Vegan Crispy Tofu Banh Mi Bowls (Printable Version)

Crispy tofu bowls with pickled veggies and spicy mayo

# Ingredient List:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into ¾-inch cubes
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
05 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Pickled Vegetables

06 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
07 - 1 small daikon radish, julienned
08 - ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
09 - ½ cup rice vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon sugar
11 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Rice and Base

12 - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice

→ Sriracha Mayo

13 - ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
14 - 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha
15 - 1 teaspoon lime juice

→ Garnishes

16 - ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
17 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
18 - 3 scallions, sliced
19 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
20 - Lime wedges for serving

# Directions:

01 - In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Add julienned carrot, daikon radish, and sliced cucumber. Toss to coat evenly and set aside to pickle for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
02 - Pat tofu cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss tofu with soy sauce, then sprinkle with cornstarch and toss vigorously to coat evenly.
03 - Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Prepare jasmine rice according to package directions if not already cooked. Fluff with a fork before serving.
05 - In a small bowl, combine vegan mayonnaise, sriracha to taste, and lime juice. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
06 - Divide cooked jasmine rice among serving bowls. Top each with drained pickled vegetables, crispy tofu cubes, and garnishes including cilantro, jalapeño slices, scallions, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with sriracha mayo and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • A complete vegan meal that is rich in protein with 17g per serving.
  • The quick-pickling process adds a bright, authentic crunch in very little time.
  • Perfect for meal prep, as components like the rice and sriracha mayo can be made in advance.
02 -
  • Always press the tofu for at least 15 minutes before cubing to remove excess moisture; this ensures the cubes get maximum crispiness when fried.
  • Check labels if you have allergies, as tofu and soy sauce contain soy, and some vegan mayonnaises may contain mustard.
  • Prepare the pickled vegetables first so they have at least 20 minutes to develop their tangy flavor while you cook the tofu.
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