1. Prepare the Cajun Tofu
- In a bowl, toss cubed tofu with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook tofu for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Jambalaya
- In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions, garlic, bell peppers, and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and rice. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes (or 40 minutes if using brown rice), stirring occasionally.
- Stir in kidney beans and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Add the Tofu & Serve
- Once the rice is tender, fold in the crispy tofu.
- Add hot sauce if you like it extra spicy.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley.
Serving Suggestions
✅ Serve with warm cornbread or a fresh green salad.
✅ Add extra hot sauce or lemon juice for a bright kick.
✅ Pair with vegan sausage for an extra hearty meal.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop.
- Reheating: Add a splash of broth or water while reheating to prevent drying out.
Variants & Add-Ins
🌽 Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or okra for more texture.
🌿 Herb Boost: Stir in fresh basil or thyme for added freshness.
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Increase cayenne pepper and hot sauce to taste.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this oil-free?
Yes! Sauté the vegetables and tofu using vegetable broth instead of oil.
Q: Can I use brown rice?
Yes! Just increase the cooking time to 40 minutes and add extra broth if needed.
Q: Can I replace tofu with another protein?
Absolutely! Try chickpeas, tempeh, or vegan sausage for variety.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Cajun Tofu Jambalaya is hearty, spicy, and full of bold flavors, making it the perfect comfort meal. Whether you enjoy it for dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit!
🔥🌱 Try it today and let me know how you spice it up! 🎉🍛
