Thai Tofu Quinoa Bowl

I found this recipe on Pinterest. This is a fabulous dish!!  Everyone loved it...even my teenage son!  The flavors are incredible and I like the "kick" that the Srircha adds.  This is a great one pot meal for those hot summer nights!  It fed our family of 5 and I have a little left over for lunch tomorrow.  Enjoy!

For the quinoa:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (I use vegetable broth)
• 1 package extra firm tofu ( 15 oz), diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2/3 cup chopped scallions
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon Srircha
• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoon creamy peanut butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 lime, juice
• 1  teaspoon grated ginger

30 Minutes Before Cooking: Drain and rinse the block of tofu. Wrap it in a clean dish towel (or paper towels), and place it on a rimmed dinner plate. Place another plate on top and weight it down with something heavy, like a can of tomatoes or a heavy skillet, to press out some of the excess liquid. Let sit 15 – 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°. Toss the tofu, soy sauce, and sesame oil in bowl. Place the tofu in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes tossing every ten minutes to crisp the tofu on all sides.

Toast the quinoa: Place a medium sized saucepan on medium low heat. Add in the dry quinoa and toast for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nutty in scent.Pour toasted quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly. Return to pot and  add in the broth, lower heat slightly, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff quinoa with a fork once cooked, and set aside.

Make the sauce: Place the peanut butter in the bowl first and throw in the microwave for 10 seconds to melt slightly. Add in remaining ingredients and whisk well to combine. Set aside.

Toast the almonds: Place the almonds, sesame seeds, and vegetable oil in a small saucepan. Cook or medium low heat, stirring occasionally, until the almonds are a deep golden brown.

Toss together the quinoa, vegetables and herbs, tofu, and 3/4 of the nut mixture. Pour over the sauce and toss well to combine. Spoon into bowls, top with remaining nuts, extra lime and Sriracha if desired. Can be stored in fridge up to one week.