baked Tofu Buddha Bowl

Ingredients

• For the Bowl:

  • 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed

  • 1 cup cooked edamame

  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

  • 1 cup cucumber, sliced

  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 2 scallions, sliced

  • 2 quail eggs, soft-boiled

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice

• For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes.

   • Toss the tofu cubes with a bit of cornstarch, salt, and pepper to coat.

   • Spread the tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

2. Cook the Quail Eggs:

   • Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the quail eggs and cook for 2-3 minutes for soft-boiled eggs.

   • Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool, then peel and set aside.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • While the tofu is baking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cucumber, shred the cabbage, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the scallions.

   • If using frozen corn, steam or microwave it until warm.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.

5. Assemble the Bowls:

   • Divide the cooked quinoa or brown rice among four bowls.

   • Arrange the baked tofu, edamame, corn, cucumber, shredded cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and sliced scallions on top of the quinoa or rice.

   • Drizzle each bowl with the prepared sauce.

   • Top each bowl with a soft-boiled quail egg.

6. Serve:

   • Serve immediately, garnished with additional scallions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

This Tofu Buddha Bowl is a nutritious and balanced meal, perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. The combination of crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce ensures a delightful eating experience. This recipe is adaptable, so feel free to add or swap ingredients based on your preferences.