Skip to main content
Blue Regions emblem
Blue Regions
Food · Lifestyle · Longevity
Tofu, Vegetable and Brown Rice Bowl
Okinawa Longevity Recipes Lunch Plant-Based

Tofu, Vegetable and Brown Rice Bowl

A simple brown rice bowl with tofu, vegetables, herbs, and a light sesame dressing.

A plant-based bowl combining brown rice, crisp tofu, broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, and fresh herbs with a simple sesame dressing.

Tap to rate

5 stars
★★★★★ 5.0 (1 ratings)
By Jentezen Reed, Ph.D. October 9, 2026 Blue Regions contributor

Prep

15 min

Cook

30 min

Total

45 min

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

Facebook X / Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp

About this recipe

Tofu, vegetables, and whole grains are common ingredients in everyday East Asian cooking. This bowl is a modern home-style recipe rather than a traditional dish from one specific Blue Region. It is built around simple ingredients and can be prepared ahead for an easy lunch or dinner.

What you'll need

Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 1 cup
  • 2 cups
  • 14 ounces
  • 1 tbsp
  • 2 cups
  • 1 medium
  • 1 medium
  • 2 tbsp
  • 1 tbsp
  • 1 tbsp
  • 1 tsp
  • 1 clove
  • 1/4 cup
  • 1 tbsp

Let's cook

Step-by-step instructions

01

Step 1

Combine the brown rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Let it stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Step 1 of Tofu, Vegetable and Brown Rice Bowl
02

Step 2

Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2 of Tofu, Vegetable and Brown Rice Bowl
03

Step 3

Place the tofu, broccoli, carrot, and bell pepper on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce. Toss gently to coat.

Step 3 of Tofu, Vegetable and Brown Rice Bowl
04

Step 4

Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the tofu and vegetables halfway through, until the tofu is lightly browned and the vegetables are tender.

Step 4 of Tofu, Vegetable and Brown Rice Bowl
05

Step 5

Whisk the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and remaining olive oil in a small bowl.

Step 5 of Tofu, Vegetable and Brown Rice Bowl
06

Step 6

Divide the cooked brown rice among four bowls. Top with the roasted tofu and vegetables.

Step 6 of Tofu, Vegetable and Brown Rice Bowl
07

Step 7

Drizzle the dressing over the bowls and sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds if using.

Step 7 of Tofu, Vegetable and Brown Rice Bowl
08

Step 8

Serve warm with lime wedges if desired.

Step 8 of Tofu, Vegetable and Brown Rice Bowl

Nutrition

Nutritional information

Calories

452

Protein

20g

Carbohydrates

56g

Fat

18g

Fiber

8g

Kitchen notes

Notes

Press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture and help it brown. Cook the brown rice ahead of time if you want to shorten the preparation.

Tips

Cut the tofu into similar-sized pieces so they brown evenly. Spread the tofu and vegetables in a single layer when roasting to prevent them from steaming.

Substitutions

Quinoa or barley can replace the brown rice. Tempeh can replace the tofu. Broccoli can be replaced with green beans or bok choy.

Serving suggestions

Serve warm with lime wedges and extra fresh herbs. Add sliced avocado or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Related reading

More from Blue Regions

Our Editorial Standards

Blue Regions reviews recipes and related content before publication and makes corrections or updates when needed. Nutrition information, where provided, is an estimate and may vary. We may use AI tools to assist with writing and visual content. Some images may be AI-generated illustrations rather than photographs of the actual dish. We remain responsible for the content we publish.

Read our Editorial Policy →

Blue Regions Newsletter

Get recipes, longevity ideas, regional food stories, and practical inspiration for living well.