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Fresh New Year’s Eve Dinner Bowl Recipe with Easy Ginger Garlic Tofu and Lemony Kale

ginger garlic tofu - featured image

A bright and healthy dinner bowl featuring crispy ginger garlic tofu and massaged lemony kale, perfect for a fresh and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (400 g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 6 cups (180 g) kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
  • 1 small avocado, sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for 20-30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil. Stir well.
  3. Toss the cubed tofu in the marinade to coat evenly. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
  4. Rinse kale thoroughly, dry using a salad spinner or towel, remove stems, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Add lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until softened and darker green.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tofu cubes in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Warm the cooked quinoa or brown rice if needed.
  8. Assemble the bowl by layering warm quinoa or rice, lemony kale, crispy tofu, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro or parsley, and toasted sesame seeds.
  9. Serve immediately while tofu is crispy and kale is fresh.

Notes

Press tofu well to achieve crispy texture. Massage kale thoroughly with lemon juice and olive oil to soften and reduce bitterness. Avoid overcrowding tofu in pan to ensure browning. Marinate tofu while prepping kale to save time. Optional: add chili flakes or chili garlic sauce for spice. Tofu can be baked at 400°F for 25-30 minutes as an alternative cooking method.

Nutrition

Keywords: tofu bowl, ginger garlic tofu, lemony kale, healthy dinner, vegan, gluten-free, New Year's Eve recipe, quick dinner, plant-based