Soy-Glazed Tofu with Rice
Tofu simmered in a savory-sweet soy-tamarind sauce, served over fluffy rice for a complete, affordable meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, soy sauce, tamarind paste 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and sliced into 1/2-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cup, cooked rice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2, thinly sliced green onions
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 14 oz pressed tofu cubes and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides.
- Step 3: Pour the soy-tamarind sauce over the tofu and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the tofu. Stir in 2 sliced green onions and remove from heat. Serve immediately over 1 cup cooked rice, sprinkled with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Soy-Glazed Tofu with Rice take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Soy-Glazed Tofu with Rice?
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 Soy-Glazed Tofu with Rice?
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 Soy-Glazed Tofu with Rice 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 Soy-Glazed Tofu with Rice vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
