Crisped Tofu Buddha Bowl with Spicy Peanut Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-fried tofu paired with fresh veggies and a creamy spicy peanut dressing creates a balanced and satisfying vegan bowl. This Asian Fusion-inspired healthy bowl recipe (vegan, gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, avocado oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian Fusion cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press a 14 oz block of firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until all sides are golden brown and crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sriracha, 1 tsp maple syrup, and 3 tbsp warm water until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: To assemble the bowl, arrange 3 cups mixed greens, 1/2 thinly sliced cucumber, 1 medium shredded carrot, and 1 cup shredded red cabbage in serving bowls. Top with the crisped tofu cubes and drizzle generously with the spicy peanut dressing before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisped Tofu Buddha Bowl with Spicy Peanut Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crisped Tofu Buddha Bowl with Spicy Peanut Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisped Tofu Buddha Bowl with Spicy Peanut Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crisped Tofu Buddha Bowl with Spicy Peanut Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crisped Tofu Buddha Bowl with Spicy Peanut Dressing vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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