Asian > Japanese

Ponzu Tofu Bowl Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1/4 cup of ponzu sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of cooked brown rice
- 1 cup of shredded carrots
- 1 cup of sliced cucumber
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup of chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds

Special equipment needed:
- None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut the tofu into cubes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the ponzu sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour the sauce over the tofu and toss to coat.
5. Bake the tofu for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. While the tofu is baking, prepare the rice according to package instructions.
7. Divide the rice among four bowls.
8. Top each bowl with the baked tofu, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, avocado, scallions, and sesame seeds.
9. Serve the bowls with any remaining sauce on the side.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
5. Temperature:
- 400°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 16g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ponzu sauce can be substituted with soy sauce mixed with lemon or lime juice.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Brown rice can be substituted with white rice or quinoa.
- Shredded carrots can be substituted with shredded cabbage or broccoli slaw.
- Cucumber can be substituted with sliced bell peppers or zucchini.
- Avocado can be omitted or substituted with sliced mango or pineapple.

Variations:
- Add cooked edamame or roasted sweet potato to the bowls.
- Use tempeh instead of tofu.
- Add a fried egg on top of each bowl for extra protein.
- Use different types of grains, such as farro or barley.
- Add a dollop of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before baking.
- Use a non-stick baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent the tofu from sticking.
- Double the sauce recipe if you prefer more sauce on your bowls.
- Customize the toppings to your liking.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover tofu and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the tofu in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.

Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the toppings in a colorful and appealing way.
- Drizzle extra sauce on top for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Serve the bowls on a wooden board or platter.

Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro or basil leaves.
- Lime wedges.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of miso soup or a small salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy.
- Pickled vegetables or kimchi.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tofu is not crispy enough, bake it for a few more minutes or broil it for a minute or two.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the tofu to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Ponzu sauce is a citrus-based sauce commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
- The dish has a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bowls with chopsticks or a fork and spoon.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Tangy, Savory, Umami, Citrusy, Salty