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Flavorful New Years Dinner Bowl Recipe with Ginger Garlic Tofu and Spicy Cauliflower for Easy Healthy Meals

new years dinner bowl - featured image

A vibrant and healthy dinner bowl featuring crispy ginger garlic tofu and spicy roasted cauliflower, perfect for quick, comforting meals or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: Sriracha or chili sauce on the side

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Wrap tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and maple syrup. Set aside.
  3. Cube the tofu: After pressing, cut tofu into 1-inch cubes. Toss gently in the marinade, making sure each piece is coated. Let it sit about 10 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) for roasting cauliflower.
  5. Season the cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  6. Roast the cauliflower: Spread cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are golden and crispy.
  7. Cook the tofu: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated tofu cubes in a single layer. Sear 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Pour leftover marinade over tofu during the last minute.
  8. Prepare the grain base: Warm brown rice or quinoa if not freshly cooked.
  9. Assemble the bowl: Start with grains, then layer spicy roasted cauliflower, ginger garlic tofu, shredded carrots, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
  10. Serve: Add a drizzle of sriracha if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Press tofu well to achieve crispy texture. Marinate tofu for at least 10 minutes, preferably longer for more flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking tofu and roasting cauliflower to ensure crispiness. Use a hot oven (425°F) for best roasted cauliflower results. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days; reheat in skillet or oven to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: tofu, ginger garlic tofu, spicy cauliflower, healthy dinner bowl, vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, easy recipe, New Years dinner