I remember the first time I tried to make a crispy teriyaki tofu dish. The sizzle of tofu hitting the hot oil was music to my ears, while the sweet, tangy teriyaki sauce wafted through the kitchen like a warm hug. This Crispy Teriyaki Tofu and Avocado Rice Stack brings back those memories beautifully, combining crispy, golden tofu with creamy avocado and wholesome brown rice. Not only is it a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also deceptively simple to whip up, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are so many reasons to try this dish. For starters, it’s a fantastic way to get more plant-based protein into your diet – and believe me, the texture of that crispy tofu is out of this world! The dish is also wonderfully versatile; you can dress it up with your favorite veggies or keep it simple. Perfect for anyone aiming for a quick weeknight meal or a casual family brunch, its balance of flavors and textures makes it feel almost celebratory.
“This is my go-to recipe for when I want something healthy that doesn’t skimp on taste. The crispy tofu paired with avocado over brown rice is pure comfort food!” — A satisfied home cook
How this recipe comes together
Making a Crispy Teriyaki Tofu and Avocado Rice Stack is like composing a symphony – you’ll have some prep, a bit of cooking, and the final, delightful layering. First, you’ll crisper up your tofu until it’s golden brown and irresistibly crunchy. Meanwhile, cook the brown rice in vegetable broth to infuse a rich flavor, and whip up a simple teriyaki sauce that you can drizzle when it’s time to serve. Finally, the light, creaminess of sliced avocado adds the finishing touch.
What you’ll need
Gather these items for a flawless execution of this recipe:
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 avocado, sliced
Feel free to swap out the honey with maple syrup for a vegan version, or use liquid aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Directions to follow
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the pressed and cubed tofu in the mixture until well-coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated tofu cubes and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
- In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the brown rice and 1/4 teaspoon salt; reduce heat to low and cover, letting it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Fluff with a fork.
- In serving bowls, layer the cooked brown rice, avocado slices, and top with the crispy tofu cubes. Drizzle with the teriyaki sauce and serve immediately.
Best ways to enjoy it
When plating, I love to nestle that warm, fluffy brown rice at the base, then gently arrange those vibrant green avocado slices on top, layering the crispy tofu like a crown. It looks like a work of art and tastes even better! You can serve it alongside a light cucumber salad for a refreshing touch or simply enjoy it on its own, letting the flavors shine through.
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt they’ll last long), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to indulge again, just reheat everything gently on the stove for that crispy texture or in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. One important note: always remember to store the sauce separately from the tofu and rice to keep everything delightfully crunchy!
Helpful cooking tips
For an even crispier tofu experience, don’t skip the step of pressing it. Removing excess moisture means more crunch after frying! Also, depending on your stovetop, keep an eye on the heat; you want that perfect golden-brown color without burning it. Finally, a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before serving adds a lovely finish!
Creative twists
Feeling experimental? Try adding a layer of steamed broccoli or snap peas for some added crunch and color. You could also mix in some sesame seeds into the flour coating of the tofu for an extra nutty flavor. If you’re craving something spicy, a dash of Sriracha in the sauce livens things up beautifully!
Your questions answered
1. How long does it take to prepare?
The entire dish comes together in about 30-35 minutes, which makes it perfect for a quick meal.
2. Can I use white rice instead of brown?
Absolutely! White rice will cook more quickly, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to prevent it from becoming mushy.
3. How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply replace soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari, and ensure your rice vinegar is also gluten-free.
