Plant-PoweredUnder 30 MinutesHigh-Protein

Simple Spinach Tofu With Turmeric Rice

4.9 · 8 ratings

With just 3 main ingredients, Simple Spinach Tofu With Turmeric Rice is an easy, tasty, budget-friendly meal that's ready in 30 minutes and finished with fresh lemon juice.

Total30 min
Serves4
Calories420
Protein22g
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Bowl of simple spinach tofu with turmeric rice, wilted spinach and browned tofu

With just 3 main ingredients, Simple Spinach Tofu With Turmeric Rice was an absolute hit this week!

The recipe

Simple Spinach Tofu With Turmeric Rice

4.9 from 8 ratings

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Serves
4
Colorful Recipes kitchen-tested
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Ingredients

Rice

Tofu & Spinach

Instructions

Rice

  1. Add all the ingredients to a medium pot and bring to a boil.

  2. Stir once, lower the heat and simmer, covered, for or until the liquid is absorbed.

  3. Fluff the rice before serving.

Tofu & Spinach

  1. Heat the olive oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat, then add the tofu in a single layer. You may need to cook it in batches.

  2. Top with grated ginger and spices to taste.

  3. Cook until lightly browned, flipping once, about .

  4. Remove the tofu and place it on a paper towel.

  5. Add the spinach to the same pan, one cup at a time, until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestion

  1. In a serving bowl, add the rice, then top with spinach on one side and tofu on the other.

  2. Sprinkle with some sesame seeds, generously squeeze lemon juice on top of the spinach and serve!

Nutrition Facts

4 servings per recipe
Serving size1 bowl
Amount per servingCalories
420
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20.5g26%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 413mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 41g15%
Dietary Fiber 5g18%
Total Sugars 1.8g
Includes 0g Added Sugars0%
Protein 22.2g44%

* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Macro mix

  • 20% Protein 22.2g
  • 38% Carbs 41g
  • 42% Fat 20.5g

Protein score

5.3g protein per 100 calories

Balanced

Nutrition is an estimate per serving, calculated from USDA ingredient data and will vary with brands and portions. Optional items not included: fresh ginger to taste; salt and pepper to taste; dry seasoning to taste; lemon juice to taste; sesame seeds to taste. Assumes long-grain brown rice and regular vegetable broth. Use it as a guide, not medical advice.

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Behind the recipe

The story, tips & photos

Bowl of simple spinach tofu with turmeric rice, wilted spinach and browned tofu

Sometimes, all you need is a warm bowl filled with simple, healthy, comforting whole foods. But we're not giving up on taste here. The fresh lemon juice I squeeze on top of the spinach? It just puts this dish over the top. And it's all ready in 30 minutes!

Oh, and did I mention it's super affordable too? We started a new budget, and let me tell you, this recipe makes cooking on a budget look so darn easy. We can easily stock up on brown rice, tofu and spinach in bulk. We usually have brown rice at least once or twice a week, and buying large bags of rice costs our family less than $30 a year! Talk about stretching that dollar. This will definitely be a favorite in 2016.

Hands holding a bowl of spinach tofu with turmeric rice

How to make simple spinach tofu with turmeric rice

Start by cooking your rice. I add broth for flavor and turmeric for color. While the rice is cooking, brown your tofu squares over medium-high heat to your liking. Let them cook on the first side for about 10 minutes. Add grated fresh ginger and any other dry seasoning you like; just pick and choose from your pantry. Then flip the squares and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer them to a paper towel to soak up the oil.

Add your spinach to the same pan one cup at a time, with additional spices to your liking, until wilted, about 5 minutes.

In a serving bowl, add the rice, then top with spinach on one side and tofu on the other. Sprinkle with some sesame seeds, generously squeeze lemon juice on top of the spinach and enjoy! Even my toddler enjoyed it! 🙂

Close-up of golden tofu and wilted spinach over turmeric rice

This is so easy, tasty and practical → you'll be kissing those ridiculously time-consuming recipes you pinned earlier today goodbye! 😉

Simple Spinach Tofu With Turmeric Rice

Pinterest image of simple spinach tofu with turmeric rice in a bowl

Questions & comments 23

Leave a comment
  1. AAAngela A.

    Excellent recipe! Loved the turmeric rice! I didn’t have spinach, so I parboiled rainbow chard and kale! Very colorful with the turmeric rice!

    Thanks for sharing!

  2. HHeather

    Delish!! I added onions and sauerkraut to the spinach (no need for lemon juice), and I chose curry and ground ginger for my tofu seasonings. Will definitely be making again!

    1. ChristineAuthor

      Thanks Heather! Your version sounds delicious!

  3. EMEli Mariana

    I made it many times since you posted this recipe.

    Thanks for sharing such a good recipe!

    1. ChristineAuthor

      So glad you liked this recipe! Thanks for your feedback!

  4. LPLaurie Powers

    This is so good! We really enjoyed it and will make it again.

  5. ChristineAuthor

    Hi Myra! Sorry I’m late to respond but curious if you tried this recipe? I’ve never tried using frozen tofu but found this online and hope this helps. "If you froze a whole block and are anxious to use it, you can simmer the frozen block in water for 15 minutes before cubing. Squeeze or pat any excess water out of the thawed tofu, then use as you please."

  6. MMyra

    Hi is it necessary to squeeze dry the tifu or not? Mine was frozen.. thank you!

  7. GMGayle M

    Love this recipe! Make it often, thank you.

  8. GMGayle M

    Love this recipe! Thank you.

  9. MMason

    Hi, I was wondering if you had a full nutrition facts set for this recipe?

  10. MHMelissa Harkness

    I am a bit envious that your children are eating this healthy food. I am a vegan, but my daughter has turned SUPER picky. This was a tasty recipe. Thank you.

    1. ChristineAuthor

      Thanks, Melissa for the feedback! Glad you liked my recipe. How old is your daughter? My son is 5 now and goes through phases. He’s stubborn at times and doesn’t want to try new things convinced he wouldn’t like them….but once we convince him to try just one bite, he ends up changing his mind…declaring he LOVES it….ahhhh kids…. 😛

  11. KKen

    I added onion and mushroom to the spinach. Mmmmm.

    1. ChristineAuthor

      Mmmm that sounds so good! I love mushrooms! 🙂

  12. JJenna

    Great recipe, can’t wait to try! What are your go-to dry seasonings for this?

    1. ChristineAuthor

      Thanks Jenna!! I usually use Costco’s Kirkland organic no-salt seasoning. It’s a mixture of 21 spices. My toddler loves this recipe. If making for just me & hubby, I add some paprika in there to spice it up a bit.

    2. JJenna

      That sounds great, I’ll have to try it! I made this a couple days ago and LOVED it. I used a bit of cumin, fennel seeds, chili powder 🙂

    3. ChristineAuthor

      Yum!!! Glad you loved it & I love cumin! 🙂

  13. KKara

    Hi! How would I cook the brown rice in a rice cooker? Do I substitute the water for broth? Thanks!

    1. ChristineAuthor

      Hi Kara! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, you can substitute the water for broth. I believe you’ll need to add an extra cup of broth for brown rice if using a rice cooker. Let me know how it turns out!

  14. Ttiffany

    How many calories

    1. ChristineAuthor

      Hi Tiffany! Thanks for stopping by. This is such a light meal at around 240-250 calories (depending on spices & how many sesame seeds you use) per serving. Let me know if you try it!! Enjoy.

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