Cajun Tofu Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice
Cajun Tofu with Cilantro Lime Rice. Baked Cajun Spiced Tofu, over greens, cilantro lime rice, and tomatoes. Easy Spicy Bowl. Vegan Gluten-free Nut-free Recipe. Use Chickpea tofu to make soy-free.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Cajun Tofu:
- 12 to 14 oz firm tofu
- 1.5 to 2 tbsp cajun spice blend , see note
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt
Cilantro Lime Rice:
- 1 cup long grain rice or basmati rice
- 1/2 tsp oil
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp or more lime juice
- 1/4 cup packed finely chopped cilantro
Bowl Ingredients:
- crunchy greens, chopped tomato or cucumber, lime juice
Instructions
- Press the tofu (wrap in paper towel, then kitchen towel and place a couple of heavy books on it for 15 minutes or use a tofu press). Then slice into 1/4 inch thick slices. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mix the cajun spices with lime juice, olive oil and salt to make a paste. Rub the cajun paste on the tofu and let it chill for at least 15 mins (to an hour) to pick up the flavor. * See Note.. Alternatively, toss the tofu (in cubes form) in olive oil, then toss in dry cajun spice blend + salt. (Drizzle lime juice later after baking).
- Bake the Tofu at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
- Meanwhile, make the cilantro lime rice: Wash and soak the rice for atleast 15 minutes. (I usually do this along with tofu pressing, so the rice and tofu are ready around the same time).
- Drain the rice and add to the saucepan. Add salt, water, and oil if using and mix in. You can also add in a bay leaf.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook covered for 18 to 20 minutes. Fluff the rice, mix in lime juice and half the cilantro. Taste and adjust carefully. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes. Garnish with more cilantro when serving.
- Assemble crunchy greens or lettuce cilantro lime rice, sliced tofu, chopped tomato and a good drizzle of lime or lemon, salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve as a bowl or fill up warm tortillas for great tacos.
Video
Notes
* Add a tbsp of flour or cornstarch and a few drops of water to make the cajun paste. This will dilute the spice a bit.
Cajun Spice Blend: Mix 2 tsp paprika (sweet + smoked), 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/3 tsp salt.
To make this Soy-free: Use chickpea tofu, chickpeas/beans or hearty vegetables as cauliflower, eggplant, sweet potato, zucchini. Toss in cajun spice blend + lime + oil and roast them until tender and use those in the bowl instead of tofu.
Nutrition is 1 of 4 Serves. Does not include greens, tomatoes.
Nutrition
Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 9.5g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 326mg | Potassium: 276mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1325IU | Vitamin C: 2.6mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1.8mg