Sweet-Smoked Glazed Tofu Bowl with Sesame Rice
Crispy tofu glazed in a smoky-sweet sauce, served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables for a satisfying vegan meal. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 52 minutes pairs block, pressed and cubed firm tofu, maple syrup, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 14 oz pressed cubed tofu with 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp smoked paprika on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: Roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and caramelized.
- Step 3: While tofu roasts, steam 1 cup chopped broccoli and 1/2 cup julienned carrots for 7 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Toss cooked rice with 1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tbsp sesame seeds.
- Step 5: Arrange rice on plates, top with roasted tofu and steamed vegetables. Drizzle any remaining pan sauce over the dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet-Smoked Glazed Tofu Bowl with Sesame Rice take to make?
Total time is about 52 minutes (20 min prep + 32 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 Sweet-Smoked Glazed Tofu Bowl with Sesame 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 maple syrup from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet-Smoked Glazed Tofu Bowl with Sesame 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 Sweet-Smoked Glazed Tofu Bowl with Sesame 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 Sweet-Smoked Glazed Tofu Bowl with Sesame Rice 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.
