Shredded Tofu Bowls
Get ready to shred the tofu scene! Shredded tofu, the ultimate chameleon of the plant-based protein world, is here to rock your taste buds with its unique and tempting texture. You won’t believe how easy it is to transform this simple staple into something truly sensational!
Shredded tofu is an incredibly versatile and nutritious way of getting in more plant-based protein. This finely textured meat-alternative has a neutral flavor and a super satisfying texture. It’s delightful in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries and salads to breakfast burritos and grain bowls.
This new approach to cooking tofu is sure to steal the spotlight at your next dinner party and bring a bit more pizazz into an otherwise ordinary meal. If you’re ready to tackle this new tofu technique, then let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why This Shredded Tofu Recipe is So Awesome
- Fun and Unique. Cooking tofu in a new and exciting way can rekindle your love for the brilliant and tasty bean curd.
- High Protein. Adding any amount of shredded tofu to a salad, sandwich or stir-fry will seriously boost your healthy, plant-based protein for the day.
- Simple and Speedy. Once the tofu is grated and sautéed, it’s ready to jazz up whatever you like. If you use a super or extra-firm tofu (like Hodo Extra Firm), you also save yourself time by not having to press the tofu. So handy!
- Incredibly Versatile. Since tofu can soak up any flavor you surround it with, you can change the flavor of grated tofu at any time. Maybe mix up an Asian-inspired marinade one day and then an Italian flavored sauce the next. There’s no end to the possibilities!
Key Ingredients
Tofu – In order to save time and make the most of this shredded tofu recipe, choose a super firm or extra firm tofu. You’ll be able to skip the entire step of either pressing or freezing the tofu before cooking. The less water inside the tofu, the more marinade and flavor it can soak up—and that’s a good thing! Our choice is Hodo Extra Firm.
Shredding the tofu is simple—just use the biggest blades on a cheese grater and rub the tofu against it, as shown below. Simple!
Toasted Sesame Oil – This nutty and delicious oil is the icing on the cake when it comes to flavoring this tofu dish. You only need the a few drops to infuse your plate with deep, rich flavor. If you don’t have toasted sesame oil in your pantry, consider investing in a bottle. It lasts a long time and imparts a wonderful flavor to most foods. If you’re in a hurry and want to make this dish tonight, don’t sweat it. Simply use your favorite vegetable oil.
Soy Sauce – A dark, savory ingredient that makes all the difference in this recipe. It’s what gives the tofu that salty and umami flavor we all love. If you’re gluten-free, swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. If you’re lucky to live near an Asian market, go there to find the best brands of soy sauce.
Garlic – This aromatic superhero of the kitchen, not only adds a punch of flavor to your recipes, but also brings a host of health benefits to the table. Packed with antioxidants, garlic can boost your immune system, improve heart health, and even ward off vampires (well, maybe not that last one).
Serving Suggestions and Simple Substitutions
Using grated tofu opens up a whole new world of possibilities for adding protein to your day. If you think outside the box, you can come up with endless ways of creating new and unique shredded tofu recipe ideas. Here’s a list of our most popular and appetizing suggestions for serving up this tantalizing tofu.
- In the Mood for Mexican Food: How about making shredded tofu tacos or burritos? Just season and stir-fry the tofu with olive oil, cumin, oregano, thyme, cilantro, and chili powder and place into your tortilla of choice. Remember to add avocado, vegan sour cream, and shredded lettuce for a fantastic, handheld fare!
- Better Than Nice Fried Rice: Instead of eggs in fried rice, add shredded tofu (or even tofu scramble)! Sauté in sesame oil with garlic, a variety of veggies, and then season with soy sauce. It’s even more enjoyable the next day!
- Fall Back in Love with Your Favorite Meals: Shredded tofu is also a fantastic meat or egg replacement in most recipes you already have on hand. A simple swap of grated tofu can completely refresh a somewhat “stale” recipe into something new and delicious.
- There’s No Reasoning with Seasoning: Tofu can soak up simply any flavor you fancy, so take advantage and use whatever you like. Any and all combinations are within your reach! (Scroll down for marinade suggestions below.)
- Passionate About Protein: Sprinkle on everything and anything! Consider potatoes, salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, wraps, pasta, or rice. Whoever said that you have to worry about protein if you’re vegan did not consider tofu!
Mouthwatering Marinades
If you’re totally stuck coming up with ideas for marinades, look no further! All of these sweet and savory sauces would work well. Feel free to mix and match and pair with your favorite sauce-appropriate sides.
- Sweet and Sour will satisfy any Chinese food cravings.
- Panang Curry for a Thai-inspired tofu.
- Peanut Sauce is the most popular sauce for any occasion.
- Fire Roasted Pink Tomato Sauce never fails to transport our tastebuds to Italy!
- Homemade Barbecue Sauce can make shredded tofu taste just like a plant-based pulled pork.
FAQs about Shredded Tofu
Choosing super or extra firm tofu, like Hodo’s organic extra firm tofu, will give you the best result with the least amount of effort.
Yes, you can! It may be surprising, but any type of tofu can be eaten right out of the package. Just remember to drain any excess liquid first. Once opened, you should refrigerate any leftover tofu.
The main reason for limp and soggy tofu is too much moisture. Tofu that isn’t properly drained or patted dry beforehand is usually the culprit. Also, if the type of tofu used isn’t firm enough, there will be excess water still inside the tofu that will not allow it to crisp up properly. If you’re not using Hodo tofu, we would recommend pressing the tofu ahead of time.
More Tempting Tofu Recipes to Try
Searching for ways to amp up your tofu game? There’s something to be said for tried-and-true recipes, but maybe it’s time to be bold and branch out of your comfort zone. Here’s a list of our top favorite, foolproof, tofu-licious recipes:
- Tofu Fries are a fabulously fun way to add in extra protein into your day while feeling like you’re giving yourself a well-deserved treat.
- Got a taste for Thai? This easy Tofu Satay with Dipping Sauce will satisfy your tastebuds in no time!
- Instead of popcorn while watching a Netflix show, how about popcorn tofu? With its nooch-encrusted crust and bite-sized chunks, they’re totally irresistible!
- If you’re bored with breakfast, you must make a batch of tofu waffles! High in protein and completely gluten-free, you can top them with anything you like…sweet or savory!
So, friends, go ahead and embrace the shredded tofu revolution—let it be your kitchen’s funky, protein-packed secret weapon. From tantalizing tacos to mind-blowing grain bowls, this versatile veggie delight will leave you jumping for joy and craving more tofu-packed adventures! It may just become your new favorite way to cook tofu!
Shredded Tofu
Equipment
- Non-Stick Frying Pan
Ingredients
Shredded Tofu
- 1 package super firm tofu, extra-firm tofu from Hodo works best!
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 large cloves of garlic, minced
- soy sauce, to taste
- red chili pepper flakes, to taste
Sauce
- ¼ cup vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 splash rice wine vinegar
- 1" chunk boiled beet, blend in to create a bright pink hue
Bowl Ingredients (Optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup edamame
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 tsp black sesame seeds
- 1 package roasted nori snack sheets
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from the package and pat dry. Using a classic cheese grater, shred the entire block of tofu on the coarse side of the grater.
- In a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat, add the toasted sesame oil.
- Once hot, add the minced garlic and saute for one minute.
- Add the shredded tofu, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to the pan and mix with a spatula. Spread the tofu into a flat layer on the pan and allow to cook for several minutes, until lightly browned on the bottom side. Then mix with a spatula and allow to sit undisturbed again for a few minutes. Repeat this until your tofu is beautifully browned or cooked to your liking. Remove from heat.
- Mix your sauce—either simply mixing together vegan mayo, sriracha, and white rice vinegar in a small bowl with a spoon, or blending the sauce ingredients with a small chunk of boiled beet to get a hot pink sauce color.
- Assemble your bowl with rice, cooked shredded tofu, purple cabbage, edamame, and avocado. Drizzle with sauce, shake on sesame seeds, and serve with crispy roasted nori seaweed snack sheets.
Nutrition
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Leave a Comment
I love shredded tofu! This new way to enjoy it is great.
My new favorite way to cook tofu 🙂
This tofu bowl is delicious! So yummy and protein packed!
Another brilliant idea! I had no idea you could shred tofu – mind blown! Plus, it’s so quick and fun. Love the texture in salads
Once you try this recipe, you won’t be going back to regular tofu…it’s that good!
I was skeptical but curious and I’m so glad I tried it! Shredded tofu is incredible! It worked great with super firm tofu, definitely going to be shredding my tofu from now on 🙂
This shredded tofu recipe has been going on repeat in my kitchen. I can’t believe it took me this long to try grated tofu…but it’s absolutely delish! I’ve turned several friends onto it too.
What a clever and delicious way to eat tofu…the rice bowls w shredded tofu are so good.
Oh wow, these shredded tofu bowls are amazing! Perfect for an easy lunch!
Shredded tofu is a game changer. I’d never even thought about grating tofu – until I saw this recipe. There’s no going back now.
Such a great technique and love how this bowl has so many flavors, colors, and textures!