Hey there, food lovers! Today, I'm excited to share my Tofu Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing. This dish is a rainbow on your plate, packed with flavors and nutrients that'll make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re 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 let’s get cooking!
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 goldenjust 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! It’s rich and nutty, adding a delicious depth to the flavors that you won’t want to miss.
Veggies: We’re 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!
1| First things firstlet’s get that oven preheating to 370°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with some baking paper. While that’s 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 everything’s nicely coated. Spread the tofu out on the baking sheet and pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until it’s all golden and crispy. Once it’s 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 it’s looking a bit thick, just add a splash of water until it’s 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 voilà! You’re ready to dig in!
Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Here are some substitution and improvisation ideas for your Tofu Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing:
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.
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: Don't hesitate to get creative with toppingstry 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 presentationit's all about the visuals!
10| Have Fun with It: Enjoy the process! Cooking should be fun, so don’t stress too muchimprovise and make it your own!
These tips will help you create a delicious and satisfying Buddha bowl every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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. It’s 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:
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 you're 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, it’s a great way to store cooked quinoa and tofu for extended freshness.
7| Labeling: If you’re 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!
And there you have it! Your very own Tofu Buddha Bowl, ready to impress. ✨ 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. Don’t forget to play around with the veggies and dressingmake it your own! Happy cooking, friends!
Enjoy a bowl of happiness with my Tofu Buddha Bowl featuring a zesty Tahini Dressing! This vibrant recipe is loaded with protein and flavor, making it a go-to for any meal. Plus, it’s super quick to makejust 40 minutes!
Ingredients
3oz quinoa, raw (85g)
1tsp black sesame seeds, to garnish
For the tofu:
8oz tofu, firm (230g)
1tbsp tamari sauce
1tsp maple syrup
1tbsp corn starch
For the dressing:
2tbsp tahini
1clove garlic
1/2tsp sesame oil
1/2tbsp rice wine vinegar
1/2tsp white miso paste
1/4tbsp maple syrup
1tsp tamari sauce
For the vegetables:
5.3oz cherry tomatoes, halved (150g)
1/2 cucumber, chopped
1 carrot, sliced
1/2 avocado
Instructions
1
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 370°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with baking paper. Cook the quinoa according to instructions on the packaging.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
Amount Per Serving
Calories601kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat33g51%
Total Carbohydrate52g18%
Protein24g48%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Hi, I'm Danny, a full-time food blogger, father of a handsome 6 year old and a delightful husband. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.