Tofu Rice Bowl With Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

I just whipped up this teriyaki tofu and veggie bowl, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for my meal prep routine! The homemade teriyaki sauce with ginger and garlic makes it super flavorful, and the crispy tofu paired with tender-crisp veggies over fluffy rice nails that perfect comfort food vibe.

I love making dishes that are both full of nutrition and also packed with flavor, like this Tofu Rice Bowl with Teriyaki Sauce. This recipe uses protein-dense firm tofu and your choice of brown or white rice, along with the ever-so-crunchy broccoli and bell pepper.

It’s all topped with a homemade sauce that’s like teriyaki, but better.

Tofu Rice Bowl With Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Firm Tofu: High in protein, low in calories.

  Ideal for plant-based diets.

• Brown or White Rice: Provides carbs for energy.

  Brown rice adds fiber.

• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.

  Essential for the teriyaki flavor.

• Mirin or Rice Vinegar: Offers a subtle sweet tang, balancing flavors.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener enhancing teriyaki sauce.
• Fresh Ginger: Adds warmth and spice.

  Contains anti-inflammatory properties.

• Garlic: Offers rich flavor and potential health benefits.
• Broccoli Florets: Packed with vitamins and fiber.

  Complements the dish’s texture.

• Sesame Seeds: Nutty flavor and crunch.

  Source of healthy fats and minerals.

Tofu Rice Bowl With Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 1 cup brown or white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin or rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

How to Make this Tofu Rice Bowl With Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

1. Start by preparing the rice. Wash the rice with fresh, cold water and mix it with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. The saucepan should be large enough for the rice to expand. Place over high heat and bring the water to a boil. Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients. The rice can hold in flavor secreted by the ingredients, making it an important step.

2. As the rice cooks, slice the tofu into 1-inch by 1-inch pieces. Use a paper towel to absorb any moisture on the tofu. Now you’re ready to pan-fry or sauté the tofu for addition to your dish.

3. A large skillet takes the vegetable oil and heats it to medium-high. Then, it is time for the tofu to join the pan and cook until each and every side is golden brown and crisp, about 8 minutes. Once the allotted time is up, remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.

4. In the same frying pan, add the broccoli florets and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.

5. Simultaneously, make the teriyaki sauce from scratch. In a small saucepan, mix the soy sauce, mirin (or rice vinegar), honey (or maple syrup), freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix thoroughly to create a slurry. Next, get your teriyaki sauce simmering on the stove. When the sauce is at a nice simmer, slowly add your cornstarch slurry. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes, and you will have a thickened teriyaki sauce.

7. Return the vegetables to the skillet with the tofu. Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the tofu and vegetables, and mix to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

8. Use a fork to fluff cooked rice, then portion it into serving bowls.

9. Finish the dish by placing teriyaki tofu and vegetables atop the perfectly cooked rice.

10. Before serving, top each bowl with cut green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Tofu Rice Bowl With Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Saucepan (for rice)
2. Large skillet
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Paper towels
6. Small saucepan (for sauce)
7. Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
8. Mixing spoons or spatula
9. Measuring cups and spoons
10. Fork (for fluffing rice)
11. Serving bowls

FAQ

• Q: Can I use silken tofu instead of firm tofu?1. For this recipe, firm tofu is best; it holds its shape better when cooked.
• Q: Can I substitute soy sauce for a gluten-free option?You can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. A lot of people use that.
• Q: What can I use instead of mirin?A: In the absence of mirin, a good substitute is made from rice vinegar and a touch of sugar.
• Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?Cornstarch, when combined with water, thickens the sauce.
• Q: Can I add other vegetables to the rice bowl?Certainly! You may add vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, or spinach.
• Q: Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?A: It is permissible to advance the preparation of the tofu and sauce; however, there is greater value in cooking the rice and vegetables fresh at mealtime.
• Q: What is a good substitute for honey?A: This recipe can use maple syrup as a vegan substitute for honey.

Tofu Rice Bowl With Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use tempeh or chickpeas instead of firm tofu for a different source of protein.
Quinoa or cauliflower rice can take brown or white rice’s place for a lower-carb alternative.
Tamari or coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Substitute mirin or rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
Substitute sweeteners such as agave nectar or brown sugar for honey or maple syrup.

Pro Tips

1. Pressing Tofu Thoroughly Make sure to press the tofu for at least 20-30 minutes to remove as much moisture as possible. This will help the tofu achieve a crispier texture when pan-fried.

2. Marinating the Tofu After pressing, consider marinating the tofu in a small amount of the soy sauce, ginger, and garlic mixture for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This enhances the flavor throughout the tofu.

3. Even Cooking with Vegetables Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking. For example, slice the broccoli florets and bell pepper into similar size pieces to achieve tender-crisp results simultaneously.

4. Optimal Rice Cooking After bringing the rice to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes (for white rice) or 40 minutes (for brown rice) without lifting the lid, then let it steam off the heat for another 5 minutes for perfect fluffiness.

5. Balanced Sauce Flavor Taste the sauce before thickening and adjust the levels of soy sauce, sweetener, or acid (mirin/rice vinegar) to suit your preference, ensuring a well-balanced, delightful flavor profile.