- Why wash the rice?
- To remove excess surface starch. Without washing, the rice becomes a gummy paste. Washing ensures distinct, sticky grains.
- Can I use Jasmine rice?
- No. You need short-grain sushi rice. Long-grain rices like Jasmine won't stick together properly.
Tofu Chirashi Bowl
'Chirashi' means 'scattered'. It's sushi in its most relaxed form—no rolling required. The focus is on perfectly seasoned rice topped like jewels. In this version, pan-seared tofu takes center stage, proving you don't need fish for a full umami experience.
Ingredients
1
cup
Sushi Rice (short-grain)
7
oz
Firm Tofu
2
sheets
Nori (dried seaweed)
1
whole
Ripe Avocado
1
whole
Cucumber
1
tbsp
Coconut Oil
3
tbsp
Soy Sauce
2
tbsp
Rice Vinegar
1
tsp
Sesame Oil
1
bunch
Fresh Cilantro
1
tsp
Toasted Sesame Seeds
1
tsp
Salt
1
tsp
Sugar
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Rice cooker or pot
- Wooden or plastic bowl (for cooling rice)
- Sharp knife
Allergen Information
Soy
Sesame
Instructions
1
✓
Wash rice in a bowl with cold water, draining and repeating 3-4 times until water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions.
Tip: Removing starch prevents gumminess.
2
✓
Wrap tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object (like a can) on top for 10 minutes to press out water.
Tip: Pressing firms the texture so it sears crispy instead of steaming.
3
✓
Cube the tofu. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear tofu until golden brown.
Tip: High heat creates a Maillard reaction crust that seals in moisture.
4
✓
Dissolve sugar and salt in the vinegar. Pour over hot cooked rice in a bowl. Fold gently with a spatula using cutting motions while fanning the rice.
Tip: Fanning cools the rice quickly, giving it a glossy shine.
5
✓
Slice cucumber and avocado. Cut Nori into strips.
Tip: Add a drop of vinegar to avocado to prevent browning.
6
✓
Serve rice in bowls topped with tofu, veggies, nori, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Tip: Texture contrast is key: soft rice, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sushi Rice (short-grain)
- 7 oz Firm Tofu
- 2 sheets Nori (dried seaweed)
- 1 whole Ripe Avocado
- 1 whole Cucumber
- 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar