Fusion Recipe Lab / Recipe

Chipotle Tofu Bao

Crispy tofu tossed in chipotle-soy glaze with cabbage-lime slaw in bao.

Vehicle

bao

Inspiration

Mexican / Chinese

Flavor Profile

spicy, smoky, savory

Meal Type

dinner

Protein

tofu

Spice Level

hot

Texture

soft

Difficulty

easy

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Prep Style

quick-weeknight

Tags

vegetarian, handheld, spicy, tofu

Notebook Entry

Description

This vegetarian bao keeps the chipotle profile bold while using soy and sesame to round out the heat.

Ingredients

  • 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 tbsp minced chipotle in adobo
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
  • 12 frozen bao buns
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Preparation

  1. Toss tofu with cornstarch and a pinch of salt.
  2. Pan-fry in oil until crisp on all sides.
  3. Mix chipotle, soy sauce, and syrup; add to tofu and cook 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Toss cabbage with lime juice and sesame oil. Steam bao.

Assembly

  1. Fill bao with glazed tofu.
  2. Add cabbage-lime slaw.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with avocado slices.
  • Pair with black bean soup.

Notes or Variations

  • Use tempeh instead of tofu.
  • Add roasted corn for sweetness.