Tofu al Achiote Bowls (Mexican Rice and Bean Bowls)
Golden marinated tofu seared until crisp, over cilantro lime rice and black beans with avocado and juicy tomatoes.
Made with Mexican black beans and Cilantro lime rice and Pollo asado marinade. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.41 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
Press the tofu for 20 minutes between two plates with a weight on top, then pat dry and cut into cubes.
20 min - 2
Toss the tofu gently with 100 ml of your ready made pollo asado marinade (see the base recipe). Leave for 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge.
20 min - 3
Heat the oil in a large non stick frying pan over a medium high heat. Fry the tofu in a single layer for 8 to 10 minutes, turning, until crisp and golden on most sides.
9 min - 4
Gently reheat your ready made cilantro lime rice (see the base recipe) and black beans (see the base recipe) until steaming hot all the way through.
5 min - 5
Divide the rice and beans between 4 bowls. Add the tofu, avocado and tomatoes.
- 6
Finish with the lime juice and coriander.
Tips
- Pressing the tofu is what makes it crisp. Skip it and the tofu steams in the pan.
- Do not move the tofu for the first 3 minutes so a crust forms.
- Marinate for the full 4 hours for stronger flavour.
Storing and freezing
Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through, and reheat the rice only once.
Questions
Is this vegan?
Yes. The marinade, rice and beans bases are all vegan and the toppings are plant based.
Can I use tempeh instead?
Yes. Slice tempeh thinly, simmer it for 10 minutes in water, drain, then marinate and fry as for tofu.
Can I bake the tofu?
Yes. Bake at 220C for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until golden and chewy.
More made with mexican black beans
Burritos de Pollo a la Diabla (Devilled Chicken Burritos)
DFEFNFEnsalada de Frijol Negro, Elote y Aguacate (Black Bean, Charred Corn and Avocado Salad)
GFDFEFCaldo de Frijol Negro con Hongos y Epazote (Black Bean and Mushroom Broth)
GFDFEFTortitas de Frijol Negro en Salsa Roja (Black Bean Patties in Red Sauce)
GFNFVDouble 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.