Tofu, the magical chameleon of plant-based proteins, steps in to offer a delicious and healthy alternative with the oh so popular ‘Everything But the Bagel’ seasoning, packed with protein and ready to soak up all the goodness of a homemade, low-cal peanut sauce.
Spring rolls are an art form: vibrant, fresh ingredients nestled in delicate sheets of rice paper, ready to burst with flavor in every bite. But who says they have to be meat-centric?
Why Tofu Spring Rolls Rock:
Protein Powerhouse: Tofu is a nutritional superstar, offering complete protein with all nine essential amino acids. Unlike its meaty counterparts, it’s lower in fat and cholesterol, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Flavor Chameleon: Tofu readily absorbs the flavors of its surroundings, making it the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Marinate it, pan-fry it, or simply slice it – the possibilities are endless!
Fresh & Fun: Spring rolls are all about showcasing vibrant, seasonal ingredients. Think crisp carrots, juicy cucumbers, crunchy lettuce, and fragrant herbs – a rainbow of goodness in every bite.
Dipping Delight: And let’s not forget the star of the show – the low-cal peanut sauce! Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, it’s the perfect foil to the fresh flavors of the spring rolls, making every dip an explosion of taste.
So ditch the takeout and roll up your own plant-powered goodness. Tofu spring rolls are a delicious, healthy, and fun way to celebrate fresh ingredients. With every bite, you’ll be surprised at how satisfying and flavorful tofu can be.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s get started!
Everything But the Bagel Tofu Spring Rolls & Low-Cal Peanut Sauce
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large shallow dish or bowl, filled with warm water
- Damp dish towel
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
- 1 block extra-firm tofu drained and pressed
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons everything but the bagel seasoning
- Pinch of salt and pepper
For the Spring Rolls:
- 4 rice paper wrappers I use the blue dragon brand from amazon
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced mango frozen or fresh
- 1/2 of a medium avocado sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons PB2 Powder
- 1.5 tablespoons soy or shoyu sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons water additional water to thin out as needed
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice to taste
- 1 tablespoon cilantro minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha or chili flakes optional
Instructions
- For the Tofu: Slice the tofu into sticks or thin strips. In a rectangular pyrex or plate, drizzle the sesame oil and season the tofu with everything but the bagel seasoning, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place in the air fryer in a thin layer and fry at 390F for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned and crisped.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Julienne the carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper. Thinly slice the mango and avocado.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: Combine all peanut sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed, to create a more runny consistency.
- Assemble the Spring Rolls: In a shallow dish filled with warm water, dip the rice paper in it one at a time for 15-20 seconds. Lay the rice paper wrapper on a damp kitchen towel. Place a small amount of tofu, and each vegetable in the center, leaving a few inches of border on all sides. Top with herbs.
- Folding Fun: Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides. Tightly roll the wrapper up towards the top, encasing the filling. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Dipping Delight: Serve spring rolls with the homemade peanut sauce for a flavor explosion in every bite!
Notes
- Add in vermicelli noodles for extra texture if desired.
- Get creative with the vegetables! Swap in shredded radishes, bean sprouts, or even thinly sliced apples for a unique twist.
- Make it a party! Set up a DIY spring roll station with all the ingredients and let everyone create their own flavor combinations.