Tofu Poke Bowl
This tofu poke bowl is a plant-based twist on the traditional poke bowl. Featuring smoky tofu, crisp veggies, soba noodles, and a tangy soy sauce dressing, this meal is as satisfying as it is nourishing.
While traditional poke bowls are often centered around raw fish, this recipe swaps it out for smoked tofu, making it completely vegan while still delivering the protein punch and smoky flavor you’d expect. With just 25 minutes of total prep and cooking time, it’s a quick, healthy option for lunch or dinner.
Poke bowls are known for their versatility, and this version is no exception. You can customize the veggies, adjust the spice level, or even swap out soba noodles for rice or quinoa, depending on your preferences. It’s a great way to enjoy a balanced, wholesome meal that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Smoked tofu: The star of this dish! Smoked tofu adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the fresh veggies. If you can’t find smoked tofu, regular tofu will work—just marinate it in soy sauce and liquid smoke before sautéing.
- Soba noodles: These buckwheat noodles are nutty and light, but you can use rice noodles, zoodles, or even brown rice if you prefer.
- Vegetables: Bok choy, radishes, carrots, and purple cabbage add crunch and color. Feel free to swap in cucumbers, edamame, or bell peppers for variety.
- Nori: The crispy nori chips add a salty, umami-rich crunch. You can also use store-bought seaweed snacks if you’re short on time.
- Black garlic: This provides a deep, umami flavor that takes the dish to the next level. If unavailable, roasted garlic or miso paste can be used as alternatives.
- Soy sauce dressing: A blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and mirin ties the dish together. Tamari can be used for a gluten-free option, and honey can be swapped for mirin if needed.
How to Make Smoked Tofu Poke Bowl with Crispy Nori
Why This Recipe Works
This Smoked Tofu Poke Bowl is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smoked tofu adds richness and protein, while the fresh vegetables provide a satisfying crunch. The tangy soy sauce dressing ties everything together with its bold, umami flavors, and the crispy nori adds a fun, salty finish.
Storage Tips
While this poke bowl is best enjoyed fresh, you can store the components separately for meal prep:
- Tofu and vegetables: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Noodles: Keep them in a separate container and rinse with cold water before serving to loosen them up.
- Dressing: Store the dressing in a small jar or airtight container and shake before using.
- Nori: To keep the nori crispy, store it in an airtight bag or container at room temperature and add it just before serving.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch it up? Here are some ideas to make this dish your own:
- Spicy Poke Bowl: Add sriracha or chili oil to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Grain Swap: Replace the soba noodles with quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a different base.
- Additional Toppings: Try adding avocado slices, edamame, or a sprinkle of furikake for extra flavor.
- Miso Dressing: Swap the soy sauce dressing for a creamy miso-tahini dressing for a different twist.
