Caramelized Tofu Poke Bowl
Japanese-inspired poke bowl featuring crispy caramelized tofu glazed with maple and soy sauce, served over sushi rice with fresh vegetables, pickled red onions, and optional dressing. Quick assembly dish with golden-brown tofu cubes as the protein centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 7 oz tofu
- 2 tablespoon oil, olive or neutral
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon soy sauce
- lemon or lime juice, from half fruit
- salt
- pepper
- 2 deciliter sushi rice, white or brown
- ½ green cabbage
- 1 stalk green onion
- edamame beans
- cucumber
- radish
- mango
- pickled red onions
- dressing, optional, thousand island suggested(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place paper towel over tofu and pat dry to remove water, then cut into small cubes.
- 2
Heat oil in a pan and fry tofu cubes until golden on all sides, a few minutes per side, turning as needed.
- 3
In a bowl, whisk together oil, cornstarch, maple syrup, soy sauce, lemon or lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- 4
Pour sauce onto the pan with tofu and toss until a thick glaze coats the pieces.
- 5
Cut all vegetables for the salad into thin slices or cubes.
- 6
Cook rice according to package directions.
- 7
Assemble the poke bowl with cooked rice, vegetables, pickled red onions, caramelized tofu, and dressing if desired.
Tips
Pat tofu very dry before cooking for better browning and crispness.
Keep heat at medium-high so tofu caramelizes without burning.
Glaze will thicken quickly; toss constantly to coat evenly.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled bowl up to 1 day; store caramelized tofu separately in airtight container up to 3 days.
Cook rice and prepare vegetables the day before. Make caramelized tofu up to 3 days ahead and reheat gently before assembly.
Serve at room temperature or chilled. Drizzle dressing just before eating to prevent sogginess.
Common Mistakes
Skip patting tofu dry to avoid steamed instead of caramelized results.
Use high heat throughout to avoid soggy tofu.
Add glaze too early to prevent it from burning before tofu is cooked.