This Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowl recipe with Coconut Forbidden Rice and bok choy comes together with ease for a hearty and flavorful weeknight meal. This recipe is vegetarian and vegan.
Who Eats this Stuff?
Before we get to this tofu bowl, a little back story. When I first heard about tofu, I thought is was something I’d never eat. But after giving up meat, I became curious. Although I wanted to try it, I resisted because I didn’t know what the hell to do with a watered down, spongy square block of food. I mean, really?
Who eats this stuff?
I’d go to the store and contemplate buying it, standing in front of the cooler staring at it as if somewhere out of the blue how to cook it would hit me. After-all it looked like no meat I’d ever eaten before (it is a meat replacement, right?).
It’s not like I could’ve gone to the nearest vegetarian restaurant and try it. When I was living in Texas, tofu wasn’t served in restaurants, and food blogs weren’t even a thing.
Being a new vegetarian was hard…
I garnered the courage to put tofu in my basket, convincing myself this is the next step to learning how to prepare it. I hadn’t a clue what I’d do with it.
I tossed it in the freezer and forgot about it.
Then I started reading a new cookbook I was gifted. Vegetarian Classics inspired me to do something with that dang tofu.
So I did, not sure what I was getting into.
I now prepare that spongy block with the confidence I used to prepare rump roast with.
About Preparing Tofu
I learned that freezing tofu when bringing it home from the store prepares it to soak up lots of marinade after thawing and pressing. Pressing the tofu prior to baking or cooking removes the water to make room for the marinade.
I’ve also learned baking or dry-pan toasting the tofu after pressing out the water prior to marinating assists in improving the tofu’s texture, drying it out even further.
It sounds like a lot to do to prepare tofu. I get it. But once you do it, and get the flow down, you’ll be whippin up tofu like a boss!
How to Make Peanut Tofu
Super simple to pull together, I include this peanut tofu in many tofu bowls because it pairs so well with a wide array of veggies.
- First, bake for 20 minutes. This will dry the tofu out.
- Next, make the marinade by whisking the maple syrup, tamari, oil, sriracha, peanut butter, garlic and ginger. Stir in the baked tofu and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Last, in a skillet, cook tofu on medium heat, allowing it to get a little crispy with some crust forming from the marinade. Cook until crispy and warmed through.
Keep warm while the rice finishes cooking and the bok choy is wilted.
How to Make Coconut Forbidden Rice
This rice is incredibly fragrant, and with the addition of coconut milk, gives it a subtle sweetness that takes this rice over the top. Put it on your list!
- First, In a medium sauce pan, add the rice, coconut milk, water and salt. Bring to a boil, cover and turn heat to low.
- Next, cook for 40 minutes with lid on. Start checked at about 35 minutes to make sure the rice is not sticking. If it is, give it a stir and put the lid back on.
- Last, remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
Easy peasy, weeknight tofu bowls are ready!
Traci’s Tips
- New to forbidden rice (aka black rice)? I discovered it at our local co-op in the bulk bins. I was intrigued and brought some home. It’s nutty, slightly sweet and versatile. It’s different however from wild rice in that wild rice has an earthier flavor and is long grain.
- If time permits, freeze then thaw out your tofu before preparing it. Freezing improves it’s texture.
- For meal prep, the tofu can be baked and marinated up to one days in advance. The coconut black rice, up to three days in advance.
More Black Rice Recipes to Love
- Porcini Mushrooms and Greens Brown Rice Gratin
- Forbidden Rice Salad with Mango and Coconut Curried Dressing
Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowl with Coconut Black Rice
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 1 C Black Rice 200g (also known as Forbidden rice)
- 1 Can Full Fat Coconut Milk 390g
- 3/4 C Water 178g
- 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
For the Tofu:
- 10 oz Sprouted or Firm Tofu pressed (see note), 285g
- 4 Tbs Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar
- 1/4 C Tamari 62g
- 3 Tbs Sesame Oil divided
- 1-2 Tbs Sriracha 2 for the heat!
- 3 Tbs Natural Crunchy Peanut Butter
- 2 Cloves Garlic microplaned
- 2 tsp Fresh Ginger microplaned
For the Bok Choy:
- 2 Bok Choy 300g
- 1-2 Tbs Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Sea Salt
- Fresh Ground Pepper
For Garnish:
- Toasted and chopped cashews
- Lime wedges
- Thai basil or cilantro
Instructions
For the Rice:
- In a medium sauce pan, add the rice, coconut milk, water and salt. Bring to a boil, cover and turn heat to low. Cook for 40 minutes with lid on. Start checked at about 35 minutes to make sure the rice is not sticking. If it is, give it a stir and put the lid back on. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
For the Tofu:
- Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Slice the tofu into 1" cubes and place on a parchment or silpat lined sheet pan. Bake for 20 minutes. This will dry the tofu out.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk the maple syrup, tamari, oil, sriracha, peanut butter, garlic and ginger. Whisk to combine the marinade. Stir in the baked tofu and marinate for at least 10 minutes (30 if you can).
- Warm a medium non-stick saute pan on medium heat with 1 Tbs of sesame oil. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tofu to the pan. Some of the marinade will transfer to the pan, most of it should stay in the bowl. Cook tofu on medium heat, allowing it to get a little crispy with some crust forming from the marinade. Cook the tofu until crispy and warmed through, stirring and tossing occassionally. About 5-8 minutes. Keep warm. Leftover marinade can be frozen to be used again. Or, gently warm it and use it as a sauce to slather over the tofu just before serving.
For the Bok Choy:
- Slice the bok choy, lengthwise, in half. In a nonstick pan, add 1 Tbs of sesame oil, swirl it around in the pan and heat until shimmering. Place the bok choy in the pan, flat side down. Cook for 2 minutes, flip, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add 2 Tbs water to the pan and put a lid on for about 30 seconds to wilt the bok choy. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the rice, tofu and bok choy between bowls and garnish with cashews, lime wedges and basil. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to three days.
The freezing, squeezing and pressing with tea towel leave the tofu perfect for texture in getting a crispy flavorful tofu. Thank you so much for a simple process to make delicious tofu!
Hi Kathleen! Thank you for your note and review. Those small extra steps make a big difference. SO glad you’re enjoying the recipe!
The first time making tofu this way and it is excellent! I do not use the oil or brown sugar in the recipe but the peanut butter adds enough flavor and consistency to the tofu. Used soy sauce instead of tamari. Very delicious and simple prep and your notes were perfect.
This is a favorite recipe as is but the marinade has become the standard for tofu. Today I had some nearly expired tofu that I needed to use so the marinade came in handy and I served in a grilled tortilla roll with grated carrots, onion and spinach – delicious!
I love so many of your recipes for the ease, nutritional status, and flavor (yum value!). Sometimes Hubby isn’t quite as excited. Last night was a complete success. The steps to get the tofu to this level is 1,000% worth the effort. We like tofu well enough but this method is outta the park! Will make again and again. Hubby says he doesn’t like ginger but devoured the marinade over the tofu. Also Hubby doesn’t like coconut in any form so I was taken aback when he said he looooved the rice! Who is this person?
Thank you, Traci, for bringing excitement to our kitchen.
Hi Hiiii Camille! Thank you for your note, patroning the blog and sending a smile. Your note completely made my day! Hooray for a happy you and hubby! I *SO* understand the not quite excited… I went down that road for several years until hubby had a revelation (haha!). I know, “who is this person!?” LOL! I can so relate! Thank you again, Camille! Can’t wait to hear what you try next!
Delicious!!! the tofu prep method you use in a number of your recipes. Makes a huge difference to the texture
Thank you Traci
Hi Avra! Oh I’m super happy to hear this. It’s all about the texture, right? Thank you for your note, Avra, and giving the recipe a go!
This was delicious and quite easy to do! Absolutely going to be a regular weeknight meal at our house.
Hi Audrey! Hooray for a tasty weeknight meal! Isn’t that coconut milk with the forbidden rice such a nice surprise? Thank you for your note!
I love this combination of sweet & spicy, plus all the textures. I baked the tofu 15 min, flipped and baked for 20, flipped and baked for 5… all at 450 degrees. Seemed easier! Thank you this recipe is a keeper.
So happy to hear you’re enjoying the recipe, Kim! Thank you for coming back and leaving a note, and sharing your tofu baking tips!
Just made this and it is sooo delicious. I especially loved the Tofu and the baking really works wonders for the texture. I added some Beansprouts coz I had some and it added a nice crunch. Thanks for sharing.
I didn’t have full fat coconut milk, only light, but it turned out to be the best black rice I had ever made. usually it’s dry. we had this for meatless Monday, we both loved it, very flavor full, lots of different tastes in every bite. it’s a keeper
Oh this is great Denise and I’m so happy light coconut milk worked well for you! Thank you for your note! Hooray for meatless Monday! :D
I made this today. I didn’t have Forbidden Rice. I used wild rice instead. Perhaps it was the coconut milk I used but the rice tasted like chocolate. It wasn’t appealing. The tofu & bok choy however turned out great. Will definitely make again with an alternative rice recipe.
Hi Jena! Thank you for your note. So happy you like the tofu and boc choy! Yeah, I can’t imagine pairing wild rice with coconut milk. Wild rice and forbidden rice have very different textures and flavors. I wouldn’t want my rice to taste like chocolate either!
What a great way to bridge eating styles, Sonal! No doubt, Rob loves this recipe and a few other tofu dishes I’ve made. But the tofu must have lots of flavor for him to like it. I hope you enjoy this!
I made this last night, and I’m eating leftovers right now. Such a delicious recipe! The tofu marinade in particular is incredible. I can see using it for lots of other things. Thanks for a great meal!
Thank you for sharing, Katie! I just made the tofu recipe last night with previously frozen leftover sauce. So happy you enjoyed the recipe!
I was attracted to this recipe immediately and made it last night. To increase the appeal to my children, I added stir fried carrots, broccoli and red peppers. I heated the remaining marinade after sautéing the tofu. The end result was so delicious, I want to eat this every night! The addition of peanut butter to the classic teriyaki marinade really gives this dish a fantastic twist.
Thank you! This will now be in the dinnertime rotation!
Hooray, Pamela! Thank you for your note, and I’m thrilled to hear you added more veggies to make it appealing to your kiddos! So happy you and your fam enjoyed it! :D