Name: Spicy Tofu Salad Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian American
Ingredients: 8 oz tofu; 2 tbsp hot sauce; 2 tbsp oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 small head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped; ½ English cucumber, thinly sliced; 1 small head red cabbage, shredded; 1-2 green onions, sliced; ½ cup carrot, shredded; ¼ cup roasted peanuts; 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, for serving; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp tamari; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp honey; ¼ tsp garlic, minced; ½ tsp ginger, minced; 1 tsp sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 28 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, freshness, and a little fiery kick, you’ve got to try this Spicy Tofu Salad Bowls Recipe. It’s a refreshing mix of crispy pan-fried tofu, crunchy veggies, and a tangy, zingy dressing that comes together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a nourishing dinner, this bowl packs plant-based protein and vibrant textures that make every bite exciting and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh raw ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. There is one large green leafy romaine lettuce at the top, three long green onions below it, and a small white round bowl filled with chopped peanuts to the left side. Next to the bowl, there is a whole pale yellow lemon, some green cilantro leaves near the bottom left, a long orange carrot horizontally placed in the middle, a dark green cucumber below the carrot, and a half of a vibrant purple-red cabbage with white veins on the right side. The colors are bright and fresh, highlighting the textures of each vegetable and nut, with no dish prepared yet. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things simple but seriously delicious. Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing textures, flavors, and colors to make your Spicy Tofu Salad Bowls Recipe sing. From the crispy tofu to the crunchy veggies and the tangy dressing, every element counts.

8 oz tofu: Firm tofu works best for a nice texture that crisps up beautifully.
2 tbsp hot sauce: Adds the perfect level of heat to the tofu without overpowering it.
2 tbsp oil: For frying the tofu until crisp and golden.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
1 small head romaine lettuce: Provides a crunchy, refreshing base for the salad.
½ English cucumber: Thinly sliced for cool, crisp bites throughout.
1 small head red cabbage: Shredded for a beautiful pop of color and crunch.
1-2 green onions: Thinly sliced to add a mild oniony bite.
½ cup carrot: Shredded for a hint of sweetness and extra crunch.
¼ cup roasted peanuts: Adds a delightful nutty crunch as a garnish.
2 tbsp cilantro: Chopped for fresh herbal brightness.
1 lime: For squeezing over the top, adding fresh citrus zing.
2 tbsp rice vinegar: Forms the tangy base of the dressing.
1 tbsp tamari: Deep, savory flavor that enhances the overall dressing.
2 tsp sesame oil: Adds a toasty richness that complements the tofu perfectly.
1 tsp honey: Balances the dressing with a subtle touch of sweetness.
¼ tsp garlic: Minced garlic for a punch of aromatic heat.
½ tsp ginger: Minced ginger adds a bit of zingy warmth.
1 tsp sesame seeds: Sprinkled into the dressing for texture and flavor.

How to Make Spicy Tofu Salad Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Drain your tofu thoroughly to remove any excess water so it will crisp up nicely in the pan. Pat it dry with a clean towel, then slice into bite-sized ½-inch cubes. This step is crucial to avoid soggy tofu and ensure a perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While your tofu is drying, get the fresh veggies ready: chop the romaine lettuce, shred the red cabbage and carrot, thinly slice the cucumber and green onions. Toss all these vibrant, crunchy veggies into a large salad bowl—it’s such a colorful base that makes this dish so inviting.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl or cup, mix the rice vinegar, tamari, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds. Whisk until fully combined and smooth, then set aside. This dressing brings all the elements together with a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet notes.

Step 4: Cook the Tofu

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add your tofu cubes and let them cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, flipping occasionally to get all sides golden and crispy. Season with salt, black pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce for that spicy kick that defines this Spicy Tofu Salad Bowls Recipe.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over the fresh veggies, add the crispy tofu on top, and toss everything together gently so each bite is coated in flavor. Serve the salad bowls with lime wedges, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and roasted peanuts for crunch. This final assembly step brings all the textures and tastes together, creating a bowl that’s as fresh as it is fiery and satisfying.

How to Serve Spicy Tofu Salad Bowls Recipe

A white bowl holds a colorful layered salad starting with a base of fresh green lettuce and leafy greens on the bottom. On top of this are thin orange carrot strips, sliced cucumber rounds in light and dark green, and bright purple shredded cabbage arranged on one side. There are also sliced green onions and cilantro leaves placed on top. In the center, there are medium brown tofu cubes covered in a red glaze, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and whole light tan peanuts. Two lime wedges rest on the side near the tofu and cilantro. A pair of dark brown chopsticks are picking up some tofu from the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra punch of flavor and eye-catching presentation, garnish your salad bowls with chopped cilantro and crushed roasted peanuts. The peanuts add a delightful crunch that contrasts the tender tofu and crisp veggies, while cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that lifts the whole dish.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with a simple side like steamed jasmine rice or warm flatbreads to make it a filling meal. A light miso soup or refreshing cucumber slices with a sprinkle of chili flakes can also complement the spicy flavors beautifully without overpowering the bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or meal prep, try dividing the ingredients into individual Mason jars or bowls. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crispiness of the veggies and tofu. Adding avocado slices or swapping peanuts for toasted cashews can create fun variations of this Spicy Tofu Salad Bowls Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the tofu crispy, store it separately from the veggies and dressing and combine just before serving.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. However, you can freeze cooked tofu cubes on their own and reheat them later for future salad bowls or other dishes.

Reheating

If you have leftover tofu, reheat it gently in a pan over medium heat to restore its crispiness before adding it back to fresh veggies and dressing. Avoid microwaving to maintain that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of tofu for this recipe?

Firm or extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape and crisps up nicely. Silken tofu is too delicate and will not achieve the same texture in this Spicy Tofu Salad Bowls Recipe.

How spicy is this salad? Can I adjust the heat?

The spiciness comes mainly from the hot sauce added to the tofu. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference, or substitute with a milder sauce if you want less heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for the dressing, and double-check your hot sauce brand to ensure it’s gluten-free.

What can I substitute for peanuts if I have allergies?

To avoid peanuts, you can use toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped cashews depending on your preference. These options still add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Spicy Tofu Salad Bowls Recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Keep the tofu and dressing separate from the veggies until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Tofu Salad Bowls Recipe is such a winner for anyone who loves meals that are fresh, flavorful, and nourishing. It’s easy to whip up, packed with texture, and full of vibrant flavors that brighten up any day. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new go-to for a delicious plant-based meal.