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Vietnamese-inspired lemongrass tofu bowls

Golden tofu takes on a finely chopped lemongrass coating, while rice, cucumber and quick-dressed carrot make the bowl varied and fresh. A lime-and-tamari dressing ties the warm tofu to the crisp vegetables.

VeganEasy4 servings

Ingredients

Original recipe: 4 servings. Ingredient amounts scale below; the method is written for 4 servings. For larger amounts, use separate batches and check doneness.

  • 300 guncooked jasmine rice
  • 450 mlwater for rice
  • 600 gextra-firm tofu, drained
  • 30 gtender lemongrass centres, very finely minced
  • 3 clovegarlic, minced
  • 3 tbspgluten-free tamari, divided
  • 2 tbspneutral oil
  • 1 tbspsugar, divided
  • 2 tbspfresh lime juice
  • 1 tbspunseasoned rice vinegar
  • 150 gcarrot, cut into matchsticks
  • 250 gcucumber, sliced
  • 15 gmint leaves
  • 15 gcilantro leaves

Make it

  1. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and press gently under a plate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine carrot with rice vinegar and half the sugar and leave to lightly pickle while preparing the other components.
  2. Rinse the rice, bring to a boil with its measured water, then cover and cook on very low for 12–15 minutes. Turn off the heat and rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
  3. Cut tofu into 2 cm cubes. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the tofu for 8–10 minutes, turning until golden on several sides.
  4. Lower the heat to medium. Add lemongrass and garlic for 1 minute, then add 1 tablespoon tamari and the remaining sugar and toss for another minute until fragrant and coated.
  5. Mix the remaining tamari with lime juice for a dressing. Divide rice, tofu, drained carrot and cucumber among four bowls and finish with mint, cilantro and the dressing.
Ingredients, recipe context & sources

Ingredient flags: Soy. Check packaged ingredients and cross-contact.

This is an original Livura home-cooking interpretation, not yet independently kitchen-tested. Source links provide dish and cultural context; the recipe wording and quantities are Livura’s.

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