Burrito bowls pack a lot of flavor into one dish, and this vegan version brings together every classic component without any meat or dairy. Crispy, seasoned tofu mince stands in for the usual protein, layered over cilantro-lime rice with sautéed fajita vegetables, seasoned black beans, and fresh guacamole.

It looks elaborate with all its components, but each part comes together quickly, and the result is a nutritious, protein-packed bowl that's easy to customize.

Watch the full recipe video here

Why Tofu Mince Works So Well Here

Crumbling tofu by hand instead of slicing it creates more surface area for the marinade to cling to, and it bakes up with a texture similar to seasoned ground meat. The combination of soy sauce, paprika, cumin, and balsamic vinegar gives it a smoky, savory flavor that holds its own against the other bold components in the bowl.

Ingredients

For the tofu mince:

• 1 pound extra-firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 2–3 tablespoons oil

For the cilantro-lime rice:

• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1½ cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• ½ cup chopped cilantro

For the veggie fajitas:

• 1 green bell pepper, julienned
• ½ red onion, julienned
• A pinch of salt
• Oil

For the black beans:

• 1 can black beans, drained
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Oil

For the guacamole:

• 1 Hass avocado, diced
• 1 cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced tomato
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

How to Make a Vegan Burrito Bowl

Tofu mince:

1. Crumble the tofu into small pieces using your hands.
2. Combine the tofu crumbles with the remaining tofu mince ingredients in a bowl.
3. Spread the seasoned tofu in a single layer on a lined baking tray and bake at 420°F (215°C) for about 20 minutes, or until crispy.

Cilantro-lime rice:

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Place it in a pot with 1½ cups water and 1 teaspoon salt (adjust water slightly based on your location).
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water has almost evaporated, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes.
3. Remove from the stove and let the rice steam, covered, for an additional 6–10 minutes.
4. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro.

Veggie fajitas:

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the julienned bell peppers.
2. Once the peppers are soft and starting to turn golden, add the julienned onions.
3. Season with a pinch of salt and sauté until the onions are soft and golden. Remove from the pan.

Black beans:

1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of oil, the diced onion, and minced garlic.
2. Once softened, add the oregano, cumin, salt, and black beans.
3. Cook for a few minutes, adjust seasoning, and remove from heat.

Guacamole:

1. Combine all the guacamole ingredients in a small bowl and adjust seasoning as needed. Add finely diced jalapeño for extra heat, if desired.

Assemble the bowls:

1. This recipe makes 2–4 bowls, depending on appetite. Divide each component according to your number of servings.
2. Place a few spoonfuls of rice at the bottom of each bowl.
3. Top with tofu mince, veggie fajitas, black beans, and guacamole.

Recipe Tips

• Add sweetness: A scoop of sweetcorn balances the smoky and savory flavors nicely.
• Swap the beans: Pinto or cannellini beans work well in place of black beans.
• Make vegan sour cream: Blend ½ cup raw cashews with ½ cup water, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt for a quick, creamy topping.
• Add crunch: Chopped iceberg lettuce adds freshness and texture to the finished bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I meal prep this burrito bowl? Yes, prepare each component separately and store in the fridge for up to 4 days, assembling bowls fresh as needed.

What can I use instead of tofu for the protein? Crumbled tempeh or a store-bought plant-based ground meat both work well as substitutes.

Is this burrito bowl gluten-free? It can be, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) in the tofu marinade.