The Cook Report

  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Contact
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Dinner Recipes

    Spicy Rice Bowls with Korean Marinated Tofu

    Author: Amy Fulwood | Published: Feb 27, 2019 | Modified: Jun 16, 2023

    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These spicy rice bowls are an explosion of flavour thanks to the Korean inspired marinated tofu. Add your favourite toppings and a squeeze of hot sauce for an easy and healthy dinner.

    Hello, meet the bowls I. am. obsessed. with.

    Click here to pin this recipe for later!

    Overhead shot of spicy rice bowl topped with Korean tofu
    Side on shot of spicy rice bowl with a gold fork

    I'm so excited to be sharing this recipe today! Will and I have been super into Korean food ever since we went to LA a few years ago. We went out for the most incredible meal in Koreatown and since then I've been obsessed with finding ways to work Korean ingredients into my cooking.

    I've got a few spicy and comforting Korean stews on the blog like this dakdoritang or this pork and potato stew but I haven't done many vegetarian Korean recipes.

    But with my new found love for tofu it seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine the two and serve up a vegetarian spicy rice bowl topped with a Korean inspired marinated tofu.

    Close up of Korean marinated tofu
    Spicy rice bowls on a cotton background

    Why we love these spicy rice bowls:

    • They're so full of flavour thanks to the spicy Korean marinade on the tofu and rice and all those amazing toppings. I like to finish off with some hot sauce for a final spicy kick
    • They're easily made vegan and gluten free with a few simple switches. If you use maple syrup instead of honey and tamari instead of soy sauce
    • You can make them your own by switching up the toppings
    • They're great for meal prep. You can cook the rice and tofu ahead of time and chop all the vegetables then assemble the bowls when you're ready to eat
    Overhead shot of spicy rice bowls with a gold fork
    Close up of tofu and vegetables in a spicy rice bowl

    Marinated Tofu Bowls Ingredients:

    • Tofu: Make sure you get firm or extra firm tofu
    • Gochujang: This is a korean chilli paste with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, Use leftovers in this vegetable bibimbap
    • Soy Sauce: Use tamari for gluten free. Extra soy sauce can be added to these Thai fish cakes
    • Honey: Or use maple syrup to make it vegan
    • Sesame Oil: One of my cupboard staples
    • Ginger & Garlic: The absolute essentials for any Asian cookery
    • Cooked Rice: Or use quinoa or another grain if you prefer
    • Toppings: I used carrot, cucumber, avocado, sesame seeds and hot sauce

    Keep scrolling to the bottom of this post to get the full recipe!

    Spicy rice bowls with cucumber and greens
    Spicy ruce bowls topped with tofu and vegetables and hot sauce

    Pressing the tofu

    You don't need a fancy tofu press for this. I wrap the tofu in a few layers of kitchen towel then place it between two plates and top it with something heavy like a cast iron skillet or a few cans of food. It's best to press it for at least 10 minutes although longer is better. 

    How to stop tofu sticking to the pan

    The most important thing to do when you're frying tofu is to get the pan nice and hot and then add the tofu and DON'T MOVE IT for at least 2-3 minutes, maybe longer, while it creates a nice crispy crust on the bottom. If it doesn't move easily when you try to slide a spatula underneath it then leave it a little longer to develop the crust. Then you can flip and repeat on the other sides. 

    How to make Korean marinated tofu bowls

    1. Marinate the tofu: Whisk together all the marinade ingredients and add the tofu cubes. Set aside for a few minutes (or longer if you have the time).
    2. Cook the tofu: Heat the oil and fry the tofu in batches until browned on all sides.
    3. Make your bowls: Put the rice in bowls and top with the tofu and all your toppings.
    Side on shot of spicy rice bowl with a gold fork

    Is marinated tofu healthy?

    Tofu is a great source of protein plus all nine amino acids and loads of vitamins and good stuff. The marinade is also pretty healthy thanks to the ginger, garlic and spice paste so you can feel pretty good about eating this dish!

    Is marinated tofu vegan?

    I used honey in the marinade for this tofu which isn't technically vegan but you can easily switch the honey for maple syrup to make the whole thing vegan.

    Spicy rice bowl in a cream bowl

    Want more? Try these other tofu recipes!

    • Vegetarian Banh Mi Sandwiches
    • Crispy Fried Salt and Pepper Tofu
    • Mushroom and Tofu Tikka Masala
    • Spicy Noodles with Crispy Tofu
    • Sheet Pan Tacos
    • Baked Tofu Bowl with Gochujang
    • Peanut Tofu Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
    • Buffalo Tofu Wraps

    Recipe

    Overhead shot of spicy rice bowl topped with Korean tofu

    Spicy Rice Bowls with Korean Marinated Tofu

    These spicy rice bowls are an explosion of flavour thanks to the Korean style marinated tofu. Add your favourite toppings and a squeeze of hot sauce for an easy and healthy dinner.
    5 from 15 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Korean
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 384kcal
    Author: Amy Fulwood

    Ingredients

    For the Tofu

    • 350 g Firm Tofu
    • 3 tablespoon Gochujang
    • 1 ½ tablespoon Soy Sauce
    • 1 tablespoon Honey
    • ½ tablespoon Sesame Oil
    • 1 teaspoon Ginger grated
    • 2 cloves Garlic crushed
    • 2 tablespoon Vegetable oil

    For the Spicy Rice Bowls

    • 500 g Cooked Rice
    • 2 Carrots peeled and chopped into battons
    • ½ Cucumber chopped into battons
    • 1 Avocado sliced
    • Sesame Seeds to serve
    • Sriracha or your favourite hot sauce to serve
    UK Measures - US Measures

    Instructions

    • Press the tofu: Put a few sheets of kitchen towel on a plate, put the tofu on top then add a few more sheets of kitchen towel to the top. Put another plate on top then place something heavy like some tins of food or a heavy cast iron skillet on the plate and leave for at least 10 minutes. You can also use a tofu press for this if you have one.
    • Marinate the tofu: Stir together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic and ginger. Cut the tofu into cubes and add to the tofu marinade. Gently toss and set aside.
    • Cook the tofu: Heat the oil over a medium high heat in a frying pan. Fry the tofu pieces (keeping the leftover marinade for the rice) in a single layer until browned on all sides, you might need to do this in batches. Scoop out onto a paper towel lined plate to drain.
    • Make the rice: In the same frying pan you cooked the tofu add another drizzle of oil then add the rice and pour over any leftover marinade from the tofu, fry until heated through and coated in the spicy marinade.
    • Assemble the bowls: Split the fried rice between four bowls. Add carrots, cucumber, avocado and cooked tofu. Top with sesame seeds and your favourite hot sauce.
    Nutrition Facts
    Spicy Rice Bowls with Korean Marinated Tofu
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 384 Calories from Fat 117
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 13g20%
    Saturated Fat 1g5%
    Sodium 410mg17%
    Potassium 497mg14%
    Carbohydrates 54g18%
    Fiber 5g20%
    Sugar 8g9%
    Protein 13g26%
    Vitamin A 5220IU104%
    Vitamin C 10.6mg13%
    Calcium 149mg15%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Notes

    Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
     
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @amycookreport on Instagram and hashtag it #thecookreport!

    Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!

    Pinterest image for spicy rice bowls with text overlay

    More Dinner Recipes

    • Harissa Aubergine Galettes
    • Bowl of food on a blue background
      Crispy Chicken Thighs with Chickpea Stew
    • White bowl of food
      Chopped Prawn Salad
    • Blue and white bowl of potatoes and feta
      Honey Harissa Roast New Potatoes with Creamy Feta

    Comments

    1. Lea says

      August 16, 2021 at 12:56 am

      Vegan Thai and Korean food are my absolute favorites so I am really excited to try this!

      Reply
    2. Jaime says

      March 23, 2019 at 12:43 pm

      This looks great!

      How much uncooked rice do you use to get 500g of cooked rice?

      Reply
      • Amy says

        March 23, 2019 at 3:09 pm

        Hi Jaime, thank you! You'll need about 200g/7oz of uncooked rice

        Reply
    3. Matt @ Plating Pixels says

      February 28, 2019 at 7:22 pm

      5 stars
      I’m always at a loss for how to flavor tofu. This is a wonderful way to enjoy it!

      Reply
    4. Sonila says

      February 28, 2019 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      What a beautiful dish!!! Looks delicious and healthy. I love spicy rice bowls, i don't think i have ever tried it with tofu but now i want to give it a try.

      Reply
    5. Tawnie Kroll says

      February 28, 2019 at 5:33 pm

      5 stars
      This rice bowl looks so filling and nutritious! Thank you!

      Reply
    6. Veena Azmanov says

      February 28, 2019 at 5:25 pm

      5 stars
      This Bowl is so picture perfect. Love the flavors and amazing combination of ingredients to this superb Bowl. I want to grab it all.

      Reply
      • Amy says

        March 01, 2019 at 10:31 am

        Thanks Veena!

        Reply
    7. Caroline says

      February 28, 2019 at 5:00 pm

      5 stars
      I've become a big fan of Korean flavors and this bowl looks and sounds delicious! I admit I'm not normally a tofu person, but with plenty of flavor, as this looks to have, then I can definitely be persuaded!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        March 01, 2019 at 10:31 am

        Yes, me neither usually but I think adding Korean flavours is really the way to go!

        Reply
    5 from 15 votes (10 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Photo of Amy in a red jumper wearing glasses

    Hey, I'm Amy Fulwood!

    Recipe creator and photographer here at TheCookReport.co.uk.

    Over here we’re all about delicious healthy recipes to fit around busy schedules and celebrating the joy that comes from an amazing meal.

    About Me

    Popular

    • Cheesy cauliflower steak with cloth and gold fork
      Cheesy Cauliflower Steak with Pine Nuts
    • Fried halloumi and salad in a blue bowl on a blue surface
      Halloumi Breakfast Bowl with Salad
    • Side on shot of salmon burger on a plate over a marble background
      15 Minute Salmon Burgers with Garlic Yoghurt
    • Summer Pearl Barley Salad with Feta

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About The Cook Report
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    Copyright © 2023 The Cook Report

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.