Dinner

Sweet Chili Tofu Bowls Recipe

ByMaya bella February 1, 2026February 1, 2026

Introduction

Sweet Chili Tofu Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a wholesome lunch. Crispy tofu meets tender sautéed vegetables and nutty brown rice, all brought together with a delicious sweet chili sauce.

A clear glass meal prep container filled with three layers of food, each taking up about a third of the space from front to back. The front layer shows golden-brown tofu cubes coated with a shiny, sticky orange-red sauce with red chili flakes. The middle layer contains small diced vegetables, mainly orange carrots and red bell peppers, mixed together and cooked to a soft texture. The back layer has light beige cooked rice with a slightly sticky and fluffy texture, neatly packed to the edge. The container sits on a purple base on a white marbled background with other similar containers blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

14 oz extra firm tofu
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 lb carrots (about 5 medium), peeled and diced
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups cooked brown rice
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Sweet chili sauce (about 1/2 cup, divided)
Salt, to taste
3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

Instructions

Step 1: Drain the tofu and place it between a kitchen towel. Put a heavy object, like a cast iron skillet, on top and press for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Cook the brown rice according to package instructions, using a rice cooker or stovetop method.
Step 3: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Add the diced carrots and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the carrots are slightly cooked but still firm.
Step 5: Add the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/8 cup of sweet chili sauce, adding more to taste if desired.
Step 7: After the tofu has finished pressing, dice it into small chunks. Toss the tofu with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch until evenly coated.
Step 8: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Step 9: Add the tofu pieces to the skillet and pan-fry for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy on all sides.
Step 10: Pour 1/3 cup of sweet chili sauce over the tofu and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 11: To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked brown rice into serving bowls. Top with the sweet chili tofu and sautéed vegetables.
Step 12: Add extra sweet chili sauce over the top or on the side, according to your preference, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes instead of pan-frying.
Try swapping the brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different texture and added nutrition.
Add chopped green onions or sesame seeds as garnish for more flavor and visual appeal.
Use vegan sweet chili sauce to keep the dish entirely plant-based.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat tofu and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispness. Microwave the rice until warm and then assemble bowls before serving.

How to Serve

Four rectangular glass meal prep containers are placed close together on a white marbled surface. Each container is divided into two layers: the top layer consists of fluffy, light beige cooked rice filling about half the container, while the bottom layer has a colorful mix of two types of diced vegetables—bright orange carrots and red bell peppers—along with golden-brown cubed tofu coated in a slightly shiny, reddish sauce with visible chili flakes. The arrangement is neat with contrasting colors and textures clearly visible through the clear glass. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft or medium-firm tofu instead of extra firm?

Extra firm tofu is best for this recipe because it holds its shape and crisps nicely. Softer tofu may fall apart during cooking and won’t become as crispy.

Is sweet chili sauce spicy?

Sweet chili sauce has a mild heat balanced by sweetness, making it flavorful without being overly spicy. Adjust the amount used to suit your heat preference.