serve with Tofu Bacon

• FULL, PRINTABLE RECIPE
• Reviews & Comments

About this Vegetarian Bacon Recipe

This easy tofu bacon recipe is wonderfully crispy and salty-smoky-slightly sweet. The thinner pieces cook up super crisp, while the thicker bits have some chew. Just like the real thing!

Many tofu bacon recipes call for pressing, marinating and baking, but once I discovered this 10-minute saute-then-sauce method for vegetarian bacon, there was no turning back.

No need for marinating because we have plenty of flavor without? Check. No waiting for the oven to warm up? Check check!

I’ve made a version of this incredible tofu bacon for years, though usually just for my Vegan BLTs. I’ve always been amazed by how easy the process is to make this vegetarian bacon, and when I started making more of a concerted effort to get more protein into my diet, I turned to tofu recipes like this tofu bacon.

I love this vegeatarian bacon on breakfast sandwiches, salads, pizza, and – maybe best of all – just straight up.

Because it is goo-ooood.

Why You’ll Love It

Well, for one, it’s super fast and easy to make. For another, it’s delightfully smoky-salty-sweet just like real bacon.

Here’s what a couple of others – who have rated the recipe 5 stars – have to say about the recipe!

• “I tried it last week and it was so delicious 🙂 Thank you for sharing this !! it was easy to make!”
• “I’m new to experimenting with tofu… this was delicious! Even my husband, who’s a bacon snob, loved it!!! I followed the recipe and then put my skillet in a 375 oven for a few minutes. Crispy and delicious. Thank you!”

Vegetarian Bacon Recipe Ingredients

So what are we looking at, ingredient-wise? It’s such a simple list, and no liquid smoke is needed!

• Extra-firm tofu – the firmer the better, sliced thin. Firmness can vary a lot by brands, so once you find a favorite, stick with it!
• Olive oil – the better for your thin-sliced tofu to turn golden brown in! And we use a decent amount – 2 tablespoons – to keep the fat situation going. If we’re trying to replicate bacon, we need fat!
• Soy sauce – This glorious ingredient adds umami, saltiness, and a bacon-y hue. Some people feel it might be a bit too salty, in which case, go for a low-sodium soy sauce or Tamari.
• Pure maple syrup – To add a hint of maple-y sweetness and a touch of shine.
• Smoked paprika – Another magic ingredient that lends smokiness to the situation.

How to Make Vegetarian Bacon

First-up, take half a block of extra-firm tofu and slice it as thin as you can. I feel pretty good if I can get 14 slices out of the half-block.

Then, place the tofu in a layer of paper towels and press gently to remove some of the water. This is also a good time to mix up your sauce (I also do this when the tofu is cooking to save time) – just mix the soy sauce, maple syrup, and smoked paprika together in a little bowl and set aside.

Then you cook up the tofu. Place a large non-stick saute pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is shimmering-hot, add the tofu. The tofu will bubble and spit as the moisture in the tofu hits the olive oil. This is good – you’re getting the moisture out so crispiness can happen!

Fry the tofu on one side until light-to-medium golden, then flip and cook on the other side. I like to use a super-thin cookie spatula or turner to help keep the tofu from breaking as much as possible (some brands of tofu are more fragile than others).

Then, turn the heat to low and add your sauce. Cook for another minute, tossing and turning your cooked tofu in the sauce, until most of it has evaporated and all you have left is your delicious, perfectly crisped, wonderfully seasoned vegetarian bacon.

At this point you can throw it on a platter and admire it. OR … devour!

What to Serve with Tofu Bacon

• TLT sandwiches with this vegan bacon are the bomb! If meat-eaters are joining you, this is a great one-dish-two-ways situation.
• Vegans can enjoy club sandwiches with this tofu bacon too!
• Crispy Banana Almond Butter Waffles with some of this vegan bacon on the side? Yes please.
• I think this tofu bacon would be perfect alongside a hearty tofu scramble like this one.

Here’s the full, printable recipe. I hope you’ll be … bacon … it soon! (Forgive me.)

Print

10-Minute Vegetarian Tofu Bacon Recipe

Wonderfully crispy and salty-smoky-slightly sweet, this vegetarian and vegan tofu bacon recipe hits all the right notes. And it cooks up in only 10 minutes!

Cuisine vegan

Keyword bacon substitute vegetarian, tofu bacon, vegetarian bacon

Prep Time 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time 7 minutes minutes

Servings 12 pieces

Calories 108kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 7 ounces extra firm tofu, sliced thin* half a 14-ounce block; aim for 12-14 slices, 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
• 2 – 3 tablespoons soy sauce*** 2 tablespoons for good flavor but not too salty; 3 tablespoons if you like it salty [I think 3 tastes more like actual bacon]
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

• Slice your tofu.** Lay slices on a couple of layers of paper towels. Add another paper towel on top and press gently to extract some of the moisture from the tofu.
• Place a large non-stick saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. If your burner runs hot like our high BTU burner on our gas stove, opt for lower – medium or even medium low. You know your stove best! You want to fry your tofu nicely, but you don't want your oil to burn.
• Add olive oil to the pan.
• When the oil is hot, lay the tofu slices in a single layer in the pan. The tofu will bubble, sizzle, and maybe even spit a bit so use caution, but know this will result in the easiest, most delicious tofu bacon of your life! Cook until light golden on one side, 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until light golden, 2 minutes or so.
• While the tofu cooks, mix together the soy sauce, pure maple syrup, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
• When both sides of the tofu are golden and the slices are beginning to stiffen and look drier around the edges, reduce the heat to low. Reducing the heat is important to prevent burning! Then pour the soy sauce mixture over the tofu and toss the tofu slices until coated in the mixture. Cook, tossing gently, until the soy sauce is evaporated, about 1 more minute. Transfer to a clean plate to cool a bit and then enjoy!
• Tofu bacon keeps, refrigerated in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. But once it sits for a bit, it does lose its crispiness. Still delicious! Just not crisp anymore.

Notes

* Some extra firm tofu is still somewhat fragile, so when you slice it thin, it can break apart when cooking. I like to use a very thin spatula to carefully flip the tofu until it’s cooked enough to hold together. Honestly, the smaller, broken off pieces of tofu bacon are probably the tastiest, so personally I’m good with a few casualties. 

** To save time, I heat the oil in the pan while I’m slicing my tofu. But I suggest saving that shortcut for after you’ve made this recipe a few times and are familiar with it. 🙂

***Soy Sauce Note:

Some people feel this recipe is a bit too salty with regular soy sauce. If that’s the case for you too, try a low-sodium soy sauce or Tamari.

Nutrition

Serving: 4slices | Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1288mg | Potassium: 131mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Crispy Vegetarian Tofu Bacon Recipe (Easy 10-Minute Recipe!) appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

When I first started this blog, things were simpler. I was a vegetarian who could eat dairy. My husband was the same as he is now – he’d eat anything. And our daughter wasn’t around yet. It was easier to create one-dish-two-meals recipes then than it is now, but honestly, I’ve never found those types of recipes easy. In application, they’re usually not all that much extra work, but the one-dish-two-ways recipes take awhile to develop and refine and get just right and then to write the recipe in a way that’s not overly complex is yet another challenge that I haven’t quite nailed yet. But I’m going to keep trying!

Anyway, this one-dish-two-ways meal has been happening around here for a few months now and I think I’ve got it down pat. Though I cook it up in two separate pans at one time and that 10 minutes or so of dual cooking time can get a little frantic, in the end it comes together quickly and relatively easily. 

If you think I’m going to say even our picky daughter eats this Cashew Veggie Stir Fry, well, nope. I get my tofu version, my guy gets his meaty version, and our daughter gets her chicken nuggets or grilled cheese or mini corn dogs (a recent addition to her protein rotation that we celebrated – pretty much gotta have a picky eater of your own to understand. 🙂 )

I will say I think our kiddo is missing out, though! I love this dinner recipe, and though we’re a little burnt out after I’ve tested it time and time again (hazard of being a food blogger), after we take a bit of a break I can confidently say this one will for sure be in weekday dinner rotation. The tofu in one pan, chicken in the other stir-fry formula might actually be one I carry forward into new recipes, too. I’m thinking something peanut-based. Yes?

This recipe is adapted from this Cashew Chicken recipe from Averie Cooks. If you’re looking at making an all-chicken version, stop reading right here and just head on over to Averie Cooks. She’s got the perfect super-delicious situation for meat-eaters over there. 

I started with her recipe, but divided it into two pans – chicken in one, tofu in the other. I found that when you divide the sauce between two pans, there’s not quite enough, so I doubled the sauce recipe (plus, it’s really really tasty, and the more the better as far as I’m concerned!) I also added rice to the equation, because to me, the added carb quotient helps it feel like a complete meal. 

I love the crunch of cashews, the little-bit-crispy tofu, the tender veggies, and the salty-sweetness of the sauce. Obviously I haven’t tried the chicken side of things but suffice it to say my guy is all over it. 

This recipe makes the perfect amount for us – half for dinner, the other half for lunch the next day. Though it’s best fresh out of the pan, the leftovers are still totally delicious. 

If you want to make an all-tofu version of this glorious Cashew Veggie Stir Fry, just double the tofu portion along with the cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then cook it all up in a large pan. You may want to start with adding about 1/2 the sauce and then go from there until it’s just the way you like it. 

Maybe one day I’ll be able to come up with a One Dish Three Ways version of this recipe so there’s a version our daughter loves too. Until then, thank goodness for mini corn dogs. 

(more…)

The post Cashew Veggie Stir Fry with Chicken or Tofu (One Dish, Two Ways!) appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

And then I realized it wasn’t exactly a blog-worthy recipe … if you could even call that a recipe. Roast your spaghetti squash, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, the end.

I needed to up my game.

But, you know … I didn’t want to up it too much. Because there’s a time and a place (often/most everywhere) for simple. And this recipe for Thai Peanut Spaghetti Squash Boats definitely qualifies.

So here’s what we’ve got. Oven-roasted spaghetti squash (you can use your microwave to save time if you like), tossed with the simplest Thai-inspired peanut sauce. Then we scoop it back into the spaghetti squash shells because spaghetti squash boats = fun.

Top those bad boys with peanuts, cilantro, and – if you like – some protein of choice.

Done!

This unbelievably easy spaghetti squash dish is so rich and creamy, with garlic-and-ginger-tinged peanut sauce + crunchy peanuts + a bit of fresh flavor from the cilantro. It makes a great side, but also serves as a perfectly satiating main course.

We also love this one as a one-dish-two-ways situation – it’s super versatile. It’s vegan as-is, or you can add some of your favorite cooked-and-cubed tofu for a bit of added heft (and it’s still vegan!).

For the meat-eaters in the house, either top with or stir in some cooked and chopped chicken.

Shop this pic: Black stoneware serving tray

Simple, satiating spaghetti squash – several styles. (I’ll have you know I worked really hard on making that alliteration happen.)

(more…)

The post Simple Thai Peanut Spaghetti Squash Boats (3 Ways!) appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

One of the many fun (yet challenging) things about having a kid is the fact that they don’t, you know, just inherently know the same things you do. I mean, I’m stating the obvious here, but sometimes this fact still comes as a surprise to me.

Like the other day, when Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock & Roll” came on the car radio, and I suddenly called out “yowwwwww!” because that’s what you do when I Love Rock & Roll is on the radio.

My kid was startled. “MOM! What happened?! Are you okay?!!” “What? Oh, I’m fine! Just singing a song.” Sigh of (confused) relief on my kid’s part; cue Joan Jett lesson on mine.

There are worse teaching moments, I suppose.

A few days later, when we were picking out a watermelon for this recipe, I was more prepared for the lesson.

I told my daughter all about how you look for a big yellow spot. Lots of scars are good. Give it a good knock and if it sounds a bit hollow, you’re good to go. But then I realized … every single time, I’m the only one in the produce section rapping on watermelons. Knocking watermelons is something my mom taught me; was she wrong? Was she messing with me? Have I been making a fool of myself all this time?!

So much power, parenthood. So much power.

So, about this recipe for Watermelon & Marinated Tofu “Feta” Skewers. This was yet another appetizer I made for my plant-based canapé party (yep, I’m sharing them all!).

I really wanted to share a tasty tofu recipe with my friends at the party, most of whom are actually meat-eaters. I don’t push vegetarian eating on my friends, but I do take satisfaction when I can give them a plant-based food that they previously thought weird or gross and perhaps convince them that’s it not so bad or, even, quite delicious.

For the tofu “feta,” you use extra-firm tofu, squeeze all of the water out of it, then let it rest it in a highly-flavored marinade so all that flavor soaks back into it. The result is a pretty feta-like cube of tofu. It’s not the exact texture or flavor of feta, but to be honest, I actually find this tofu far more delicious than actual feta.

I used this recipe from Green Evi as a starting point. While usually I shy away from “weirder” ingredients, I wanted to go all the way for my party, so I dove headlong into using nutritional yeast and miso in the marinade. Which, really, aren’t that strange as far as ingredients go, but they’re a little off the beaten path for me.

I love the result. I could seriously just nibble on the tofu feta straight out of the jar. But it’s also perfect joined up with some cool, sweet watermelon.

Sweet and salty, my friends, that’s the name of the game.

These Watermelon & Marinated Tofu “Feta” Skewers are seriously the simplest, easiest little appetizer around. Just get the tofu feta going, let it sit for awhile in the fridge, then take 10 minutes – if that – to assemble. It’s also fun to add a few little bits of mint for color and a bit of extra flavor, though entirely optional.

How do I feel about this appetizer? In the confusing-out-of-context words of Joan Jett: “Yooowwwwwww!”

(more…)

The post Watermelon & Marinated Tofu “Feta” Skewers appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

I knew I’d made a rib-sticking high protein vegan breakfast, and keeping fuller longer was kind of the idea. But I was still blown away by just how satiating these High-Protein Vegan Breakfast Bowls are.

Oh, and they’re pretty tasty too!

High Protein Vegan Breakfast Bowl Ingredients

So what do we have here? Scrambled tofu – check. Black beans – check. Even a few pumpkin seeds for a couple more grams of protein – check check!

1/3 of this recipe provides a whopping 21 grams of protein and about 12 grams of fiber. That’s a lot of stay-full power!

First, you scramble up the tofu with a few spices for flavor, then you heat the black beans. Top with some creamy avocado slices, juicy cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of pepitas, and your favorite salsa. Best. Breakfast. Ever.

Though I didn’t photograph them this way, a squeeze of lime and a pinch of smoked paprika are fine additions to these high-protein vegan breakfast bowls, too.

Oh, and meal-prep-wise, this one is killer. Scramble up the tofu and the beans then place together in individual containers. When it’s time to eat, just heat it up, add your toppers, and you’re full for hours.

Vegan Breakfast Bowls activate!

Print

High-Protein Vegan Breakfast Bowl

With over 20 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber per serving, this breakfast keeps me full for HOURS. Plus, it’s delicious and perfect for prepping ahead. Love this breakfast recipe!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Calories 625kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

For the scrambled tofu:

• 1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 medium clove garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the black beans:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained or 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt optional

Plus:

• 1 medium avocado halved and sliced
• 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes sliced

Toppings:

• Pepitas pumpkin seeds
• Your favorite salsa
• Sliced scallions
• Lime wedge for squeezing over the top
• Pinch smoked paprika

Instructions

• Have two or three serving bowls out and ready to fill.
• Make the scrambled tofu. Drain the tofu and set it on a large cutting board. Mash with a potato masher. Set a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add 2 teaspoons olive oil. Add garlic, oregano, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant – about 1 minute. Add tofu and stir well to incorporate spices and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Divide scrambled tofu between bowls.
• Heat the beans. Return skillet to burner. Add remaining 1 teaspoon oil. Add beans, chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Taste and add salt if desired. Transfer to bowls.
• Finish assembling bowls. Add cherry tomatoes and avocado slices. (I like to add a pinch of kosher salt to each). Top with assorted toppings and serve.

Notes

I love this as a make-ahead breakfast. I store individual portions of the tofu and black beans in the refrigerator (it keeps for about 3 days), then heat it up and top with toppings. So easy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1/3 of recipe | Calories: 625kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 1024mg | Potassium: 1688mg | Fiber: 26g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 568IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 9mg

The post High-Protein Vegan Breakfast Bowl appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

It all started with a dream.

Not an inspired “I have a dream!” type of dream. No, we’re talking about a weird dream in which I was on an episode of Top Chef Superstars (a show that doesn’t actually exist, right?) and apparently, I somehow was a Top Chef Superstar. Except I was wildly unprepared for the challenge I’d been given, which involved knowing how to skillfully prepare a (gross alert – skip over this if you’re squeamish) Hawaiian caterpillar fillet that was the size of my forearm (also something that doesn’t exist – please oh please say it doesn’t exist.)

I woke up in a panic, but also with an idea in my head: a simple coconut milk and lime soup with Thai flavors and a good amount of rice simmered in – one that would be perfect topped with either tofu or chicken. Or, apparently, served alongside giant caterpillar. So gross. So weird. So sorry.

I promise I don’t do drugs.

By afternoon, I had simmered up this superb Coconut Lime Rice Soup and was totally in love with it. I almost can’t wait for the next time I get a cold so that I can see if it’s the magic elixir I think it might be. I know, I know, don’t tempt fate, right?

I love love love this soup for its One-Dish-Two-Ways versatility. The soup cooks up perfectly vegan, and then the protein is in the toppings – shredded chicken for Mr. Carnivore (no Hawaiian um, meat, sorry babe); cubed tofu for Ms. Meatless (that’d be moi).

(more…)

The post Coconut Lime Rice Soup (2 Ways!) appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.