Tofu Salmon Bowl

If you’re craving a delicious, plant-based alternative to salmon, this Tofu “Salmon” Bowl will hit all the right spots! Packed with flavors, textures, and vibrant colors, this dish is perfect for #WorldVeganDay or any day when you’re in the mood for something fresh and healthy. What’s even better is that it’s quick and easy to make, especially when you marinate the tofu the day before to let all the flavors come together.

This bowl is all about layers of tasty tofu, rice, avocado, kimchi, and a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo. Plus, it’s made using the Panasonic 4 in 1 Combi Oven, which makes the tofu crisp up beautifully with minimal effort. Ready to make this scrumptious tofu “salmon” bowl? Let’s get started!

Method

Prepare the Tofu

Begin by opening the tofu packet and pressing it to remove as much moisture as possible. To do this, wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and place a weight or heavy object on top to help extract the moisture. Once the tofu has been pressed, cut it into half horizontally, then trim the top of each piece to resemble a salmon fillet shape. To mimic the texture of salmon, make diagonal slices on the top of each tofu piece, flipping it over and making horizontal cuts, ensuring you don’t cut too deep. This allows the marinade to infuse the tofu more effectively.

Marinate the Tofu

In a small bowl, combine the NOYSTER sauce, light soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic ginger paste, Kallo umami stock cubes, water (or konbu broth if you prefer), chili flakes, sesame oil, and chopped coriander. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create a marinade. Once prepared, coat each piece of tofu in the marinade, ensuring that the tofu is fully covered. After marinating the tofu, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least a couple of hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the tofu.

Cook the Tofu

Preheat your Panasonic 4 in 1 Combi Oven to 200°C. While the oven heats up, line the grill tray that comes with the oven with baking paper. Carefully place the marinated tofu pieces on the tray, ensuring they don’t touch to allow even cooking. Once your oven is preheated, place the tray in the middle shelf position. Bake the tofu for 25-30 minutes, checking periodically for doneness. The tofu should be firm and cooked through at this stage.

Grill the Tofu

After baking, move the tray to the top shelf of the oven and switch the oven’s function to Grill 1. This will help give the tofu a crispy, golden finish. Grill the tofu for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and crispy. Keep a close eye on the tofu during this step, as it can crisp up very quickly.

Cook the Rice

While the tofu is cooking, you can prepare the rice. If you’re using the Panasonic 4 in 1 Combi Oven, simply use the AUTO rice program to cook your rice, which will make it perfectly tender and fluffy. Alternatively, you can cook the rice on the stovetop or in a microwave, following the instructions for your chosen method. Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.

Assemble the Bowl

Once the tofu is done, it’s time to assemble your tofu “salmon” bowl. Start by placing a serving of cooked rice at the bottom of a bowl. Next, layer on a piece of the crispy tofu. Add a few spoonfuls of chopped kimchi on top of the tofu, followed by sliced avocado for creaminess. Drizzle some sriracha sauce and kewpie mayo over the top to add both spice and richness. Finally, sprinkle some seaweed on top for an extra umami punch.

Serve and Enjoy

Give the bowl a gentle mix to combine all the flavors, and you’re ready to enjoy your delicious tofu “salmon” bowl. The tofu will be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfectly complemented by the creamy avocado, spicy mayo, and tangy kimchi.

Necessary Tools 

• Panasonic 4 in 1 Combi Oven (or any oven that can grill)
• Grill tray
• Baking paper
• Small bowl for marinade
• Rice cooker or microwave for cooking rice

Fun Fact 

Did you know tofu has been used in Asian cuisine for centuries? It’s made from soybeans and is packed with protein, making it a fantastic meat substitute. Plus, with the right marinade, it can take on nearly any flavor!

Precautions for the Method 

• When slicing the tofu, make sure not to cut too deeply; you want the tofu to hold together while still absorbing the marinade.
• If using the grill function on the oven, keep a close eye on the tofu as it can crisp up quickly.
• For the best texture, press the tofu well before marinating to remove any excess moisture, which will allow the tofu to absorb more of the marinade.

Conclusion 

This Tofu “Salmon” Bowl is a perfect vegan meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. The combination of crispy tofu, creamy avocado, spicy sriracha mayo, and tangy kimchi creates an exciting, well-balanced dish. Whether you’re celebrating #WorldVeganDay or just craving something healthy and delicious, this bowl will definitely hit the spot. Happy cooking!