Description
Quinoa Bowls with Sesame Tofu combines nutty quinoa, crispy tofu, and creamy avocado in a delightful Asian-inspired meal. Pistachios add crunch while sesame dressing brings rich, complex flavors that make you crave another bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 block tofu, sesame-flavored
Produce and Grains:
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 4–5 cups arugula
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Garnish and Seasoning:
- ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
- 1 tablespoon (14 grams) sesame seeds
- 1 ¾ cups (414 milliliters) water
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drain tofu thoroughly by pressing between paper towels, removing as much moisture as possible to ensure maximum crispiness. Cut into uniform 1/2-inch (1.27 centimeters) cubes.
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together sesame oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and sesame seeds in a medium mixing bowl.
- Gently coat tofu cubes in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly dressed.
- Arrange marinated tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding.
- Roast tofu in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, rotating and tossing cubes occasionally to promote even browning and achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Meanwhile, prepare quinoa by bringing water to a rolling boil, then add quinoa. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed.
- For soft-boiled eggs, fill a pot with at least 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) of water and bring to a rapid simmer.
- Carefully lower eggs into the simmering water, cooking for 6-7 minutes for jammy yolks or 5 minutes for runnier yolks, maintaining a gentle simmer to prevent egg cracking.
- Transfer cooked eggs to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, gently crack and peel shells.
- Assemble bowls by distributing quinoa as a base, then artfully layer arugula, crispy tofu, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, halved soft-boiled eggs, chopped pistachios, and an additional sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Tofu Preparation Matters: Press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden exterior when baked.
- Marinade Magic: Whisk together a flavorful blend of sesame oil, maple syrup, vinegar, and sauces to infuse the tofu with rich, tangy taste.
- Baking Technique: Spread tofu in a single layer and bake at high heat, turning occasionally for even, crispy results.
- Quinoa Cooking Tip: Use the absorption method for perfectly fluffy quinoa, avoiding lifting the lid during cooking.
- Soft Boiled Egg Perfection: Maintain a gentle simmer when cooking eggs to achieve creamy, jammy yolks without cracking.
- Bowl Assembly: Layer ingredients strategically for a visually appealing and texturally diverse meal that balances flavors and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg