Everything you love about a Chipotle bowl, built at home with ingredients that actually support your goals. Black beans and crispy spiced tofu bring the protein, cilantro lime rice or quinoa anchors the base, and fresh pico and avocado keep it bright. It is flexible, meal-prep friendly, and genuinely satisfying.
Ingredients
Makes 1 serving
Base
- 150g cooked brown rice or quinoa
- Juice of 1 lime and a handful of fresh cilantro, stirred into the rice
Protein
- 150g firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1/2 can black beans, rinsed (use both tofu and beans, or either on its own)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup frozen corn, roasted in a dry pan
- 1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo (tomato, onion, cilantro, lime, salt)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (in place of sour cream)
Method
Prep the tofu
Press tofu well to remove excess moisture. Cut into cubes and toss with olive oil, chipotle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Pan-fry on medium-high heat until golden and crispy on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not move it around too much. Let it sit and develop a crust.
Roast the corn
Add frozen corn to a dry pan on high heat. Leave it without stirring until it starts to char slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step adds depth and a little smokiness that makes a real difference.
Build the bowl
Start with the cilantro lime rice or quinoa as your base. Add beans, tofu, and corn. Layer on pico de gallo and avocado. Finish with a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top.
Meal Prep Notes
- Cook a big batch of rice or quinoa, beans, and tofu on Sunday and store them separately in the fridge.
- Add avocado and pico fresh each day so they do not go brown or soggy.
- The tofu holds well for 4 days refrigerated. Re-crisp in a dry pan for 2 to 3 minutes before assembling.
Why It Works
- Black beans and tofu together provide a complete amino acid profile across the meal.
- Charring the corn and crisping the tofu adds texture contrast that makes the bowl feel more satisfying.
- Greek yogurt replaces sour cream with significantly more protein and less fat.
- Lime juice in the rice brightens the whole bowl without adding any calories worth tracking.