Tofu Sweet Chili Poke Bowl
Why this recipe works
- Fresh texture contrast: Soft seasoned rice, lightly crisp tofu, crunchy cucumber and tender edamame give the bowl enough contrast to feel complete.
- Balanced sweetness: Rice vinegar and lime cut through the sweet chilli glaze, keeping the bowl bright rather than heavy.
- Fast weeknight method: The rice, edamame and tofu cook in parallel, keeping the total time practical for lunch or a simple dinner.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Dry the tofu well: Patting the tofu dry before frying helps it colour more evenly and stay intact once the sauce is added.
- Keep toppings separate if storing: Store cucumber, spring onion and sesame seeds separately from warm rice or reheated tofu to preserve their fresh texture.
Ingredient notes
- Choose firm tofu: Firm tofu is the best fit here because it holds its shape in the pan and gives the glaze something substantial to cling to.
- Use lime to finish: A final squeeze of lime sharpens the sweet chilli sauce and makes the rice and vegetables taste more lively.
Make-ahead tips
- Store as components: Keep the rice, tofu and vegetables in separate containers where possible, then assemble just before serving.
- Reheat the tofu gently: Warm the tofu in a frying pan over medium heat with a small splash of water until piping hot, so the glaze loosens without scorching.
Serving ideas
- Add extra richness: Avocado works well if you want a creamier bowl alongside the sweet chilli tofu and crisp cucumber.
- Finish with freshness: Extra spring onion, sesame seeds or a little more lime juice make the bowl brighter just before serving.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Tip into a saucepan, cover with fresh water, bring to the boil, then cover and cook on the lowest heat for 12 minutes. Take off the heat and leave, still covered, for 10 minutes.
- Bring a small pan of water to the boil, add the edamame and cook for 3 minutes until tender. Drain well and set aside. Transfer the rice to a mixing bowl and fold through the rice vinegar; let it cool until just warm.
- Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, then pat dry. Heat the sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, add the tofu and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning, until lightly golden. Finely grate the garlic and ginger, stir in for 30 seconds, then add the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the tofu is glossy and coated.
- Halve the cucumber lengthways and slice, then thinly slice the spring onion. Divide the sushi rice between two bowls and top with the sweet chilli tofu, cucumber, edamame and spring onion. Squeeze over the lime and finish with the roasted sesame seeds.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best texture, take the tofu out of its pack, pat it dry, then leave it on a plate for 10 minutes while the rice cooks to shed a bit more moisture.
- Keep the pan fairly hot when frying the tofu so it colours quickly before the sauce goes in, which helps it stay intact.
- If serving to anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, ensure the tofu is heated until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace rice vinegar with white wine vinegar for a slightly sharper, less sweet tang.
- Replace ginger root with 1 tsp ground ginger for a quicker version, adding it with the sweet chili sauce.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Store components separately if possible. Reheat the tofu in a frying pan over medium heat with a small splash of water until piping hot; rice is best eaten fresh but can be microwaved with a splash of water until steaming.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 35min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Fusion
-
Allergens:
Sesame Soybeans
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