Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Jamaica without leaving your kitchen! These Jamaican Jerk Tofu Bowls are not just a meal; they're an experience that combines bold, fiery flavors with wholesome, nutritious ingredients. Whether you're a plant-based food lover or simply looking to shake up your dinner routine, this recipe promises to deliver a punch of excitement that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Jamaican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Press tofu for 15-20 minutes by wrapping in clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top to remove excess moisture. This helps tofu absorb more marinade and achieve better texture.
- Cut pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle Jamaican jerk seasoning evenly over tofu, gently tossing to coat all sides. Let marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- In a medium saucepan, combine brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Preheat a large non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully to create a crispy golden exterior.
- In the same skillet, sauté sliced red bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred but still crisp.
- Assemble bowls by dividing cooked brown rice as a base, top with jerk tofu cubes and sautéed bell peppers.
- Garnish with sliced avocado and chopped green onions. Serve immediately while tofu is hot and crispy.
Tips
- Tofu Pressing Perfection: Take your time pressing the tofu. The drier the tofu, the better it will absorb the jerk seasoning and create a crispy exterior.
- Marination Magic: Let the tofu sit with the jerk seasoning for at least 10 minutes, but if you have time, marinate for up to 30 minutes for even more intense flavor.
- Heat Management: Use a non-stick skillet or grill pan on medium-high heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust on the tofu without burning.
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to add additional vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes or black beans to make the bowl more substantial.
- Seasoning Hack: If you can't find pre-made Jamaican jerk seasoning, you can create your own blend with ingredients like allspice, thyme, cayenne, and brown sugar.
- Freshness is Key: Add the avocado and green onions just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
