It Is Best: Crispy Tofu Bowl

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy baked tofu tossed in a savory-sweet sauce with sesame seeds, served over fluffy rice for a dish that’s simply the best. This asian-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss tofu cubes with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil until evenly coated, then spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tofu is golden and crisp around the edges.
  3. Step 3: While tofu bakes, whisk together remaining soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Remove tofu from oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour sauce over tofu and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Serve tofu immediately over brown rice, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and scallions, ensuring the sauce clings to every piece for maximum flavor.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does It Is Best: Crispy Tofu Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 It Is Best: Crispy Tofu Bowl?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in It Is Best: Crispy Tofu Bowl?

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 It Is Best: Crispy Tofu Bowl 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 It Is Best: Crispy Tofu Bowl gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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