These vegan tofu bowls with peanut sauce are my go-to when I need something fresh, colorful, and satisfying—but don’t want to spend all night cooking. The crispy tofu is full of flavor thanks to a quick marinade, and the creamy peanut dressing ties everything together in the best way.

Ingredients

Extra firm tofu – I always go with a block of extra-firm tofu and press it for at least 15 minutes. The drier it is, the crispier it bakes!
Tamari or soy sauce – For gluten free use tamari or coconut aminos. Low sodium sauce is my next go to!
Sesame oil – A little goes a long way! Toasted sesame oil makes the tofu smell amazing.
Garlic powder + onion powder – Perfect for tofu, but you can skip it if you don't have it.
Creamy peanut butter – I prefer natural peanut butter with no added sugar or nasties. Just salt and peanuts.
Apple cider vinegar – Gives the sauce that little tang—rice vinegar works too.
Lime cilantro rice – I just toss cooked rice with lime juice and fresh chopped cilantro—it makes the whole bowl pop.
Bowl toppings - Feel free to use whatever veggies and lettuce you have on hand. I like to use my roasted corn for some smoky flavor and fresh vegetables. Pickled cabbage or daikon radish works perfectly for these types of bowls too.
If you like this recipe, check out my baked tofu and sofritas next.

📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.

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How To Make Tofu Bowls With Peanut Sauce

Press the tofu: Slice into cubes and press using a towel or tofu press for 15–30 minutes.
Marinate: Mix tamari, sesame oil, and spices in a bowl. Toss tofu and let sit 10–60 minutes.
Bake the tofu: Arrange on parchment and bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Shake the dressing: Add all sauce ingredients to a jar and shake until smooth.
Prep your bowl ingredients: Slice veggies, warm up corn and edamame, cook or reheat rice.
Assemble the bowls: Add rice and greens, then top with tofu, veggies, edamame, and corn.
Drizzle with sauce: Or toss the tofu in the sauce for more flavor.

Agave syrup or maple – I use whichever one I’ve got in the pantry. It balances the sauce perfectly, but if you want to skip it, you totally can—just leave out the vinegar too, or the dressing might turn out too tangy.

Tips

Short on time? I’ve marinated tofu for just 10 minutes and still loved the flavor. Just be sure to coat it well.
Want extra crispy tofu? Air fry it! I do 375°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
No edamame? Chickpeas or lentils work just as well. I’ve even used leftover black beans.
Peanut-free option – I’ve made this with almond butter, and it still tastes amazing.
Spice it up – Add sriracha or extra chili flakes if you like heat. I usually keep mine mild so the kids will eat it too.
Don’t have rice? Quinoa, couscous, or even noodles work great here.
Need crunch? Chopped peanuts or sesame seeds on top give it that extra texture I crave.
Double the dressing – Trust me, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything all week.
Meal prep tip – I prep all the components on Sunday and just throw bowls together when I’m hungry.
Customize it – Use whatever veggies you have—bell peppers, shredded carrots, or avocado all work great.

Freezing And Storing Instructions

To Store. I keep everything in separate airtight containers: tofu, rice, veggies, and sauce each get their own. That way, nothing gets soggy and I can mix and match later.
To Reheat – Just warm up the tofu and rice in the microwave or a skillet. I leave the veggies and sauce cold—it keeps the bowl fresh and crunchy.
To Freeze. You can freeze the tofu and rice, but I don’t recommend freezing the veggies or sauce. If you do freeze the tofu, let it cool completely first and store it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months.
To Make Ahead. I like to prep the tofu, sauce, and rice at the start of the week. The veggies take just a few minutes to slice when I’m ready to eat. It’s perfect for building quick bowls all week long without getting bored.

More Tofu Recipes and Tips

Garlic Tofu Dinner
Baked Tofu
50 Tofu Recipes
Tofu Mistakes
Why Tofu Is The Ultimate Meat Alternative

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Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.

Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.