For when it’s Friday, you’re Catholic, and you’ve already had pasta three times this week.
So You’re Craving Something Tasty But Don’t Want to Spend Forever in the Kitchen, Huh?
Same, my friend. Maybe it’s a regular Friday, or maybe it’s Lent and you’re trying to honor your faith without suffering through another sad tuna melt. Either way, this crispy miso tofu bowl is here to save your soul (or at least your taste buds).
Because let’s be real: being Catholic and meatless on Fridays can feel like a culinary penance. But this dish? This dish is a miracle in a bowl. No bland, gray mystery fish. No side-eye from your conscience. Just flavor, crunch, color, and a drizzle of spicy tahini that might just make you whisper “Amen.”
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First: it’s Catholic-approved and taste bud-blessed. No meat, no problem. It’s the kind of meatless meal that makes you feel holy and full.
Second: it’s a total redemption arc for tofu. This isn’t the squishy, bland stuff you tried once in college and swore off forever. No, this tofu is crispy, glazed in miso-magic, and backed up by tangy pickled veggies and a tahini drizzle that could convert the doubters.
Also: you can meal-prep this bad boy, which means less stress, more time to pray, rest, or binge-watch Vatican documentaries (no judgment).
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the tofu:
- 1 block extra-firm tofu (pressed—because waterlogged tofu is a sin)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (crispy is next to godliness)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp white miso paste (flavor anointing)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (sweet like a Sunday homily)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
For the quick pickled veggies:
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup thinly sliced radish or cucumber
- ½ cup shredded red cabbage
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
For the spicy tahini drizzle:
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (feel the fire, but not eternal damnation-level)
- 1 tbsp warm water
- Salt to taste
To serve:
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or whatever grain makes you feel spiritually aligned
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped cilantro or mint
- Toasted sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss the carrots, radish/cucumber, and cabbage into a bowl with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let them soak in that holiness while you prep the rest. They’ll be tangy and glorious by the time you’re done.
- Press the tofu for 10–15 minutes (wrap it in paper towels, set a heavy book—maybe the Catechism—on top). Cube it and toss with cornstarch until coated like little angelic marshmallows.
- In a bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, miso, maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Toss tofu in the mixture like you’re baptizing it in deliciousness. Lay out on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. It should come out golden and crisp, like it just saw the light.
- Stir tahini, lemon juice, hot sauce, and water until smooth. Add salt to taste. If you’re not tempted to drink it straight, adjust your seasonings
- Add a scoop of rice or quinoa, top with tofu, pickled veg (drain first), sliced avocado, and a generous drizzle of tahini. Sprinkle herbs and sesame seeds if you’re feeling extra virtuous.
- Sit down, say grace, and enjoy the fact that you just made a meatless meal worthy of the Vatican potluck.
Alternatives & Substitutions
No tofu? Try tempeh, roasted chickpeas, or even grilled halloumi (if you’re not vegan and it’s not Lent and you’re cool with cheese).
Miso seems too “zen”? No worries. Sub a bit of peanut butter with soy sauce. Not exactly canon, but still delicious.
Need gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Your gut will thank you.
Rice is boring you? Swap in soba noodles, couscous, or go full monk mode with cauliflower rice.
This bowl is adaptable, just like a Catholic school student learning to fast on short notice.
Final Thoughts
Look at you, staying meat-free and flavor-packed on a Friday. Whether it’s Lent, a regular no-meat day, or you’re just in your tofu era, this bowl’s got you spiritually and culinarily covered.
So light a candle, throw on some Gregorian chant (or lo-fi beats), and dig in. You’ve kept the faith—and now you get the flavor. 🙏