Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl with crispy tofu bacon bits, roasted sweet potato wedges, massaged kale, quinoa, crunchy roasted pepitas, and crispy shallots. This flavorful power bowl recipe is healthy, vegan, and easy to make.
This is your sign to start grating your tofu! Use a wide cabbage peeler to make thin strips and marinate them in my smoky seasoning. Even self-proclaimed tofu haters won't be able to resist these crispy tofu bites. Or you can crumble the tofu into small pieces instead. This increases its surface area, making the tofu even more flavorful.
Meal prep this Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner. It's tasty both warm and chilled. Plus, it's high in plant-based protein, fiber, and iron.
This recipe was inspired by my Vegan Pastrami made from tofu, as well as this Easy Vegan Butter Chicken with Tofu.
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๐ฉ๐ผโ๐พ Ingredients
- Kale
- Extra firm tofu
- Sweet potato
- Pepitas
- Quinoa
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Chipotle powder or smoked paprika
- Optional: Aleppo pepper or ancho chili powder, and za'atar
See the recipe card for quantities.
๐ฅฌ Substitutions
- Kale - use lacinato or curly kale
- Pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds) - substitute with sunflower seeds, pecans, or omit entirely
- Aleppo pepper - substitute with ancho chili powder or chipotle powder
- Za'atar - add a sprinkle of za'atar to the salad for a subtle citrusy and nutty flavor
- Nonspicy - this salad has a slight kick, but you can use smoked paprika instead of chipotle powder and Aleppo pepper for nonspicy
- Extra dressing - add Lemon Herb Tahini as desired
Try these Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes. Visit my Vegan Salad Recipes page for more healthy salad ideas.
๐ How to Make Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl
For the full Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl recipe, scroll down to the bottom of the post. This is an overview.
Preheat the oven to 425ยบF.
Step 1. Use a Y-peeler or a large cabbage peeler to slice the tofu into thin sheets. Or crumble the tofu with your hands into small pieces (tofu crumbles).
Step 2. In a medium bowl, mix the tamari, coconut aminos, chipotle powder, and garlic powder. Transfer the tofu to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the tofu until it is evenly coated in the marinade. Set aside.
Step 3. Transfer the sweet potato to a large baking sheet. Add a drizzle of olive oil, Aleppo pepper, and salt to taste. Toss to coat the wedges evenly.
Step 4. Transfer the shallots to a second large baking sheet. Add a drizzle of olive oil and salt to taste.
Step 5. Transfer the tofu to a third large, rimmed baking sheet. Spread the pieces in an even layer.
Roast the tofu and veggies for about 20 minutes, or until caramelized and tender, with the sweet potato on the top rack, shallots in the middle, and tofu on the bottom. Toss the vegetables after 10 minutes, and the tofu every 5 minutes.
Step 6. Place the torn kale into a large bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Massage the kale until bright green and shiny.
Add the tofu, quinoa, pepitas, and shallots. Toss to combine. Serve topped with the sweet potato.
๐ก Expert Tips
- Quinoa: For one cup of cooked quinoa, use one-third cup dry. Cook in vegetable broth for even more flavor.
- Crispy tofu: Spread the tofu in a thin and even layer on a large baking sheet so it browns evenly. Toss frequently so it does not burn.
- Seasoning: The seasoning for this salad truly makes it unique. Aleppo pepper and za'atar add spicy, citrusy, and nutty undertones. However, feel free to omit them as needed.
- Toasted pepitas - Toasting the pumpkin seeds is optional. To toast, preheat your oven to around 325ยฐF. Sprinkle with salt or any other desired seasonings. (Optionalโadd a drizzle of oil.) Spread the pepitas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring or shaking the pan halfway through.
- Dressing - This salad has many flavors and does not require additional dressing. However, I enjoy the creaminess of this Lemon Herb Tahini with the sweet potato.
- Storage: Refrigerate any remaining salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
๐๐ฝโโ๏ธ Recipe FAQs
Aleppo-style pepper comesย from a burgundy chile also known as the Halaby pepper and is about half asย spicy as most chili flakes. Its taste can be described as a balance of mild heat and fruity, slightly sweet undertones.
The skin of sweet potatoes contains additional fiber and nutrients, including antioxidants. However, If you prefer a smoother texture, you may want to peel them.
To prep this Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl ahead of time, cook the quinoa, tear the kale, peel and cut the shallots, cut the sweet potato, toast the pepitas, and marinate the tofu. Refrigerate in airtight containers.
๐ฝ Related Recipes
๐ฉ๐ฝโ๐ณ Made This Recipe?
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๐ Recipe
Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl
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Ingredients
For the tofu:
- 14 to 16 ounces extra firm tofu pressed and drained
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or 2 teaspoons maple syrup mixed with 1 teaspoon water
- ยพ teaspoon chipotle powder or smoked paprika
- ยพ teaspoon garlic powder
For roasting:
- 1 large sweet potato cut into ยฝ-inch-thick wedges
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Generous dash of Aleppo pepper or ancho chili powder or chipotle powder
- Salt to taste
- 6 medium shallots peeled and quartered, or sliced thinly into rings
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
- 1 large garlic clove
For the salad:
- 1 pound kale stemmed and torn
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- ยฝ cup pepitas toasted
Optional seasoning:
- Dash of Za'atar
- Dash of Aleppo pepper
- Herb tahini dressing
Instructions
- Prepare tofu: Use a Y-peeler or a large cabbage peeler to slice the tofu into thin sheets. Or crumble the tofu with your hands into small pieces (tofu crumbles). In a medium bowl, mix the tamari, coconut aminos, chipotle powder, and garlic powder. Transfer the tofu to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the tofu until it is evenly coated in the marinade. Set aside.
- For roasting: Position racks in the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the oven. Preheat the oven to 425ยบF.Transfer the sweet potato to a large baking sheet. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil, Aleppo pepper, and salt to taste. Toss to coat the wedges evenly. Transfer the shallots to a second large baking sheet. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil and salt to taste. Transfer the tofu to a third large, rimmed baking sheet. Spread the pieces in an even layer.Roast for about 20 minutes, or until caramelized and tender, with the sweet potato on the top rack, shallots in the middle, and tofu on the bottom. Toss the vegetables after 10 minutes, and the tofu every 5 minutes.
- Massage the kale: Place the torn kale into a large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil, and lemon juice. Grate or press the garlic onto the kale. Massage the kale until bright green and shiny.
- Combine: Add the tofu, quinoa, pepitas, and shallots. Toss to combine. Serve topped with the sweet potato.
- Optional seasonings: Sprinkle the salad with Aleppo pepper, and za'atar for extra flavor.
Notes
- Quinoa: For one cup of cooked quinoa, use one-third cup dry. Cook in vegetable broth for even more flavor.
- Crispy tofu: Spread the tofu in a thin and even layer on a large baking sheet so it browns evenly. Toss frequently so it does not burn.
- Seasoning: The seasoning for this salad truly makes it unique. Aleppo pepper and za'atar add spicy, citrusy, and nutty undertones. However, feel free to omit them as needed.
- Dressing - This salad has many flavors and does not require additional dressing. However, I enjoy the creaminess of this Lemon Herb Tahini with the sweet potato.
- Storage: Refrigerate any remaining salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.
Maggaly says
The crispy chipotle tofu with the sweet potato is amazing, itโs perfect please try it!!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Awww! Thank you so much for your vote of confidence. I am so happy you enjoyed this bowl. Thank you for your comment.
Veronica says
Made this for my husband and once a half toddler and they both loved it! loved the creativity and how nice all blended together.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I'm so glad to read that you all enjoyed this bowl, including your toddler! Thank you for letting me know. Have a great week.
Miranda Martin says
This was amazing! I made it within a short window in a hurry, so thank you for actually being accurate about the total time (I hate when a recipe says 30 minutes but it takes the average person an hour).
My husband texted me: "Dinner took me to flavor town ๐คค Tofu has never been so yummy."
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Love your husband's text!!! Glad it worked out well. Thank you!
krista says
SO GOOD. Made as written but added a cut up avocado and Trader Joeโs crispy jalapeรฑo pieces on top which was *chefโs kiss* delicious. Will definitely add to my rotation!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
A chef's kiss for sure! Sounds amazing! Thank you.