Miso-Glazed Tofu Winter Squash

Featured in: Seasonal Flavors

This dish pairs firm tofu cubes caramelized in a savory miso glaze with tender roasted winter squash and fresh bok choy. Roasting intensifies the squash's sweetness while the miso glaze adds a rich umami layer. The bok choy is quickly seared then steamed to preserve its bright, crisp texture. Garnished with scallions, this balanced plate offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a plant-based dinner that’s both hearty and vibrant.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:42:00 GMT
Golden-brown miso-glazed tofu and winter squash are beautifully arranged with bok choy. Save
Golden-brown miso-glazed tofu and winter squash are beautifully arranged with bok choy. | toastytongs.com

A vibrant, umami-packed plant-based main featuring caramelized tofu and roasted winter squash, topped with a savory miso glaze and served alongside tender bok choy.

I first made this for a winter family gathering, and the caramelized miso glaze was such a hit that even the tofu skeptics went back for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Firm tofu: 1 lb (450 g), pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Winter squash: 1 lb (450 g), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (kabocha or butternut recommended)
  • Bok choy: 2 heads, halved lengthwise
  • Scallions: 2 tbsp, thinly sliced for garnish
  • White or yellow miso paste: 3 tbsp
  • Maple syrup or honey: 2 tbsp (use maple syrup for vegan)
  • Soy sauce or tamari: 2 tbsp
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tbsp
  • Toasted sesame oil: 2 tsp
  • Water: 1 tbsp for glaze, plus 2 tbsp for steaming bok choy
  • Freshly grated ginger: 1 tsp
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced
  • Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp for roasting
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

Prepare oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make miso glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together all miso glaze ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
Season squash:
Toss cubed squash with 1 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on one side of the baking sheet.
Prepare tofu:
Toss tofu cubes with 1 tbsp oil and a tablespoon of the miso glaze. Arrange on the other side of the baking sheet.
Roast tofu & squash:
Roast squash and tofu for 20 minutes. Flip both gently, then brush tofu and squash with half of the remaining miso glaze.
Finish roasting:
Return to oven for 10–15 minutes, until squash is tender and tofu is golden.
Sear bok choy:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil, add bok choy cut side down. Sear for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Flip, add 2 tbsp water, cover, and steam for 2–3 minutes until tender. Season with salt.
Plate and serve:
Arrange roasted squash, tofu, and bok choy on plates. Drizzle with remaining miso glaze. Garnish with sliced scallions. Serve hot.
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Everyone in my family loves building their own colorful bowls, and my young niece always asks for extra miso-glazed tofu.

Required Tools

Large baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowls, whisk, large skillet with lid, chefs knife, cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains soy and sesame ingredients. Always check product labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 290, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 29 g, Protein: 14 g

A delicious serving of Miso-Glazed Tofu & Winter Squash, a vegan main course, bursting with flavor. Save
A delicious serving of Miso-Glazed Tofu & Winter Squash, a vegan main course, bursting with flavor. | toastytongs.com

This miso-glazed tofu and squash is both hearty and vibrant. Every plate feels like a warm winter hug packed with flavor.

Recipe FAQ

How do I achieve a good caramelization on tofu?

Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then toss with oil and miso glaze before roasting at a high temperature to ensure a golden, caramelized surface.

What are the best types of winter squash to use?

Kabocha and butternut squash work well for roasting due to their firm texture and natural sweetness that complements the miso glaze.

How should bok choy be cooked for best texture?

Sear bok choy cut side down in a hot skillet for a few minutes, then steam briefly with a lid to keep it tender yet crisp.

Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes, honey or agave syrup can be used, but maple syrup provides a distinct flavor that pairs well with miso’s umami notes.

What are good serving suggestions for this dish?

Serve alongside steamed rice, soba noodles, or a light salad to balance the rich flavors and complete the meal.

Miso-Glazed Tofu Winter Squash

Caramelized tofu and roasted squash glazed in savory miso, served with steamed bok choy for a balanced meal.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created By Daniel Brooks


Skill Level Medium

Heritage Asian-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Plant-Based, No Dairy

Components

Vegetables

01 1 lb firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 1 lb winter squash (kabocha or butternut), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
03 2 heads bok choy, halved lengthwise
04 2 tbsp scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Miso Glaze

01 3 tbsp white or yellow miso paste
02 2 tbsp maple syrup (use honey if not vegan)
03 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
04 1 tbsp rice vinegar
05 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
06 1 tbsp water
07 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
08 1 clove garlic, minced

For Roasting

01 2 tbsp vegetable oil
02 Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Prepare Miso Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, ginger, and garlic until smooth. Set aside.

Phase 03

Toss and Arrange Squash: Toss cubed squash with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on one side of the baking sheet.

Phase 04

Toss and Arrange Tofu: Toss tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of the miso glaze. Arrange on the other side of the baking sheet.

Phase 05

Initial Roasting: Roast squash and tofu for 20 minutes. Flip both gently, then brush tofu and squash with half of the remaining miso glaze.

Phase 06

Finish Roasting: Return to oven and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until squash is tender and tofu is golden brown.

Phase 07

Prepare Bok Choy: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Place bok choy cut side down and sear for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Flip, add 2 tablespoons water, cover, and steam for 2 to 3 minutes until tender. Season lightly with salt.

Phase 08

Plate and Garnish: Arrange roasted squash, tofu, and bok choy on plates. Drizzle with remaining miso glaze and garnish with sliced scallions. Serve immediately.

Tools needed

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Large skillet with lid
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
  • Contains soy from tofu, miso, and soy sauce
  • Contains sesame in sesame oil
  • Gluten-free if using tamari instead of soy sauce

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 290
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 14 g