Sticky Glazed Tofu Bowl with Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and texture, this Sticky Glazed Tofu Bowl with Yum Yum Sauce Recipe is going to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how this bowl balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes with a creamy, dreamy sauce that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re a tofu fan or curious to try, you’ll find that every bite feels comforting yet exciting—perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want a plant-based meal that truly delivers.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sticky Glazed Tofu Bowl with Yum Yum Sauce Recipe lies in the harmony of simple ingredients that pack a punch. Choosing the right tofu and quality condiments helps build those layers of flavor you’ll crave again and again.

• Extra firm tofu: I always go organic when I can, and pressing the tofu well makes all the difference for crispiness.
• Avocado or olive oil: Use avocado oil if you want a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Salt & pepper: Season the tofu and oil directly to ensure every bite is tasty.
• Soy sauce, GF liquid aminos, or tamari: Choose gluten-free options if needed; these form the salty backbone of your glaze.
• Maple syrup: Adds sweetness and helps create that sticky, caramelized coating.
• Sriracha or sambal oelek: For that spicy heat—adjust to your taste or skip for mild.
• Minced garlic or garlic powder: Adds depth and warmth to both sauces.
• Vegan mayo: I recommend the avocado oil variety; it creates the creamy Yum Yum sauce base perfectly.
• Tomato paste (optional): Brings an umami richness to your Yum Yum sauce that I discovered makes it extra irresistible.
• Rice vinegar & grated ginger: Add brightness and a subtle zing to cut through the richness.
• Cooked sushi, brown, or jasmine rice: The foundation of your bowl that soaks up all those flavors.
• Shelled edamame: Tasty protein boost and fun textural contrast.
• English cucumber: Crisp and refreshing balance.
• Avocados: Creamy and soft, a must-have topping in my book.
• Garnishes (crispy onions, cilantro, green onions): They add the final crunch and freshness that takes this bowl over the top.

Variations

I love that this Sticky Glazed Tofu Bowl with Yum Yum Sauce Recipe is easy to tweak based on what you have or your dietary preferences — feel free to make it your own!

• Spice Level: When I first made this for my spice-sensitive in-laws, I swapped sriracha with tomato paste to keep things mild but still tasty.
• Rice Swap: Brown rice is my go-to for extra fiber, but sushi rice makes it feel indulgently authentic; jasmine rice is a fragrant alternative.
• Protein Boost: Sometimes I toss in roasted chickpeas or crispy tempeh instead of tofu for a nutty twist.
• Veggie Variations: Throw in shredded carrots, bell pepper strips, or roasted sweet potatoes to bulk up the bowl and add color.
• Gluten-Free Adjustments: Just double-check your soy sauce is tamari or GF liquid aminos to keep it safe.

How to Make Sticky Glazed Tofu Bowl with Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Tofu & Start Your Rice

First things first, if you’re serving this bowl with rice (and you definitely want to), get that cooking right away according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, unwrap your extra firm tofu and blot it carefully with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is key because drier tofu crisps up way better. Cut into roughly ¾ inch cubes and set them back onto fresh paper towels to rest while you prep the sauces.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Sticky Glaze & Yum Yum Sauce

This is such a fun step because the flavors come alive here! In one small bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, sriracha, and minced garlic to make your sticky glaze. In another, mix vegan mayo, sriracha (or tomato paste if you want it mild), tomato paste, maple syrup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and freshly grated ginger to create the dreamy Yum Yum sauce. Pro tip: these sauces can be prepped up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated—game changer for busy nights.

Step 3: Get That Tofu Gloriously Golden

Heat 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add salt and cracked black pepper directly to the oil—you’ll start to smell the pepper as it heats—then carefully place your tofu cubes in the pan one by one, don’t just dump them. This technique helps keep the tofu crispy and prevents steaming. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until they’re a deep golden brown on the bottom. Flip each piece and repeat another 4-5 minutes, adjusting the heat if they start to darken too quickly. Patience here means perfect texture!

Step 4: Coat the Tofu in Sticky Glaze

Once your tofu has that gorgeous crust, pour the sticky glaze over the pan. Use a rubber spatula to gently stir and coat all the cubes evenly. Let it simmer together for 1-2 minutes so the sauce thickens and sticks beautifully to the tofu. Give it a quick taste—this is your moment to adjust saltiness or heat to your liking.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl

Divide your warm rice into bowls. I like using about 4-5 cups total cooked rice to spread across four bowls. Top with shelled edamame for that vibrant green pop, add crisp cucumber slices and creamy diced avocado. Place the sticky glazed tofu cubes on top. Then generously drizzle with the cool, spicy Yum Yum sauce, saving some to serve on the side for dipping. Finally, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, green onions, and crispy onions for texture and freshness—trust me, these garnishes really make the bowl sing!

How to Serve Sticky Glazed Tofu Bowl with Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of the fresh crunch and herbal brightness from cilantro and green onions sprinkled on top. The crispy onions aren’t just decoration—they bring a delightful contrast to the tender tofu and creamy avocado. If you want a little extra heat, a light dusting of chili flakes works wonders here.

Side Dishes

To complete the meal, I often pair this bowl with quick pickled vegetables or a simple seaweed salad for that umami boost. A steaming bowl of miso soup also complements the flavors and rounds out the meal with warmth and comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this sticky glazed tofu bowl in mini mason jars layered with rice, tofu, and toppings for a trendy, grab-and-go style. Another fun idea: use vibrant bowls to really let those colorful veggies stand out and invite guests to build their own bowls buffet-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a fresh bowl, I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the tofu and rice together but save Yum Yum sauce separately to keep it fresh and creamy.

Freezing

I’ve found that tofu and rice freeze well, but the Yum Yum sauce tastes best fresh, so I recommend freezing just the tofu and rice in portioned containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy meal later on.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, gently warm the tofu and rice in a skillet or microwave until hot, then drizzle with fresh Yum Yum sauce. This keeps the tofu crispy on the outside yet tender inside while preserving that amazing sauce flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Glazed Tofu Bowl with Yum Yum Sauce Recipe is one of those meals I reach for when I want comfort food that feels like a treat but is still wholesome and plant-powered. I love sharing it with friends who are new to tofu because it welcomes them in with big flavors and textures that surprise them in the best way. If you try it even once, I bet it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation too—promise me you’ll add extra drizzle of that Yum Yum sauce because it really makes the dish sing!

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