Do you love Vietnamese spring rolls? If so, you’ll want to add this vegan spring roll bowl recipe to your to-do list. Not only is it healthy, simple, and easy to customize, but it’s exactly like a deconstructed spring roll!
This bowl is also perfect if you’re not a fan of wrapping spring rolls in rice paper, which can be tricky to work with.
And since spring rolls aren’t complete without a dipping sauce, the following recipe also includes a savory peanut sauce recipe. You can drizzle this sauce on top of the bowl or toss it with the ingredients — the choice is yours.
The best part? It can be made with the nut butter of your choice, like cashew or almond butter. We promise it will taste just as good.
The protein portion of the spring roll bowl is baked tofu that’s been marinated in ingredients like soy sauce and rice vinegar. But if you don’t like tofu, you can use your favorite meat substitute. (Chickpeas would be delicious, too.)
And, as always, don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite vegetable combinations and what you have on hand.
First, gather your ingredients for the baked tofu. This part of the dish takes the longest to cook, so it’s best to start it first. While the tofu bakes in the oven, you can prepare the rest of the recipe.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you haven’t already, wrap the tofu in paper towels (or a clean towel). Place a heavy object on top, like a cast iron pan or canned vegetables.
Leave for 20 to 30 minutes. The more liquid is squeezed out, the more the tofu can absorb the marinade later on.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
Slice the tofu into 1-inch cubes. In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, and garlic powder. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Toss with the tofu and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
Lightly coat the tofu with flour. If you’re making a gluten-free version, use cornstarch, arrowroot flour, or your favorite gluten-free flour.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
While the tofu is baking, make the savory peanut sauce. If you don’t want to use peanut butter due to an allergy, feel free to use cashew or almond butter.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
In a blender, combine all of the ingredients and process until smooth. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients according to your preferences. For example, if you prefer a thicker sauce, use less water.
If you want a thinner sauce, add more water. You can also add more or less rice vinegar, soy sauce, or minced garlic depending on your taste buds. Anything goes!
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
Last but not least, prepare the rice noodles and vegetables. Cook the rice noodles according to the package’s directions. Make sure you don’t overcook them, as they’ll become gummy and stick together.
Once they are done cooking, quickly rinse them in cold water to help reduce stickiness.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
As with any salad or vegetable bowl, you can use whatever veggies you like or have on hand. For this recipe, we used red cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, red peppers, and avocado.
When you’re ready to enjoy your spring roll bowl, combine the noodles, veggies, baked tofu, and peanut sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds, if you’d like.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
What veggies would you use for your spring roll bowl?
Spring Roll Bowl with Savory Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
Baked Tofu
- 12 oz extra-firm tofu drained and pressed
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 2 tbs flour
- 2 tbs soy sauce or tamari
- ½ tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Savory Peanut Sauce
- â…“ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbs rice vinegar
- 2 tbs soy sauce or tamari
- 3 to 4 tbs water
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Spring Roll Bowl
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 cups chopped red cabbage
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 cup sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 avocado
- sesame seeds
- fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. To make the marinade, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Toss with the tofu and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Lightly coat the tofu in flour or cornstarch. Place on a metal baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown, flipping once halfway through.
- To make the peanut sauce, combine all of the ingredients in a blender. Adjust the ingredients as necessary.
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package’s instructions. Combine the rice noodles, tofu, veggies, and peanut sauce in a bowl. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.
