Description
This Crispy Tofu Bowl with Summer Slaw is everything you want in a nourishing, satisfying meal: crunchy, creamy, fresh, and full of flavor. Marinated and pan-fried tofu sits atop a colorful slaw of cabbage, carrots, and herbs, all tied together with a tangy sesame-lime dressing. It’s perfect for summer lunches, light dinners, or make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crispy tofu:
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or neutral oil for frying)
For the summer slaw:
- 2 cups shredded green or Napa cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or mint
- 1 small cucumber, julienned (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced scallions
For the sesame-lime dressing:
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup or agave
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the tofu:
- Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Toss tofu cubes with soy sauce, then coat in cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook tofu until golden and crispy on all sides. Set aside.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the slaw:
- In a large bowl, combine all slaw ingredients. Pour in dressing and toss until well coated.
- Build the bowl:
- Divide slaw among 2–3 bowls. Top with crispy tofu and extra herbs or sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately, or chill components separately for meal prep.
Notes
- Use pre-shredded slaw mix to save time
- For oil-free version: Bake tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway
- Make ahead: Store slaw and tofu separately to keep texture crisp
- Make it nutty: Add a spoonful of peanut or tahini sauce for extra creaminess
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Mains
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg