The short version
Pan-seared tofu over crunchy cabbage and carrot with a lime-peanut dressing. Serves 4 · estimated 27 minutes including prep. No lengthy tofu pressing is included; use firm, well-drained tofu and a wide skillet.
Why you’ll love this peanut tofu slaw lunch boxes
- A complete methodMeasured ingredients, practical equipment and clear cooking cues.
- Meal-Prep LunchesPan-seared tofu over crunchy cabbage and carrot with a lime-peanut dressing.
- Know before you startNo lengthy tofu pressing is included; use firm, well-drained tofu and a wide skillet.
Ingredient notes
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below. Here’s what matters when you shop:
Before you shop. No lengthy tofu pressing is included; use firm, well-drained tofu and a wide skillet.
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Peanut Tofu Slaw Lunch Boxes
Pan-seared tofu over crunchy cabbage and carrot with a lime-peanut dressing.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Total
- 27 min
- Serves
- 4
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Equipment
- 12-inch stainless steel skilletSee our pick →
- Mixing bowlsSee our pick →
- 8-inch chef’s knifeSee our pick →
- Box graterSee our pick →
- Shallow meal-prep containersSee our pick →
Instructions
-
Prepare
Pat tofu thoroughly dry and cut into 2 cm cubes. Grate carrot and mix with shredded cabbage.
-
Sear
Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tofu for 10–12 minutes, turning several times, until golden on several sides. Follow pack directions if they require longer cooking.
-
Whisk
Whisk peanut butter, lime, soy sauce and water until smooth. Add another splash of water if too thick.
-
Pack
Portion rice, slaw and tofu into shallow containers; keep dressing separate. Refrigerate promptly and serve cold, using rice labeled ready to eat cold.
Recipe notes
- Timing: No lengthy tofu pressing is included; use firm, well-drained tofu and a wide skillet. Preparation, preheating and any rest explicitly stated in this method are included in the total estimate. Follow doneness and package directions if they require longer.
- Recipe status: Newly authored for this collection and not yet kitchen-tested. Cooking times are estimates.
- Recipe-page cover: A text recipe card. The Pinterest pin uses an AI-generated editorial food illustration in the style of the earlier collection, not a photograph of a kitchen-tested dish.
- Nutrition: Not calculated for this recipe.
Nutrition has not been calculated for this recipe.
Equipment for this recipe
Check the equipment list before starting. Appliance size and power can affect cooking time.
12-inch stainless steel skillet
Wide enough to sear a pound of shrimp in one layer and then toss the pasta right in. Tri-ply heats evenly.
Mixing bowls
For dressings, batters and combining ingredients.
8-inch chef’s knife
One sharp, balanced knife handles 90% of weeknight prep.
Box grater
Quickly grate vegetables and cheese.
Shallow meal-prep containers
Portion meals and keep wet dressings separate from crisp ingredients.
Easy variations
- Nut-free dressing: Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter.
- Larger batches: Scale ingredient quantities with the serving controls. Use sufficient pan or basket space and allow more time for extra batches; instruction text describes the base batch.
How to store and reheat
- For this recipe: Use within 2 days; avoid extending the original storage life of previously cooked rice.
- Chill promptly: Refrigerate perishable food in shallow covered containers at 40°F / 4°C or below within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F / 32°C. Follow the shorter storage period stated above or on an opened ingredient; previously cooked ingredients keep their original storage deadline.
- Reheating: If reheating cooked leftovers, heat the portion thoroughly to 165°F / 74°C. Keep cold toppings separate. Follow any stricter package directions.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know before making peanut tofu slaw lunch boxes?
No lengthy tofu pressing is included; use firm, well-drained tofu and a wide skillet.
Can I make it ahead?
Use within 2 days; avoid extending the original storage life of previously cooked rice.
Has this recipe been kitchen-tested?
Not yet. This is a newly authored recipe with estimated timing. Check the stated doneness, safe internal temperatures where given, and ingredient package instructions.