MEMBER RECIPE

Vietnamese Lemongrass Tofu Bánh Mì Recipe

By whiteonricecouple

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Total Time: 2 hours (including 1 hr. for marinating) | Makes: About one long baguette worth of banh mi.

I’m always bored with all the same, tired veggie bánh mì options at my local eateries . It’s so easy to make your own, so here’s a savory and flavorful Vietnamese bánh mì option for vegetarians. This satisfying staple , lemongrass tofu is so versatile. The tofu can be used in many dishes: Bánh Mì sandwiches, fresh springrolls, tossed in salads or topped on noodles and rice. The flavor and texture is a great and easy way to satisfy your veggie guests or to introduce tofu to “newbies” for the first time.

INGREDIENTS

1 pkg of firm tofu
1/2 cup peanut or vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
5 table spoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1-2 bulbs of fresh lemongrass. When chopped should be about 3 tablespoons.
1 light, crusty baguette
1 cup shredded carrot
1 cup shredded daikon radish
Carrot/radish pickle marinade: 2 cups warm water,1/4 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoons salt.
Other Condiments: Sprinkle of soy sauce, mayo, fresh cilantro sprigs, slices of: cucumber, jalapeno chili's, red onion

INSTRUCTIONS

Drain Tofu and blot dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture( this link will further clarify this step : http://whiteonricecouple.com/blog/?page_id=74 ) . Slice into about 1/4 ” pieces. Assemble carrot/daikon pickle marinade and add shredded carrots and daikon to mixture. Let carrots & daikon soak for about 1 hour.
Wash lemongrass and chop bulbs and remaining of stalk that is tender. Place chopped lemongrass in mortar & pestle (or food processor or blender) and continue to crush pieces till they are small and pulverized. Add 2 cloves of garlic and crush ( or process/blend) garlic together with lemongrass.
In large plastic freezer bag, combine crushed lemongrass & garlic, vegetable oil, soy sauce, salt, pepper and sesame oil. Mix the marinade well, then add slices of tofu in bag. Lay tofu slices in gently on top of each other so that they don’t break. Make sure all marinate coats each slice of tofu.
Let marinade for at least 1 hour or until all tofu slices soak up the marinade. Heat up frying pan. Do not add oil to the pan because the tofu is well oiled. Fry slices of tofu until both sides are golden brown with a nice firm crust. Let cool and assemble banh mi.
Cut baguette into desired portions. If your baguette is too heavy and dense, you can scoop out some of the center. Slice lengthwise and add condiments of your choice.

Member recipes are not tested by the CHOW food team.