Spicy Peanut Tofu Cabbage Crunch Bowl (Printable)
A colorful Asian-inspired bowl with crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and creamy spicy peanut sauce for a delicious, nutritious meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ For the Crispy Tofu
01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
04 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ For the Spicy Peanut Sauce
05 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
06 - 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
07 - 1 tbsp maple syrup
08 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
09 - 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
10 - 1 clove garlic, minced
11 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
12 - 2-3 tbsp warm water
→ For the Vegetable Base
13 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
14 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
15 - 1 large carrot, julienned
16 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
17 - 3 green onions, sliced
18 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
20 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
22 - 4 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F or set air fryer to 400°F for optimal tofu crisping.
02 - Place tofu cubes in a bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch and salt, tossing gently until evenly coated on all sides.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add coated tofu and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, arrange tofu in a single layer on a baking sheet or air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
04 - While tofu cooks, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, and ginger in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
05 - Combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, and green onions in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to mix evenly.
06 - Divide cooked rice among 4 serving bowls. Arrange cabbage mixture over rice and top with crispy tofu pieces.
07 - Drizzle generously with spicy peanut sauce. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The texture contrast between crispy tofu and raw cabbage creates this incredible crunch in every single bite
- You get all those takeout flavors without ever reaching for the delivery menu
02 -
- Pressing the tofu is non negotiable for the right texture, I learned this the hard way after too many soggy attempts
- The sauce thickens as it sits, so make it slightly thinner than you think you need
03 -
- Work in batches if your skillet is crowded to keep the tofu getting crispy instead of steaming
- Warm your water slightly before adding it to the sauce for easier whisking