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Baked tofu quinoa bowl with edamame, colorful slaw, cucumber, and peanut sauce
CookingPassion

Peanut Tofu Edamame Quinoa Bowls

Prep tofu edamame quinoa bowls with baked tofu, crisp slaw, and a peanut-lime sauce. Includes tofu pressing, packing, and reheating instructions.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 800 g extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • 1 cup (170 g) dry white quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water, or quinoa package amount
  • 300 g frozen shelled edamame
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce for tofu
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 300 g finely shredded red cabbage and carrot slaw, undressed
  • 1 medium cucumber (about 200 g), diced
  • 4 tablespoons (64 g) smooth peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce for sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
  • 4–6 tablespoons warm water for sauce, as needed
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha, optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Equipment

  • Rimmed baking sheet and parchment
  • Clean towel and a flat plate for pressing tofu
  • Lidded saucepan and small pot for edamame
  • Four meal prep containers and sauce pots

Method
 

  1. Press and prepare tofu. Wrap the drained tofu in a clean towel and press under a plate with a moderate weight for about 15 minutes. Heat a conventional oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the pressed tofu into roughly 1-inch cubes and line a large baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Coat and bake. Toss the cubes gently with oil and the tablespoon soy sauce. Sprinkle with cornstarch and turn to distribute a thin coating. Spread with space between the cubes. Bake about 25–30 minutes, turning after 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and firm.
  3. Cook the quinoa and edamame. While tofu bakes, simmer the quinoa with package-specified water in the lidded saucepan, usually about 15 minutes followed by a 5-minute covered rest. Fluff with a fork. Cook shelled edamame separately according to its package and drain thoroughly.
  4. Whisk the peanut sauce. Mix peanut butter, sauce soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, ginger, garlic, and optional sriracha. Whisk in 4 tablespoons warm water, then add more a teaspoon at a time until the sauce pours in a thick ribbon. Keep it separate from the slaw.
  5. Build four bowls. Divide quinoa, baked tofu, and edamame evenly among four bowls. Add the cabbage-carrot slaw, cucumber, cilantro, and peanut sauce for immediate serving. For meal prep, pack the raw vegetables and sauce in separate compartments or small containers.
  6. Chill and serve later. Refrigerate the cooked components promptly in shallow containers. Reheat quinoa, tofu, and edamame to 165°F (74°C), adding a little water to the grain. Tofu softens during storage; add the cool vegetables and sauce after heating. Loosen chilled sauce with a little water if needed.

Notes

Use extra-firm tofu; prep time includes about 15 minutes pressing. Keep raw slaw and sauce separate. Contains soy and peanuts; check packaged ingredients for other allergens.
Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or colder and use within 3–4 days. Baked tofu loses crispness in storage, but the sauce and fresh slaw give the bowls contrast when served.
Freeze tofu, quinoa, and edamame without slaw, cucumber, or sauce for up to 1 month for best quality. Thawed tofu becomes more porous and chewy. Make the fresh toppings and sauce separately.