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Pesto Parmesan Fresh Start Tofu Rice Bowls with Sesame Greens, an original WorkLife Meal Plan recipe

Vegetarian

Pesto Parmesan Fresh Start Tofu Rice Bowls with Sesame Greens

Basil pesto and nutty Parmesan for instant weeknight appeal. This recipe layers crisp tofu, crunchy vegetables, and brown rice into a make-ahead-friendly bowl, loaded with colorful produce and a bright, clean finish, with an easy extra layer of vegetables. It is designed for dependable prep, familiar groceries, and a calm family dinner.

Plant proteinMeal prepColorfulProduce-forwardExtra greens
Prep20 min
Cook21 min
Serves4
Total41 min
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What you’ll need

Ingredients

  • 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 2 carrots, shredded
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 cups baby greens
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
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Make it happen

Directions

  1. 1

    Pat the tofu dry, toss with cornstarch and salt, and shake off any excess.

  2. 2

    Heat avocado oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Cook tofu for 10–12 minutes, turning until crisp.

  3. 3

    Whisk 1/3 cup basil pesto and 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan with 2 tablespoons warm water to make a pourable sauce.

  4. 4

    Divide rice, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, and tofu among bowls. Spoon over the sauce and add Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves.

  5. 5

    Wilt the greens in the hot pan for one minute and finish with the sesame seeds.

Estimated per serving

Nutrition at a glance

Estimates are provided for planning and are not medical advice.

480calories24gprotein10gfiber