Crispy Tofu Rice Bowls with Chilli Oil and Pickled Cucumber
Golden crispy tofu over rice with quick pickled cucumber, pak choi and a generous spoonful of chilli oil.
Made with Chinese chilli oil. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.21 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Cook the rice following the packet instructions, then cover and keep warm.
- 2
Toss the cucumber with the vinegar, sugar and salt and leave for 15 minutes to quick pickle.
15 min - 3
Pat the tofu dry and toss with the cornflour until lightly coated.
- 4
Heat the sunflower oil in a large non stick pan over a medium high heat. Fry the tofu for 8 to 10 minutes, turning, until golden and crisp on all sides.
9 min - 5
Steam or stir fry the pak choi for 3 minutes until just tender, then splash with the tamari.
3 min - 6
Divide the rice into bowls and add the tofu, pak choi and pickled cucumber. Spoon over your ready made Chinese chilli oil (see the base recipe) and scatter with the spring onions.
Tips
- Pressing the tofu for 15 minutes under a weighted plate gives crisper edges.
- Do not move the tofu until it releases easily from the pan. It will stick if you turn it too early.
- Add a fried or soft boiled egg on top if you are not vegan.
Storing and freezing
Keeps up to 3 days in the fridge in separate tubs once cooled within 2 hours. Reheat the tofu in a hot pan or oven until steaming hot. Cooked rice should be reheated only once.
Questions
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes. Cook the coated tofu cubes with a spray of oil at 200C for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking halfway.
How can I make it milder?
Use half the chilli oil and mix it with an extra spoon of tamari so the heat is softened.
Is it vegan and gluten free?
Yes, with gluten free tamari and chilli oil from the base recipe. It is also dairy free, egg free and nut free.
More made with chinese chilli oil
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.