Tofu Is Anything but Bland in This Spicy Soba Noodle Bowl

If you’ve only ever had tofu in miso soup, you’ve got to try this spicy bowl. Cayenne pepper and orange bring plenty of flavor to the meatless protein, while baby bok choy and pomegranate seeds add some crunch.

Orange-Cayenne Tofu Bowl

Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

1 12-ounce package extra firm tofu, drained
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Pinch smoked paprika
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Himalayan salt
1 8-ounce package soba noodles
4 to 6 baby bok choy
3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 bunch scallions, sliced
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
Orange zest

Wrap  tofu in paper towel and place a flat, heavy object on top of it. Let sit 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Stir together chili powder, cayenne, paprika, maple syrup, orange juice, olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large shallow bowl. Slice tofu into 24 1/3-inch pieces and place in marinade. Stir gently to coat each piece and let marinate 30 minutes to one day.

When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange marinated tofu slices on tray and bake 25 minutes until golden brown.

Meanwhile, cook soba noodles according to package instructions, drain, and divide between bowls. Cut off bottoms of bok choy and divide between bowls. Drizzle toasted sesame oil over top and sprinkle with salt. Divide tofu between bowls and garnish with scallions, pomegranate seeds, and orange zest. Dust with a touch of cayenne for additional flavor and spice.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont