Jerk Tofu Bowl

Why Make This Recipe

This Jerk Tofu Bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal that brings a burst of flavors to your table. It’s perfect for those who love a mix of spicy, sweet, and savory. This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for various dietary preferences. Plus, it’s packed with protein from the tofu and beans, along with fresh veggies, making it a healthy option.

How to Make Jerk Tofu Bowl

Ingredients:

1 large mango, diced (1 – 1 ½ cups), not overly ripe
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 tablespoon red onion, finely diced (or substitute with 2 green onions, sliced)
1 tablespoon jalapeno, thinly sliced (or diced, optional)
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
¼ cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons sriracha
1 teaspoon soy sauce or gluten-free tamari or liquid aminos
1-2 teaspoons lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
16-ounce extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
¾ teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika, for color)
½ teaspoon granulated garlic powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
⅛-¼ teaspoon cayenne (adjust to taste)
3 cups cooked rice (cilantro lime rice works well)
3 cups cooked black beans (or use two 15-ounce cans, drained and seasoned)
Garnish: lime wedges, pickled onions, avocado slices, sriracha, and cilantro

Directions:

In a bowl, combine the diced mango, cucumber, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. Toss with the dressing ingredients: orange juice, olive oil, sriracha, soy sauce, and lime juice. Mix well. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re preparing this ahead, keep the dressing separate.
Drain the tofu and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess liquid, then cut it into cubes. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the salt and all of the pepper, swirling until the bottom is coated. Place the tofu in a single layer and sprinkle with the remaining salt. Let the tofu cook until a crust forms, lowering the heat to medium if necessary.
In a small bowl, mix the spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, allspice, cumin, and cayenne. Flip the tofu using a metal spatula. When golden brown, the tofu should release easily from the pan. Once several sides are crispy, spray with olive oil and sprinkle the spice blend over the tofu, turning to coat evenly. Stop cooking once the spices start to get fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
To build your bowls, add ¾ cup of rice and ¾ cup of beans to each bowl (you can microwave them if needed). Top with the jerk tofu and a generous scoop of mango salad. Add sliced avocado, pickled onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of the leftover dressing. Serve with a lime wedge.

How to Serve Jerk Tofu Bowl

Serve your Jerk Tofu Bowl immediately for the best flavors and presentation. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It’s a great dish for meal prep or to share at gatherings!

How to Store Jerk Tofu Bowl

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The components can be separated to maintain freshness. The tofu and beans can last about 3-4 days. However, it’s best to keep the mango salad dressed separately until you’re ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

Tips to Make Jerk Tofu Bowl

For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Use a non-stick skillet for easier cooking and cleaning.
Experiment with different veggies or add toppings like nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

Variation

You can substitute tofu with tempeh for a different texture and flavor. If you’re not a fan of beans, you can use lentils or omit them altogether.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mango salad and cook the tofu ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until serving.

2. Is this dish spicy?
The spice level depends on the amount of jalapeno and cayenne you use. You can omit these for a milder version.

3. Can I replace the tofu with chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken in place of tofu if you prefer a meat option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.