Coconut Lime Power Bowl with Spicy Peanut Drizzle
This vibrant bowl combines creamy coconut, zesty lime, and protein‑dense tofu tossed with fluffy quinoa. A spicy peanut drizzle ties all the flavors together while keeping it under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect on‑the‑go meal for busy nights or pre‑workout fuel.
Ingredients
- 8 oz extra‑firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup mixed roasted vegetables (broccoli, bell pepper, carrot)
- 1/2 cup fresh red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 lime, zest and juice
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Slice of mango or pineapple (optional garnish)
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1. Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add tofu cubes and sauté until golden on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- 2. In the same skillet, add ginger, garlic, and sliced veggies. Cook for 4–5 minutes until tender yet crisp.
- 3. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, lime juice, and a pinch of sea salt. Cook for another 2 minutes, then add the tofu back in and toss to coat.
- 4. In a small bowl, whisk peanut butter with warm water, sriracha, and lime zest until smooth and pourable. Set aside.
- 5. Assemble bowls: divide cooked quinoa evenly into 4 bowls as the base.
- 6. Top each bowl with the tofu‑vegetable mixture, a handful of red cabbage, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- 7. Drizzle the spicy peanut sauce over the bowls, then garnish with chopped cilantro and optional mango or pineapple slices.
- 8. Season with extra lime zest, a squeeze of lime, and salt to taste. Serve immediately.
Chef's Note
Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes before cooking to lock in moisture and achieve a crisp exterior. A quick 5‑minute “dry‑fry” on high heat prior to pan‑sautéing helps lock the sauce in.
Make-Ahead Tips
Store the cooked tofu‑vegetable mix and quinoa separately in airtight containers. Assemble just before eating or reheat the mixture in a microwave for 1‑2 minutes. Keep the peanut sauce chilled until ready to use.
Substitutions
Swap tofu for tempeh or edamame for a different texture. Use brown rice instead of quinoa for a lower glycemic index. Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy‑free version.