Vegan kimchi tofu bowl

Vegan kimchi tofu bowl with plain tofu, black rice, baby spinach, sesame and raw kimchi – spicy, satisfying and full of exciting contrasts in flavour and texture.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 10 min
• Cooking time: 20 min
• Total time: 30 min
• Calories: 410 kcal per serving
• Protein: 22 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbs: 45 g

Ingredients

• 200g plain tofu
• Toasted white and black sesame seeds
• 1 large handful of baby spinach
• 80g black rice (Venere rice)
• 3 tbsp unpasteurised kimchi (vegan, without added sugar, fish sauce or prawns, from the chilled aisle)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari, gluten-free)

Method

You’ll need: frying pan · saucepan · chopping board · knife · mixing bowl

1. Wash the black rice thoroughly and cook it according to the packet instructions until soft but still with a little bite.
2. Pat the plain tofu dry and cut it into cubes. Fry in a frying pan with the toasted sesame oil until golden brown all over.
3. Wash the baby spinach and let it wilt briefly, or leave it raw, depending on how you prefer your bowl.
4. Pour the soy sauce or tamari over the fried tofu and toss briefly so everything is evenly coated.
5. Put the black rice in a bowl and arrange the baby spinach, kimchi and toasted white and black sesame seeds on top.
6. Serve straight away so the kimchi stays fresh and the bowl keeps its contrast of warm and cool components.

Good to know

This bowl is spicy, warm and still fresh. What I especially like is the contrast of nutty, savoury and slightly sour notes.

Swaps

Plain tofu → tempeh (more bite) Black rice (Venere rice) → buckwheat (more protein, contains minerals) Toasted sesame oil → diced avocado (adds creaminess instead of oil) Soy sauce/tamari → coconut aminos (milder, usually a little less salty)

Allergens

Contains soya and sesame. Depending on the recipe, kimchi can be hot and salty, so it's often only suitable for children in small amounts; during pregnancy, caution is usually advised with raw, unpasteurised kimchi. Contains: gluten (soy sauce), crustaceans.

Frequently asked questions

What's in black rice, nutritionally?

Black rice contains complex carbohydrates, fibre and natural dark plant pigments called anthocyanins. Depending on the variety, it also provides small amounts of iron, zinc and magnesium.

Which vitamins and minerals does tofu contain?

Plain tofu contains not only protein but often calcium too, if it's made with a calcium salt. Depending on the product, there's also iron and small amounts of magnesium.

What's special about unpasteurised kimchi?

Unpasteurised kimchi contains live microorganisms from fermentation. How many of them are actually in the product depends on how it's made, chilled and stored.

Why do sesame seeds suit the bowl nutritionally?

Sesame brings unsaturated fats, calcium, copper and a little iron. Toasting mainly intensifies the flavour; the nutrient content stays essentially the same.

Does raw spinach agree with everyone?

For many people, yes, but if you have a sensitive stomach, raw spinach can sometimes feel a little heavier than briefly heated spinach. Spinach also contains oxalic acid.

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