Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Crispy Tofu

– 1½ pounds extra-firm tofu
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sugar Apple Sauce

– 1 cup ripe sugar apple pulp, seeds removed
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– ½ teaspoon sriracha
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon water

Bowl

– 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
– 1 cup shredded red cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrot
– ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
– ½ cup diced fresh sugar apple pulp, seeds removed
– 2 green onions, sliced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Drain the tofu and wrap it in several layers of paper towels.

3. Place a heavy skillet or plate on top and press for 15–20 minutes.

4. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

5. Place the tofu in a large bowl.

6. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss gently.

7. Sprinkle the cornstarch, garlic powder, ginger, and black pepper over the tofu.

8. Toss until evenly coated.

9. Spread the tofu onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

10. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Prepare the Sugar Apple Sauce

11. Place the sugar apple pulp, lime juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sriracha in a blender.

12. Blend until smooth.

13. Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan.

14. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

15. Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl.

16. Whisk the slurry into the simmering sugar apple sauce.

17. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.

18. Remove from the heat.

Assemble

19. Divide the jasmine rice among four bowls.

20. Add cabbage, carrot, and cucumber.

21. Add the crispy tofu.

22. Drizzle generously with the sugar apple sauce.

23. Add the fresh sugar apple pieces.

24. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.

25. Serve immediately.

Tip: Adding fresh sugar apple after cooking is important. It gives the dish the unmistakable creamy fruit flavor that gets lost if all of the fruit is cooked.