Thai Peanut Tofu Brown Rice Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked brown rice
• 2 3/4 cups water
• 1 block (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu, pressed
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup warm water (to thin the sauce)
• 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Press the tofu between paper towels with a heavy pan on top for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
2. Rinse the brown rice under cold water, then combine with 2 3/4 cups water in a pot; bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender but still slightly chewy.
3. Remove the rice from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
4. While the rice cooks, toss the pressed tofu cubes with cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl until evenly coated on all sides.
5. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add the tofu in a single layer, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until golden and crispy on all sides.
6. While the tofu cooks, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic in a bowl, then slowly whisk in warm water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce is smooth and pourable.
7. Once the tofu is crisp, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Divide the cooked brown rice among 4 bowls.
9. Arrange the crispy tofu, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and bell pepper slices in sections over the rice.
10. Drizzle each bowl generously with the peanut sauce, then sprinkle with chopped peanuts and cilantro before serving.
11. Serve any extra peanut sauce on the side for dipping or extra drizzling.

Tips

Why You'll Love This

• Fully plant-based with 18 grams of protein per serving
• Crispy tofu texture without deep frying
• Raw crunchy vegetables keep the bowl light and fresh

Nutrition

Nutrition values are estimated per serving based on the ingredients used.