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Spicy Tofu Salad Bowls Recipe

4.7 from 188 reviews

This Spicy Tofu Salad Bowl combines crispy, golden tofu with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and a tangy, spicy dressing. Perfect as a light, nutritious meal, it features fragrant Asian-inspired flavors from ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and tamari, balanced with the crunch of peanuts and refreshing lime wedges.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu and Cooking

  • 8 oz tofu
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola oil ideal for frying)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Garnishes

  • 1 small head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
  • ½ English cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 small head red cabbage, shredded
  • 12 green onions, sliced
  • ½ cup carrot, shredded
  • ¼ cup roasted peanuts
  • 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

Dressing

  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce)
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • ¼ tsp garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prep the tofu: Drain the tofu very well, pressing out as much moisture as possible. Pat it dry thoroughly with a clean towel, then cut into bite-sized ½-inch cubes.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Roughly chop the romaine lettuce, thinly slice the cucumber, shred the red cabbage, slice the green onions, and shred the carrot. Combine all the veggies in a large salad bowl.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or cup, whisk together rice vinegar, tamari, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame seeds until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
  4. Cook the tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the tofu cubes and cook for 6–7 minutes, flipping occasionally until the cubes are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce during cooking for a spicy kick. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Add the cooked tofu on top and gently mix it all together.
  6. Serve: Plate the salad bowls and garnish with lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and roasted peanuts for added flavor and crunch. Enjoy fresh.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu well is key to achieving crispiness.
  • Adjust the hot sauce quantity to control the spice level to your preference.
  • Use tamari for a gluten-free option or regular soy sauce otherwise.
  • For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • This salad is best served immediately to maintain the crisp textures.

Keywords: spicy tofu salad, tofu salad bowl, crispy tofu, Asian tofu salad, healthy tofu recipe, vegetarian salad, spicy salad dressing