Crispy Tofu Garlic Rice Bowl

Name: Crispy Tofu Garlic Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup of jasmine rice; 2 cups of water; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon of olive oil; Salt to taste; 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 3 tablespoons of soy sauce; 1 tablespoon of cornstarch; Vegetable oil for frying; Chopped green onions; Sesame seeds

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I absolutely love this Crispy Tofu Garlic Rice Bowl! It combines the crunchiness of perfectly fried tofu with the aromatic flavors of garlic and rice, creating a satisfying meal that I can whip up in no time. Each bite is a delightful explosion of textures and flavors that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, it's an easy way to add some plant-based goodness to my dinner routine. Whether I'm entertaining friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish never fails to impress.

Created by

Selene Woodward

Last updated on 2026-01-21T19:01:35.375Z

When I first tried making this Crispy Tofu Garlic Rice Bowl, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple yet delicious it turned out. I marinated the tofu in soy sauce and garlic to infuse flavor deeply, and then fried it to a perfect crisp. The combination with garlic rice really enhances the overall experience.

One thing I learned along the way is that pressing the tofu before cooking makes a huge difference; it ensures that the tofu absorbs the marinade fully and achieves that coveted crispy texture. This dish has quickly become a staple in my kitchen because it's not only tasty but also packed with nutrition!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy, golden tofu that adds a satisfying crunch
Aromatic garlic rice that brings everything together
Quick and easy to prepare, great for weeknight dinners

The Art of Tofu Crispiness

Achieving the perfect crispiness for tofu requires a few key steps. First, pressing the tofu is essential; this removes excess moisture and allows for better flavor absorption during marination. I recommend using firm tofu for its sturdiness, which holds up well during frying. After marinating in soy sauce, dusting the tofu with cornstarch creates a delightful crunchy exterior when fried. Evenly coat the cubes to avoid any soggy spots and ensure that they fry uniformly.

When frying, controlling the oil temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the tofu may burn before it cooks thoroughly; if it’s too cool, the tofu will absorb more oil than needed, resulting in greasiness. A medium-high heat is ideal, allowing the tofu to develop golden, crispy edges – typically achieved around 350°F (175°C). Fry the tofu in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and hinder crispiness.

Perfecting the Garlic Rice

Garlic lends a distinct flavor to the rice, creating a base that complements the crispy tofu beautifully. Adding minced garlic towards the end of the rice cooking process infuses it with a fragrant character without becoming bitter, which can happen if garlic is cooked for too long. The rice should be fluffy and lightly coated in olive oil for a glossy finish. Adjusting the water ratio slightly based on your stovetop's heat can yield a consistently perfect texture.

For an added layer of flavor, you can substitute the jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa. Just remember that cooking times will differ—brown rice typically takes around 40-45 minutes to cook. Also, you might need to increase the water ratio slightly, about 2.5 cups for 1 cup of brown rice, to account for its denser texture.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients before you start:

For the Rice

1 cup of jasmine rice
2 cups of water
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt to taste

For the Crispy Tofu

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
Vegetable oil for frying

For Garnish

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

Make sure everything is fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious bowl:

Prepare the Rice

In a saucepan, combine jasmine rice and water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. In the last few minutes, add minced garlic and olive oil. Stir to combine.

Marinate the Tofu

In a bowl, combine cubed tofu with soy sauce. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes for the flavors to infuse.

Crisp the Tofu

After marination, sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu cubes, ensuring an even coating. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu cubes until golden and crispy on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.

Assemble the Bowl

In serving bowls, place a portion of garlic rice and top it with crispy tofu. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Enjoy your homemade crispy tofu garlic rice bowl!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some sautéed vegetables alongside the tofu. Bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots work wonderfully.

Tips for Meal Prep

This Crispy Tofu Garlic Rice Bowl can be prepared in advance, making it a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts. The marinated tofu can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying, allowing the flavors to deepen. The garlic rice, too, keeps well; simply cool it down and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat the rice in a microwave or pan until heated through and top it with freshly cooked tofu.

If you want to make this recipe even more efficient, consider cooking a larger batch of rice. This method not only saves time but also means you'll have garlic rice ready for use with future meals. For freezing, place leftover rice in portions within freezer bags, and you'll have a quick base for another meal down the line.

Serving Suggestions

For a well-rounded meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas make excellent accompaniments and bring an extra crunch to the dish. I often toss in some sesame broccoli or quick-pickled cucumbers for brightness, which enhance the flavor profile of the bowl.

Feel free to customize the garnishes further—drizzle some sriracha or your favorite hot sauce over the top for a spicy kick. Additionally, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or cashews can add a delightful nuttiness and extra texture, elevating your bowl to new flavor dimensions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly, as it uses tofu and plant-based ingredients.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

→ What other sauces can I use?

Feel free to experiment with teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile.

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Absolutely! Just remember that brown rice will require longer cooking time and more water.