Mango Coconut Curry Tofu & Rice Noodle Power Bowl
A burst of tropical flavor meets protein-packed comfort in this quick coconut curry tofu bowl. The creamy sauce, crisp chickpeas, and juicy mango make for a vibrant lunch or dinner that feels like a treat. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or pre‑pped meals.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 cup cooked rice noodles (half brown, half white)
- 1 cup roasted chickpeas (seasoned with chili flakes and sea salt)
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 2 tbsp coconut milk
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add tofu cubes and sear until golden on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove tofu and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Whisk together coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and lime juice until smooth. Pour into the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3 minutes).
- Return tofu to the pan, toss to coat, and coat each cube in the creamy sauce. Stir in roasted chickpeas, cooked rice noodles, and diced mango. Warm through for 2 minutes.
- Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Keep the dish warm while you finish garnishing.
- Plate the noodle-bowl mixture in a shallow bowl or shallow skillet. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for a bright, tangy finish.
- If desired, drizzle a little extra peanut butter for extra richness or add a handful of chopped nuts for crunch.
Chef's Note
Pressing tofu before cooking locks in moisture and gives a firmer bite that holds up nicely against the sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
Store the bowl in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of coconut milk to restore creaminess.
Substitutions
Use tempeh instead of tofu for a different texture. Swap coconut milk with almond milk for lower calories. For a vegan version, simply ensure all sauces are plant‑based.