There are days when my body just craves something light and fresh. Do you feel the same way? That feeling generally comes after a few days of a lot of rich food and too much wine.
Over Valentine’s Day weekend Mr. HNN and I went up to Sonoma with a bunch of friends. It was an absolutely gorgeous day! We sat out on the back patio of a winery, ordered several large platters of charcuterie and cheese, and enjoyed juuuust a few bottles of wine 😉
The following day was spent recovering and eating carbs…. lots of carbs (it’s what I crave when I’ve had a little too much to drink). Once I came out of my wine/carb coma, I was feeling tired and sluggish. I craved something nourishing and this Asian Style Tofu Buddha Bowl did the trick! It was like a total body reboot. I felt less bloated and like I had more energy. The additional beauty of this bowl, is it’s completely customizable! If you prefer brown rice or farro over the quinoa, use it. Use whatever veggies you like, and if you’d like to use grilled chicken breast or fish, go for it! It’s still makes a delicious and nutritious bowl!
- Dressing
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salad
- 1 cup quinoa*
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 16 ounces super firm tofu*
- Kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 6 radishes, thinly sliced
- ⅓ of a small English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned*
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- 2 scallions, cut into strips
- 2 Thai chilies or 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, thinly sliced (optional)
- mint, garnish (optional)
- black sesame seeds, garnish (optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing.
- Cook the quinoa according to the package directions.
- While the quinoa is cooking, heat the grapeseed oil in a large skillet over high heat (this is for cooking the tofu).
- While the pan is heating, set the tofu down on a cutting board. Place your knife, parallel to the cutting board and slice the tofu in half so that you have two plank-like pieces. Place both pieces between paper towels and pat dry. Season both sides liberally with salt and pepper, and place the pieces in the hot pan. Sear both sides for 2-5 minutes, or until the outside is golden-brown and crispy. Remove from heat and allow to cool on a paper towel-line plate. Once cool enough to handle, slice into strips.
- Divide the quinoa evenly among two bowls. Add the veggies, the tofu, and garnish with chilies, mint, and black sesame seeds. Serve with the dressing (stir just before dressing the salad) and enjoy!
* If you can't find super firm tofu, find the firmest tofu you can. Then take a plate and line it with paper towels. Place the tofu block on the paper towel-line plate and put another layer of paper towels on top of the tofu. Place another plate on top and then weigh it down with heavy cans for at least 1 hour.
* For faster prep, you can shave the carrot into strips with a vegetable peeler.
Yum this looks absolutely amazing! And your photos are stunning, as usual. Pinning this!
Thank you my dear 🙂
This Asian style Buddha bowl looks so delish and light — so Bright and YUM! And that dressing looks absolute YUM!
Thanks so much, Any! 🙂
It’s so true – after a few days of indulgence, my body let’s me know that it’s time to eat something light and veggie packed! This bowl of yours looks like the perfect cure…
I think everyone needs a great palate cleanser in their back pocket 😉
It does look so light and healthy – perfect for after I have over indulged in cake that day haha! I do know what you mean about wanting something fresher. The dressing sounds lovely too! x
Ha! Well I just over indulged on some salted dark chocolate almonds last night, so I may be making this again today 😛
Just looking at the ingredients asian dressing is enough to convince me that this is a delicious bowl of salad!
Yes! I think the dressing can often make or break a Buddha bowl – which is why it took me awhile to tweak this one 😉
There’s nothing like spending time with good food, good drinks, food friends, and fantastic scenery. Your Valentine’s weekend sounds wonderful! This tofu buddha bowl is perfect dish when I need a total body reboot…light, healthy, delicious! Eating it would definitely make me feel more balanced.
Absolutely, Thao! Cheers to that 🙂
Oh, Kathleen, I needed to read this today! I would be thoroughly ashamed to tell you what I’ve eaten over the last few days, culminating in what must be the worst Chinese takeaway I’ve ever had. Horrible!
Even just seeing this beautiful wholesome bowl of food makes me feel better. Such gorgeous photos, too!
Oh no! You sound like my experience a few weeks ago! We ordered Chinese takeout from a new place and it was the worst! Not only did it not taste like anything, but it took over an hour to be delivered, and go figure… it was cold! This bowl will definitely give you a great palate cleaner, Helen 😛
I don’t like tofu that much, but I will try your recipe to find out whether it is something I could like :). It’s such a perfect & colorful bowl, real yum!
That’s great, Agniezka! I know tofu is not for everyone – this preperation is light in taste, seasoned with just salt and pepper and then lightly crisped golden-brown. If you like stronger flavors with a crispy texture, give this Sesame Crusted Tofu a try as well 🙂
I have seriously got to try this! Love these types of dishes. Healthy & delicious! Winner 🙂
Thanks, Dawn 🙂
Sounds like you had a fabulous Valentines day, Kathleen! I’m jealous for sure! Nothing like a winery and a good food coma. 😉 I have been on a buddha bowl craving kick like a mad woman, so I can’t wait to add this bowl to my arsenal! These look seriously delicious, doll! SO much yum and healthy to boot! What’s not to love?! Cheers, sweets!
Aren’t buddha bowls great?! Seriously, the sky’s the limit with these babies!
I so need to eat this! I need to eat more veges and light food. It looks so delicious and can be easily packed for lunch<3 yum
Yes! I was thinking the same thing – I packed it for my husbands lunch and it worked out perfectly.
You? Bloated?? Yeah right! Me – bloated. Permanently. I need these bowls. If it gets me 1mm more towards your gorgeous bod, I’m there.
Ha! I don’t know about that, but thanks anyway 😛
I am totally with you on the light and fresh food days. . this is freaking gorgeous!!!
Yes, I truly believe your body will tell you what it needs. Sometimes you just have to listen 🙂
Glad you guys had a nice Valentine’s Day! And carbs are perfect for recovering 🙂 This Buddha bowl looks amazing!
I am the carb queen on ‘recovery day’ 😛
Your Valentine’s Day sounds awesome! No judgments on the wine! I wish we could have hung out with you guys! Your buddha bowl sound like the perfect recovery from so much wonderful indulgence!
YES! If you’re ever out this way let me know! We’ll do up wine county right 😉
Delicious recovery bowl!!! So bright and cheery!
Thanks, Bobbi 🙂