Lemongrass Tofu

Vietnamese style - you can make with easy to find ingredients

10/8/20241 min read

Ingredients

  • 1 block extra firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 stalk lemongrass, minced

  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth

  • 1/4 cup coconut milk

  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

  • 1 lime, juiced

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Place the tofu on a cutting board and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top of the tofu to press out excess moisture for about 10 minutes.

  2. Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  3. Add the tofu: Add the tofu cubes to the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

  4. Stir in the garlic and lemongrass: Add the minced garlic and lemongrass to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

  5. Add the broth, coconut milk, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes: Stir in the vegetable broth, coconut milk, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

  6. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more fish sauce, sugar, or chili flakes if needed.

  7. Stir in the lime juice: Stir in the lime juice to add a touch of brightness.

  8. Garnish with cilantro: Serve the tofu with the sauce and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Tips

  • For a spicier dish, add more chili flakes or use a hotter variety of chili flakes.

  • If you don't have lemongrass, you can use ginger or galangal instead.

  • For a vegan-friendly dish, use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce.

  • Serve the tofu with your favorite vegetables, such as rice noodles, bok choy, or cucumber salad.

Enjoy!