Home » Entrées » Harissa Tofu Bowls

Harissa Tofu Bowls

Name: Harissa Tofu Bowls
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice (cooked); 16 oz high protein super firm tofu (broken into 1” chunks); 1 tbsp arrowroot powder; 2 tbsp harissa seasoning; ½ tsp sea salt; ½ cup harissa sauce; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tbsp coconut aminos; 1 head broccoli (cut into florets, steamed); 1 tbsp sesame seeds

This post may contain affiliate links.

This Harissa Tofu Bowl recipe is spicy, savory, and completely plant-based. Crispy tofu gets tossed in a bold harissa sauce and served over fluffy rice with fresh steamed broccoli or vegetables of choice. It’s the kind of vibrant, satisfying meal you’ll crave on repeat—and it’s ready in 30 minutes flat. Don’t forget to bookmark this one for meal prep!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Harissa Tofu Bowls

Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner: Harissa Tofu Bowls! These bowls are loaded with flavor and plant-powered protein thanks to crispy oven-baked tofu coated in bold, smoky harissa sauce—served up with fluffy rice and tender broccoli for the ultimate balance of heat, comfort, and nourishment. If you’ve been following along with my recipes for a while, you will know how much I adore crispy tofu! It’s one of those things that can be customized a million ways and always makes a meal different. This time I was inspired by the bold spices of Moroccan cuisine. I couldn’t resist giving my tried and true baked tofu method a delicious harissa upgrade. You’re going to love it!

This dish is a little sneak peek of what’s to come on our upcoming Morocco trip this November! (Yes, I’m going—and you can come too!) If this flavor-packed bowl is calling your name, imagine what a full week of vibrant Moroccan meals, spice markets, and desert sunsets would be like. Snag your spot before we’re sold out!

What is Harissa?

Harissa is a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy chili paste that originates from North Africa, especially Tunisia. It’s made with roasted red peppers, hot chili peppers, garlic, spices like cumin and coriander, and a touch of olive oil. This flavorful condiment adds instant warmth and depth to any dish, especially tofu. Whether you use a dry harissa seasoning or a saucy blend, it’s one of the easiest ways to make plant-based meals pop.

Ingredients for Harissa Tofu Bowls

These harissa tofu bowls are layered with pantry staples, vibrant colors and it all comes together in under 30 minutes!

Super firm tofu: High protein and ultra-pressable, this tofu holds its shape and crisps up beautifully.
Arrowroot powder: Helps achieve that irresistible crispy tofu exterior without frying.
Harissa seasoning + sauce: Double the harissa means double the flavor. The dry rub adds crispiness; the sauce coats every bite with bold spice.
Maple syrup: A little sweetness to balance out the heat.
Coconut aminos: A soy-free umami boost that keeps the sauce gluten-free. Tamari is also a suitable substitute if you don’t have coconut aminos.
Basmati rice: Fluffy and fragrant, a perfect base for your tofu bowls. Swap this for white rice, jasmine or a bed of greens if you’d like.
Broccoli florets: Lightly steamed to keep things fresh and nutrient-packed. Any vegetable will fit this recipe deliciously, think cauliflower, brussels or carrots!
Sesame seeds: For that final crunch and a hint of nuttiness.

How to Make Harissa Tofu Bowls

Make Crispy Tofu

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment. Tear the tofu into rustic 1-inch chunks—this creates more surface area to crisp. Toss with arrowroot, harissa seasoning, and sea salt until evenly coated. Spread on the sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Make the sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the harissa sauce, maple syrup, and coconut aminos. Once the tofu is golden and crispy, toss it in the sauce to coat.

Build your bowl

Scoop basmati rice into bowls, top with the saucy harissa tofu, steamed broccoli, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve warm and dig in.

What to Serve with Harissa Tofu

While these harissa tofu bowls are completely satisfying on their own, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this recipe. Add a generous scoop of creamy hummus or baba ganoush for richness that pairs perfectly with the bold spicy harissa. Fresh vegetables such as chopped cucumber or tomato can add a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy tofu. You can also serve this alongside a salad or meal prep the ingredients for another day!

Why You’ll Love Harissa Tofu Bowls

If you’re into bold flavors and crispy tofu, this is the recipe for you! This tofu bowl recipe checks all the boxes: meal prep friendly, gluten free, ready in under 30 minutes, hearty portions and absolutely delicious. The recipe is entirely vegan, loaded with protein, and made with wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your house.

The flavor profile is perfectly balanced with sweet maple, smoky harissa, and umami-rich coconut aminos. It also keeps well in an airtight container, so it’s a smart meal prep idea you can enjoy throughout the week. Best of all, it’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you swap grains, rotate veggies, or play with sauces, this tofu bowl is built for customization.

How to Customize Your Harissa Tofu Bowls

Consider this recipe the stepping stone to your creativity! One of the things I love the most about tofu bowls is that you can make them exactly the same every time, or you can experiment. Don’t have broccoli? Go for another vegetable. Fancy a lighter meal? Swap the rice for another grain or a bed of greens. Change up the vegetables depending on what’s in season or in your fridge; roasted sweet potatoes or sautéed kale are excellent complements to the bold, spicy flavor of vegan harissa.

If you love extra sauce, a drizzle of tahini or vegan yogurt takes things to the next level. However you build it, this healthy tofu bowl is a reliable go-to in your rotation of vegan recipes with harissa. You could even add a bit of crunch by sprinkling nuts or seeds on top! The options are truly endless.

Tofu Bowl FAQs

How do I get my tofu super crispy? Start with super firm tofu, tear it instead of cubing, and toss it in arrowroot powder. Bake at a high heat on a parchment-lined metal baking sheet without crowding. You can also check out this tutorial where I dive into oven baked crispy tofu.

Do I need a tofu press? If you’re using super firm tofu, a press isn’t necessary. Just pat dry. If you use extra firm tofu, pressing helps remove excess water and improves texture.

Is Harissa gluten free? Yes, Harissa is typically gluten-free, but it depends on the brand or recipe. Traditional harissa is made from chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin and coriander—all naturally gluten-free ingredients. Always check the package to be sure!

Did you make this recipe?

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review below and try these recipes next:

Moroccan Carrot Lentil Salad

Moroccan Couscous Salad

Moroccan Chickpea Lentil Stew

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

Get the Jackfruitful Meal Planner !

Say goodbye to meal time stress with the Jackfruitful Meal Planner! Get a weekly custom meal plan, grocery list, and access to exclusive recipes, tutorials, at-home workouts and more!

All your favorite Layered Salads from Jackfruitful Kitchen are now a FREE eBook!

Enter your email below and then check your inbox for the goodies.

Join my mailing list to get the latest recipes first!

Jackie Akerberg

Harissa Tofu Bowls

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin to Pinterest!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Equipment

oven, stove

Ingredients

1 cup basmati rice, cooked
16 oz high protein super firm tofu, broken into 1” chunks
1 tbsp arrowroot powder
2 tbsp harissa seasoning
½ tsp sea salt
½ cup harissa sauce
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp coconut aminos
1 head broccoli, cut into florets, steamed
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Method

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a large metal baking sheet with parchment.
Place your tofu chunks in a bowl and sprinkle with arrowroot powder (or tapioca flour or cornstarch), harissa, and sea salt. Toss to combine and spread on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp.
Meanwhile, combine harissa sauce, maple syrup and coconut aminos in a bowl and stir to combine.
Transfer cooked tofu to the bowl of sauce and sauce to coat. Serve tofu over rice with steamed broccoli and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

Did you make this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

2 Responses

Janice Price says:

May 30, 2025 at 10:31 am

Hi Jackie,
This ueasy meal looks delicious…can’t wait to try it. Could you share what brand of Harissa sauce you like best? I have not used it before and want to make sure I get a good one! Thanks so much!

Loading...

Reply
1. jackfruitfulkitchen says:
  
  June 2, 2025 at 3:07 pm
  
  Hey Janice, this is the Harissa that I like to use! Its a brand called Mina https://amzn.to/4dNnzqn I hope you enjoy this recipe!
  
  Loading...
  
  Reply

Harissa Tofu Bowls

Harissa Tofu Bowls

What is Harissa?

Ingredients for Harissa Tofu Bowls