Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl Recipe (2024)

Published: by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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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 RECIPE

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.

Jump to:
  • 👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
  • 🥬 Substitutions
  • 📖 How to Make Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl
  • 💡 Expert Tips
  • 🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
  • 🍽 Related Recipes
  • 👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl Recipe (2)
  • 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.

🥬 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.

📖 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 425ºF.

Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl Recipe (3)

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).

Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl Recipe (4)

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.

Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl Recipe (5)

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.

Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl Recipe (6)

Step 4. Transfer the shallots to a second large baking sheet. Add a drizzle of olive oil and salt to taste.

Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl Recipe (7)

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.

Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl Recipe (8)

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.

💡 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 325°F. Sprinkle with salt or any other desired seasonings. (Optional–add 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.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

What is Aleppo pepper?

Aleppo-style pepper comesfrom a burgundy chile also known as the Halaby pepper and is about half asspicy as most chili flakes. Its taste can be described as a balance of mild heat and fruity, slightly sweet undertones.

Should I peel the sweet potato?

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.

Can I prep this the day before?

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.

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👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?

Share yourSweet Potato Tofu Bowl creation with me onInstagram. It makes my day to see you recreate my recipes.

I would love it if you would rate this recipe and leave a comment. Thank you in advance.

📖 Recipe

Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl Recipe (13)

Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl

Nisha Melvani

Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl with crispy tofu bacon bits, roasted sweet potato wedges, massaged kale, quinoa, crunchy roasted pepitas, & crispy shallots. This flavorful recipe is healthy, vegan, and easy to make.

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 5 people

Calories 425 kcal

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
  • ¾ teaspoon chipotle powder or smoked paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder

For roasting:

  • 1 large sweet potato cut into ½-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
  • ½ 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 425ºF.

    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

Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Sodium: 390mg | Potassium: 916mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 19041IU | Vitamin C: 93mg | Calcium: 339mg | Iron: 5mg

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.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. krista

    Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl Recipe (18)
    SO GOOD. Made as written but added a cut up avocado and Trader Joe’s crispy jalapeño pieces on top which was *chef’s kiss* delicious. Will definitely add to my rotation!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      A chef's kiss for sure! Sounds amazing! Thank you.

      Reply

Sweet Potato Tofu Bowl Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why won t my tofu get crispy? ›

The key to crispy tofu is to heat the oil in your pan before adding tofu cubes. Coating the pan-fried tofu in corn flour helps create a crispy coating as the cubed tofu cooks in the oil. Another key to getting uber-crispy tofu is removing excess liquid/moisture from it before you cook tofu.

Why is boiling not good for sweet potatoes? ›

Despite their sweet taste, these potatoes have an intermediate glycemic index (GI) level, meaning they are digested and absorbed fairly slowly, leading to a more gradual increase in blood sugar levels. But, a lot of these benefits, including nutrients and taste, can be lost by boiling sweet potatoes.

Are sweet potatoes healthy for weight loss? ›

Absolutely. Besides their health benefits, sweet potatoes are a great addition to any weight loss diet. First up, they're very high in fibre — especially soluble fibre. Soluble fibre is excellent because it slows down your digestion and helps you feel full, which can curb the urge to snack between meals.

What is the healthiest way to cook sweet potatoes? ›

Boiling may actually retain most of the antioxidant power of sweet potatoes, compared to roasting and steaming. If we compare baking to boiling microscopically, boiling helps thin out the cell walls and gelatinize the starch, which may enhance the bioavailability of nutrients.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

What is a substitute for cornstarch in crispy tofu? ›

If you prefer not to cook with cornstarch, you can try a substitute such as potato starch or arrowroot starch. Salt and pepper: You can also add additional seasonings like garlic and onion powder, paprika, nutritional yeast, etc.

Is it okay to eat a sweet potato every day? ›

If you enjoy sweet potatoes, you can absolutely enjoy them daily. However, eating multiple sweet potatoes every day could cause a harmless condition called carotenodermia, where your skin turns yellow-orange. You may also want to be cautious about your sweet potato intake if you have a history of kidney stones.

Is sweet potato a carb or protein? ›

‌Sweet potatoes have a lot of carbohydrates. One 5-inch sweet potato has about 26 grams of carbohydrates. In a low-carb diet, one sweet potato has half of the calories from carbohydrates that you may be allowed. But that's still less than the carb content of a white potato: 35 grams, on average.

Can you eat too much sweet potatoes? ›

Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, and their excessive consumption can lead to hypervitaminosis A (vitamin A toxicity), in which excess vitamin A accumulates in the liver. Although it is not considered harmful, the color of the skin and nails may turn orange. Additionally, sweet potatoes are rich in carbohydrates.

Which kind of sweet potato is healthiest? ›

Sweet Potatoes and Health

Sweet potatoes with orange flesh are richest in beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes with purple flesh are richer in anthocyanins. Beta-carotene and anthocyanins are naturally occurring plant “phyto” chemicals that give vegetables their bright colors.

Is it healthier to boil or bake sweet potatoes? ›

If you want to eat sweet potatoes and maintain blood sugar balance, Sapola suggests boiling rather than roasting them. This method will take the glycemic index impact down a few points and maybe even challenge your cooking creativity.

Is microwaving sweet potatoes healthy? ›

The sweet potato is finished cooking when the skin is soft and sinks in a bit when you touch it. If it's not soft after 5 minutes, put it back in the microwave for 30-second intervals until it's cooked through. Some of you may wonder if microwave sweet potatoes are still healthy for you. The short answer is yes!

Why is my tofu not browning? ›

Water is the enemy of crispiness, and the more water we can remove from the surface of the tofu before it goes into the pan, the faster and more effectively it'll brown.

Why is my tofu always soggy? ›

Draining excess water from your tofu helps to create that crispy texture during the frying or baking process. If you don't properly drain it (or don't drain it at all) you're left with a lot of moisture while cooking and this is what often causes the tofu to stick.

How long to press tofu for crispy? ›

How long does it take to press tofu? It takes around half an hour to press the tofu in preparation for cooking. It's simple to do and requires very little effort. You only need a plate, some absorbent fabric or paper, such as clean tea-towels or kitchen paper, and a weight – we often use a frying pan.

How do you get breading to stick to tofu? ›

Marinate tofu slices for as long as you can. Just before frying coat it in flour on all sides. Once floured, dip it in activated flax and finally in seasoned breadcrumbs – pressing the tofu into the breadcrumbs for better adherence.

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