RICE BOWLS WITH TOFU AND KIMCHI

Rice Bowls with Tofu and Kimchi image

They key to a really standout grain or rice bowl meal is to mix up different textures, temperatures and flavors. Try combining raw and cooked elements along with mild and bold flavors. In this recipe, the tofu is glazed with a lightly sweet mixture which offsets the freshness of cucumbers and bell peppers and the sharp garlicky flavor of kimchee.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups short-grain brown rice
Kosher salt
1 16-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup drained kimchi, roughly chopped, plus 2 tablespoons brine
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
1/4 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
6 small radishes, thinly sliced
2 small scallions, thinly sliced

Steps:

Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Stir in the rice and a big pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain well and return to the saucepan.
Meanwhile, cut the tofu into 1- to 1 1/2-inch cubes. Press with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu pieces and season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is well browned on all sides, about 20 minutes.
Stir together the kimchi brine, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, the hoisin sauce and brown sugar in a small bowl. Add to the skillet and cook, stirring, until the tofu is well coated and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
Combine the cucumber, bell pepper, radishes, scallions and remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large bowl; toss well. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Divide the rice among shallow bowls. Top with the tofu, vegetables and kimchi.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 430, Fat 20 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Cholesterol 0 milligrams, Sodium 469 milligrams, Carbohydrate 54 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 17 grams, Sugar 6 grams