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Donna R. Luis

Spicy Jerk Tofu Bowl

Crispy, boldly seasoned jerk-style tofu is layered with rice, black beans, refreshing mango cucumber salad, avocado, and pickled onions for a colorful, flavor-packed bowl with the perfect balance of spicy, savory, fresh, and tangy ingredients.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired

Ingredients
  

Mango Salad
  • 1 large mango diced (about 1 to 1½ cups), not overly ripe
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 tablespoon red onion finely diced, or 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon jalapeño thinly sliced or diced (optional)
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce gluten-free tamari, or liquid aminos
  • 1 –2 teaspoons lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Jerk Tofu
  • 16 ounces extra-firm tofu cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon salt divided
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika plus more if desired for deeper red color
  • ½ teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger optional
  • –¼ teaspoon cayenne or more to taste
For the Bowls
  • 3 cups cooked rice of your choice
  • 3 cups cooked black beans
Garnishes
  • Lime wedges
  • Pickled onions
  • Avocado slices
  • Sriracha
  • Fresh cilantro

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for mixing spices
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Metal spatula
  • Spoon for assembling and serving the bowls

Method
 

  1. Make the Mango Salad: Add the diced mango, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro to a large bowl. Pour in the orange juice, olive oil, sriracha, soy sauce, and lime juice, then stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The salad should remain juicy, providing extra dressing to drizzle over the finished bowls. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and combine it with the salad just before serving.
  2. Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into cubes.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Sprinkle half of the salt and all of the pepper into the oil, swirling the pan so the bottom is evenly coated.
  4. Cook the First Side of the Tofu: Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining salt over the tofu. Allow the tofu to cook undisturbed until a crust develops, reducing the heat to medium if needed. Take your time during this stage so the tofu can become properly golden and crisp.
  5. Mix the Jerk Spices: While the tofu cooks, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, allspice, ground ginger, if using, and cayenne in a small bowl.
  6. Brown and Season the Tofu: Use a metal spatula to flip the tofu once it is golden and naturally releases from the pan. Continue turning the cubes until several sides are golden and crispy. Spray the tofu with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mixture over it. Turn the tofu carefully to coat the cubes as evenly as possible. Turn off the heat before the spices begin to burn.
  7. Warm the Rice and Beans: Make sure the cooked rice and black beans are warm before assembling the bowls. If needed, warm them in the microwave.
  8. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the rice among 4 bowls, using about ¾ cup per bowl. Add about ¾ cup of black beans to each bowl. Divide the crispy jerk tofu evenly over the bowls, then add a generous scoop of mango salad.
  9. Add the Garnishes: Top each bowl with sliced avocado, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro. Spoon some of the remaining dressing from the mango salad over the bowls. Add sriracha if desired and serve each bowl with a lime wedge.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use extra-firm tofu and pat it thoroughly dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
  • Allow the tofu to develop a golden crust before flipping it. If it sticks, give it more time to brown naturally.
  • Adjust the cayenne and jalapeño according to your preferred spice level.
  • If making the mango salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until closer to serving so the ingredients stay fresh.
  • The mango salad is intentionally juicy, and the remaining dressing can be spooned over the finished bowls for extra flavor.
  • Store leftover rice, black beans, and tofu separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • The mango salad is best enjoyed within 1–2 days.
  • Cooked black beans and rice can be frozen for up to 3 months.