Home » 30 Minutes or Less » Tofu Poke Bowls with Smoked Tofu, Soba Noodles & Crispy Nori
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Tofu Poke Bowls with Smoked Tofu, Soba Noodles & Crispy Nori

Tofu Poke Bowls are loaded with smoked tofu, soba noodles, fresh vegetables and crispy nori then topped with crunchy sesame seeds and a tangy soy sauce dressing. Make this healthy meal for a yummy addition to your weekly or weekend menu. 

Imagine a vegan tofu poke bowl with crispy tofu for a healthy lunch or make-ahead meal you’re whole family will love.

Like my Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe and Thai Basil Tofu, this best of Asian cuisines poke bowl uses plant-based protein and nutritious veggies so you can easily prepare one of the best tofu recipes ever.

We’ll be using smoked extra-firm tofu for this recipe that’s easy to find in your local grocery store or Asian market. Let’s get started, shall we!

Ingredients for Smoked Tofu Poke Bowl

Ingredients for Tofu Poke Bowls

  • Smoked Tofu – smoked tofu is tofu that’s been baked, seasoned and smoked, giving a smokey flavor to this tofu poke bowl recipe. It’s usually found in the Tofu section of your grocery store and has an extra firm tofu texture so it’s great in stir-fry’s. 
  • Soba Noodles – these are Japanese noodles made primarily from buckwheat flour, with a small amount of wheat flour mixed in. You’ll find them online (link to the left) or in your local grocery or Asian market. If gluten-intolerant, you can try to find gluten-free soba noodles.
  • Bok Choy – choose bok choy with firm, moist, unblemished stems and bright green leaves. Avoid wilted or bruised leaves that have yellowing or browning, holes or tears
  • Radishes – as well as having an abundance of antioxidants, thinly sliced radishes add a pop of vibrant color to these vegan sushi bowls. You’ll add to the top of the bowls. 
  • Carrot – adds more nutrition and a beautiful pop of color. 
  • Purple Cabbage – the best thing about purple cabbage is it’s bright purple color and it’s crunch. For best results, use your shredder to shred it
  • Nori – this dried edible seaweed is popular in Asian cuisines and we will be baking it until it becomes crispy. 
  • Black Garlic – if you haven’t yet tried black garlic, you’re in for a special treat. It has has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor with a mild garlic taste, and a sticky, almost molasses-like texture similar to a date.
  • Sesame Oil – this is my favorite oil to use in Asian cooking. If you absolutely don’t have it, you can substitute with olive oil

Ingredients for Soy Sauce Dressing

  • Soy Sauce – if gluten-free, you can substitute with Tamari
  • Rice Vinegarrice vinegar, also known as rice wine vinegar, can be found in most grocery stores. 
  • Sesame Oil – more sesame oil here to add a toasty flavor to the dressing and some healthy fats to the recipe. If you don’t have you can substitute with olive oil.
  • Mirin – Mirin is a type of rice wine and a common ingredient in Japanese cooking. It is similar to sake but with a lower alcohol content and higher sugar content. You can substitute with Agave nectar or maple syrup if you don’t want to purchase in an Asian market or using the link I provided. 
  • Ginger fresh ginger is best and I wouldn’t omit. However, if unavailable, feel free to use 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
  • Sesame Seeds – add a nice crunch to the dressing and a contrast in color. 
  • Garlic – fresh minced garlic is best; however, if unavailable, use a teaspoon of garlic powder

Full ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below!

How To Make Tofu Poke Bowls

Step 1: preheat oven to 275F/135C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the nori chips flat on the baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until nori becomes crispy and starts to darken slightly around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet, a piece of parchment paper or paper towels.

Step 2: Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in pan over medium heat. Add the cubed smoked tofu and sauté for about 4-5 minutes. Turn occasionally until golden and crispy on the edges. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: In the same pan, quickly sauté the Bok choy for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted but still crunchy. Remove from heat.

Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, mirin (or agave or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic and sesame seeds.

Step 6: Divide the soba noodles between two bowls. Arrange the sauteed Bok choy, radishes, shaved carrots, purple cabbage and crispy smoked tofu on top. Add some mashed black garlic for a umami kick.

Step 7: Once your bowls are assembled, scatter the crispy nori pieces over the bowls and drizzle with soy sauce dressing. Toss everything slightly to coat. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or a sprinkle of red chili flakes. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

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Pro Cooking Tips

  • When baking your nori, keep a close eye on it as it can burn quickly and remove promptly if you notice it starting to get burnt on the edges.  
  • This recipe is so versatile. You can substitute just about any fresh veggies you want with the ones I used. Think green onions or red onions, lime wedges, sweet onion, pickled ginger, and edamame beans. 
  • If you prefer a base of rice over soba noodles, you can choose sushi rice, brown rice or plain white rice as a substitute. 
  • Great for meal prep. Simply double the recipe and store prepared bowls in individual air tight containers until your ready to eat them. 

Storage and Freezing

Storage: for best results, serve immediately after preparation. To meal prep, store prepared ingredients in separate air-tight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing: freezing is NOT recommended.

Serving Suggestions

More Healthy Recipes

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tofu poke bowls on a white table

Tofu Poke Bowls Recipe

Tofu Poke Bowls are loaded with smoked tofu, soba noodles, fresh vegetables and crispy nori then topped with crunchy sesame seeds and a tangy soy sauce dressing. Make this healthy meal for a yummy addition to your weekly or weekend menu. 
5 from 12 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Main Dish, Salad
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Low Calorie, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 431kcal
Author: Deborah

Ingredients

For the Tofu Poke Bowls

  • 7 oz smoked tofu cubed
  • 3.5 oz soba noodles about 2/3 cup dry
  • 1 small Bok choy chopped
  • 4 radishes thinly sliced
  • 1 small carrot shaved into ribbons
  • 1 cup purple cabbage shredded
  • 1 sheet nori torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp black garlic mashed into a paste or finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

For the Soy Sauce Dressing

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp mirin for sweetness: substitute with agave or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds optional here
  • 1 clove garlic minced

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 275F/135C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the nori chips flat on the baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until nori becomes crispy and starts to darken slightly around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet or a piece of parchment paper or paper towels.
  • Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in pan over medium heat. Add the cubed smoked tofu and sauté for about 4-5 minutes. Turn occasionally until golden and crispy on the edges. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In the same pan, quickly sauté the Bok choy for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted but still crunchy. Remove from heat.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, mirin (or agave or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic and sesame seeds
  • Divide the soba noodles between two bowls. Arrange the sauteed Bok choy, radishes, shaved carrots, purple cabbage and crispy smoked tofu on top. Add some mashed black garlic for a umami kick.
  • Once your bowls are assembled, scatter the crispy nori pieces over the bowls and drizzle with soy sauce dressing. Toss everything slightly to coat. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or a sprinkle of red chili flakes. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

  • When baking your nori, keep a close eye on it as it can burn quickly and remove promptly if you notice it starting to get burnt on the edges.  
  • This recipe is so versatile. You can substitute just about any fresh veggies you want with the ones I used. Think green onions or red onions, lime wedges, sweet onion, pickled ginger, and edamame beans. 
  • If you prefer a base of rice over soba noodles, you can choose sushi rice, brown rice or plain white rice as a substitute. 
  • Great for meal prep. Simply double the recipe and store prepared bowls in individual air tight containers until your ready to eat them.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 2336mg | Potassium: 1654mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 23505IU | Vitamin C: 219mg | Calcium: 585mg | Iron: 8mg
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5 from 12 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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12 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These tofu poke bowls are so good! The smoky tofu pairs perfectly with the chewy soba noodles, and the crispy nori adds just the right crunch. Super easy to put together and packed with great textures!

  2. 5 stars
    I love the flavors and textures in this poke bowl recipe! A yummy, healthy recipe that I’m enjoying for my lunches this week.

  3. 5 stars
    Smoked tofu has been our new obsession since last year, but we are new to soba noodles. We had this bowl for lunch yesterday and I have to say it’s one of my favourite meals of 2025 so far. So tasty, yet so easy to put together. Thank you and we will definitely make it again soon. 🙂