Welcome to Rice Cookers 101! This garlic tofu rice recipe is perfect for those who love a meatless meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Tofu, garlic, and brown rice are the main ingredients in this dish, which is both easy to prepare and filling. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to add a new dish to your meal rotation, this garlic tofu rice is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So, let’s dive in and get cooking! We’ve made this garlic tofu rice recipe easy to follow 👨‍🍳. If you’re looking for our favorite rice cookers to make this recipe, check out our list of top rice cookers here.

garlic tofu rice ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 block of firm tofu
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Drain the block of firm tofu by placing it between two paper towels and pressing down on it. Do this until you have removed most of the water from the block.
  3. Begin to cut the tofu into cubes of your desired size. Once cut, put the cubed tofu pieces into a mixing bowl and set it aside.
  4. Peel and mince your garlic cloves. Add the minced garlic to the mixing bowl along with soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Toss the tofu and garlic together in the bowl until the tofu is evenly coated in the mixture.
  5. Take out a baking dish and line it with parchment paper before placing the tofu cubes evenly on it. Once that’s done, put the dish into the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes. Flip the cubes once halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
  6. Rinse your cup of rice well with cold water and add it to a pot along with 2 cups of water. Bring the water to boil before lowering the heat and simmering the rice for 18-20 minutes.
  7. Take the baking dish out of the oven, check the tofu for its golden color and if it is crispy enough for you.
  8. When cooked, serve the flavorful tofu over the rice and enjoy the dish!

garlic tofu rice

How long does garlic tofu rice last in the fridge?

Garlic tofu rice can be stored in the fridge for up to four days after cooking. To store it properly, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator as soon as it’s cool. When reheating the dish, heat it thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C), and discard any leftover food that has been in the fridge for more than four days or has an odd odor or mold. Also, it is essential to be aware that once any cooked rice is left at room temperature for more than two hours, the risk of bacterial growth increases, so it is best to store your garlic tofu rice in the fridge as soon as possible.

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Low calorie garlic tofu rice recipe substitutions

To make this recipe lower calorie, several substitutions could be made. Firstly, the honey could be replaced with a natural sweetener such as stevia or erythritol. Secondly, the amount of sesame oil could be reduced or replaced with a low-calorie cooking spray. Additionally, the recipe could be made with brown rice instead of white rice, which is higher in fiber and nutrients. Lastly, the tofu could be baked instead of fried to reduce the amount of oil needed. By making these substitutions, the recipe would be lower in calories but still delicious.

What to serve with a garlic tofu rice?

You can serve a variety of side dishes with garlic tofu rice to add more flavors and textures to the meal. Some options could include sautéed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. A salad with a light dressing would also complement the dish, as would a side of crispy fried spring rolls or stir-fried mixed vegetables. A savory miso soup or a tangy kimchi would be great additions as well. For a complete meal, serve some sweet and juicy fruits as dessert, like sliced mango or pineapple.

Whats the best sauce for a garlic tofu rice?

There are a few sauces that would complement garlic tofu rice nicely – one option is peanut sauce. Peanut sauce is sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, making it the perfect complement to the savory garlic flavor of the tofu and rice. To make peanut sauce, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce until smooth and creamy. Drizzle the sauce over the garlic tofu rice before serving, or serve it on the side for dipping. Alternatively, you could also use a teriyaki or soy sauce for a simpler flavor pairing.

Garlic tofu rice health benefits

Garlic tofu rice has several health benefits. Garlic is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and boost the immune system while tofu is a good source of plant-based protein, calcium, and iron. Brown rice, which is often used as a base for the dish, is a fiber-rich grain that can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, this dish is typically made with minimal oil and salt, making it a healthier alternative to many other rice dishes. Overall, garlic tofu rice can be a nutritious and delicious meal option.

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