Hey there, food lovers! Today, Iโm excited to share my Tofu Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing. ๐ This dish is a rainbow on your plate, packed with flavors and nutrients thatโll make your taste buds dance. Whether youโre looking for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this bowl is super simple to whip up and is perfect for meal prep. So grab your apron, and letโs get cooking!
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Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: With a mix of savory, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors, each bite is a taste adventure!
Nutrient-Packed: This bowl is loaded with protein from the tofu and healthy fats from the avocadoโperfect for a wholesome meal.
Super Simple: The steps are easy to follow, so you can whip this up even on a busy day.
Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or add some extra toppings. Make it your own!
Meal Prep Friendly: Great for making aheadโjust store everything separately and combine when youโre ready to eat.
Stunning Presentation: Itโs a feast for the eyes with all those vibrant colors. Your Instagram feed will thank you!
Comfort Food Vibes: Itโs cozy and filling, making it perfect for any time you want something satisfying.
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What youโll need to make
Tofu: The star of the show! Firm tofu gives us that delicious protein punch and a satisfying texture. When baked, it gets all crispy and goldenโjust the way we like it!
Quinoa: This little grain is a powerhouse! Not only is it packed with protein, but it also adds a nice nutty flavor to our bowl. Plus, it cooks up quickly, making it a perfect base.
Tahini: This creamy sesame paste takes our dressing to the next level! Itโs rich and nutty, adding a delicious depth to the flavors that you wonโt want to miss.
Veggies: Weโre loading up on fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, vibrant carrots, and creamy avocado. They not only make the bowl look gorgeous but also bring a variety of textures and nutrients.
Maple Syrup and Tamari: A touch of sweetness from maple syrup and the umami goodness of tamari bring everything together in perfect harmony. They add just the right zing to our tofu and dressing!
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Ingredients (Serves: 2) |
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โ 3 oz (85g) quinoa, raw |
โ 1 tsp black sesame seeds, garnish |
For the tofu: |
8 oz (230g) tofu, firm |
1 tbsp tamari sauce |
1 tsp maple syrup |
1 tbsp corn starch |
For the dressing: |
2 tbsp tahini |
1 clove garlic |
1/2 tsp sesame oil |
1/2 tsp rice wine vinegar |
1/2 tsp white miso paste |
1/4 tbsp maple syrup |
1 tsp tamari sauce |
For the vegetables: |
5.3 oz (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved |
1/2 cucumber, chopped |
1 carrot, sliced |
1/2 avocado |
What youโll need to do
Time required: 40 minutes
1| First things firstโletโs get that oven preheating to 370ยฐF (190ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with some baking paper. While thatโs warming up, cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. Easy peasy!
2| Now, grab your firm tofu and cut it into small cubes. Toss those little guys into a bowl along with the tamari, maple syrup, corn starch, and a splash of olive oil. Give it a good stir until everythingโs nicely coated. Spread the tofu out on the baking sheet and pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until itโs all golden and crispy. Once itโs done, take it out and let it cool for a bit.
3| Time to whip up that delicious dressing! In a small bowl, mix together all the dressing ingredients. If itโs looking a bit thick, just add a splash of water until itโs the consistency you like.
4| When your quinoa is ready, divide it between two bowls. Top it off with the roasted tofu and your colorful veggies. Drizzle that dreamy dressing on top, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and voilร ! Youโre ready to dig in!
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Here are some substitution and improvisation ideas for your Tofu Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing:
Try my Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing recipe.
Substitutions
1| Tofu: Swap out the firm tofu for tempeh or chickpeas for a different protein source.
2| Quinoa: You can use brown rice, farro, or couscous if you prefer a different grain.
3| Tahini: If tahini isnโt your thing, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter for the dressing.
4| Vegetables: Mix it up with whatever veggies you have on handโthink bell peppers, spinach, or roasted sweet potatoes!
5| Maple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can be used instead of maple syrup for a similar sweetness.
6| Tamari: Soy sauce works well if youโre not gluten-free, or you can use coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
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Improvisation Ideas
1| Add More Protein: Throw in some edamame, hard-boiled eggs, or nuts for an extra protein boost.
2| Spice It Up: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the top if you like a bit of heat.
3| Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint for a burst of freshness.
4| Crunch Factor: Toss in some toasted nuts or seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower seeds) for extra crunch.
5| Change the Dressing: Get creative with the dressing by adding citrus juice (like lemon or lime) or spices (like cumin or paprika) for different flavor profiles.
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Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences and what you have in your kitchen! Enjoy getting creative!
Some useful tips for the recipe
Here are some useful tips to make your Tofu Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing a hit:
1| Press the Tofu: Before cooking, press the tofu for about 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. This helps it crisp up better when baked.
2| Marinate for Flavor: Let the tofu marinate in the tamari and maple syrup mixture for a bit before baking to enhance its flavor.
3| Cook Quinoa in Broth: For extra flavor, cook your quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water. It adds a nice depth to the dish.
4| Chop Veggies Uniformly: Cut your vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
5| Batch Prep: Make a larger batch of quinoa and tofu at the beginning of the week. They keep well in the fridge and can be used in various meals.
6| Taste as You Go: Adjust the dressing ingredients to your taste! If you like it creamier, add more tahini; if you prefer it tangier, add more vinegar.
7| Experiment with Toppings: Donโt hesitate to get creative with toppingsโtry adding pickled onions, feta cheese, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor.
8| Serve Warm or Cold: This bowl is delicious both warm and cold, so you can enjoy it as a hearty meal or a refreshing salad.
9| Presentation Matters: Layer your ingredients in the bowl for a beautiful presentationโitโs all about the visuals!
10| Have Fun with It: Enjoy the process! Cooking should be fun, so donโt stress too muchโimprovise and make it your own!
These tips will help you create a delicious and satisfying Buddha bowl every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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Some serving suggestions
Here are some fun serving ideas for your Tofu Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing:
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1| Bowl Style: Serve in deep bowls to highlight the vibrant colors of the ingredients. Layer the quinoa, tofu, and veggies artfully for an eye-catching presentation.
2| Family Style: Set everything out on the table and let everyone build their own bowl. Itโs a fun way to get everyone involved and allows for personal customization.
3| With a Side: Pair your Buddha bowl with a light side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
4| Wrap It Up: Use the ingredients as a filling for a wrap! Spread some hummus on a tortilla, add the quinoa, tofu, and veggies, then roll it up for a tasty lunch option.
5| Grain Bowls: Experiment with different grains! Try serving the ingredients over brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
6| Topped with Nuts or Seeds: Add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds (like slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds) on top for extra crunch and nutrition.
7| Make It a Feast: Serve with a variety of dips like hummus or baba ganoush on the side for a Mediterranean twist.
8| Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Finish your bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a burst of freshness.
9| Add a Protein Boost: Offer additional proteins on the side, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or edamame, for those who want an extra filling meal.
10| Serve with Citrus: A wedge of lemon or lime on the side can enhance the flavors when squeezed over the bowl just before eating.
These serving ideas will elevate your Tofu Buddha Bowl experience and make it even more enjoyable!
Some storage suggestions
Here are some handy storage options for your Tofu Buddha Bowl ingredients:
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1| Airtight Containers: Store cooked quinoa, baked tofu, and veggies in separate airtight containers. This helps maintain freshness and prevents sogginess.
2| Mason Jars: Layer your ingredients in mason jars for a visually appealing option. Start with the dressing at the bottom, then add hearty ingredients like quinoa and tofu, and finish with lighter veggies on top. Just shake it up when youโre ready to eat!
3| Meal Prep Containers: Use compartmentalized meal prep containers to keep each component separate. This is perfect for easy grab-and-go lunches!
4| Freezer Bags: If you want to make a batch ahead of time, freeze the cooked quinoa and baked tofu in freezer bags. They can last up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before using.
5| Dressing Storage: Keep your tahini dressing in a small jar or squeeze bottle in the fridge. It can last up to a week, so you can whip it out for other meals too!
6| Vacuum Sealing: If you have a vacuum sealer, itโs a great way to store cooked quinoa and tofu for extended freshness.
7| Labeling: If youโre prepping multiple meals, label your containers with dates so you can keep track of freshness.
8| Use within 3-4 Days: For the best taste and quality, try to enjoy your Buddha bowl ingredients within 3-4 days of cooking.
These storage options will help keep your Buddha bowl ingredients fresh and ready for whenever hunger strikes!
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And there you have it! Your very own Tofu Buddha Bowl, ready to impress. ๐ฅโจ This meal is not only tasty but also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). I hope you enjoy every last bite as much as I do. Donโt forget to play around with the veggies and dressingโmake it your own! Happy cooking, friends!
Recipe Card
Tofu Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing
Enjoy a bowl of happiness with my Tofu Buddha Bowl featuring a zesty Tahini Dressing! ๐๐ This vibrant recipe is loaded with protein and flavor, making it a go-to for any meal. Plus, itโs super quick to makeโjust 40 minutes!
Ingredients
For the tofu:
For the dressing:
For the vegetables:
Instructions
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Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 370ยฐF (190ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with baking paper. Cook the quinoa according to instructions on the packaging.
-
Step 2:
Cut the tofu into small cubes and place in a bowl with the remaining tofu ingredients, and 1 tbsp. of olive oil, then stir until well combined. Place the tofu on the baking sheet and bake in the hot oven for 25 minutes until browned. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
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Step 3:
Make the dressing by combining all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Add a little water to reach the desired consistency.
-
Step 4:
Once the quinoa has cooked, divided between 2 bowls, top with the tofu and vegetables, drizzle over the dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve.
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 601kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33g51%
- Total Carbohydrate 52g18%
- Protein 24g48%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.