Lemongrass and Chili Fried Tofu Recipe

Lemongrass and chili fried tofu is a familiar dish that’s easy to make yet irresistibly delicious. If you’re looking for a nutritious vegetarian meal or want to switch up your family’s dinner, let’s explore how to make lemongrass and chili fried tofu in the article below.

Health Benefits of Tofu for Humans

Lemongrass and Chili Fried Tofu Recipe

Before diving into the details of preparing lemongrass and chili fried tofu, let’s explore the amazing health benefits that tofu offers:

Reducing Cancer Risk

According to scientific research, tofu contains genistein and isoflavones – powerful antioxidants that help inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Particularly, consuming tofu can help reduce the risk of stomach and prostate cancer thanks to its high selenium content.

Lowering Heart Disease Risk

Tofu has lower levels of cholesterol, lipoprotein, and triglycerides compared to animal meat. Additionally, it contains no harmful saturated fats that affect the cardiovascular system. Therefore, adding tofu to your daily diet will effectively protect your heart health.

Preventing Colitis

Isoflavones in tofu have been proven to reduce symptoms of colitis in some individuals. These compounds act like natural estrogen, supporting the treatment of gut-related conditions.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Plant-based proteins like tofu help the body control protein excretion in urine better than animal proteins. This contributes to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Enhancing Brain Function

Equol – a metabolite from tofu – helps reduce the risk of memory decline and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Regularly eating tofu in moderation can improve brain function.

Supplementing Calcium, Preventing Osteoporosis

Isoflavones in tofu help increase bone mineral density, effectively preventing osteoporosis. This is an ideal food for children, the elderly, and postmenopausal women.

Regulating Mood in Menopausal Women

Isoflavones in tofu also help balance hormones, reducing irritability and stress in women during menopause.

How to Make Delicious Lemongrass and Chili Fried Tofu

Below are two simple recipes for making lemongrass and chili fried tofu, suitable for every family.

Method 1: Dry Lemongrass and Chili Fried Tofu

Ingredients:

• 4-5 pieces of white tofu
• 7 lemongrass stalks
• 10 fresh chilies
• Cooking oil

Steps:

Lemongrass and Chili Fried Tofu Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

• Wash the tofu, let it drain, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Remove the base of the lemongrass, wash it clean, and finely chop.
• Wash the chilies, remove the stems and seeds (to avoid excessive spiciness), and finely chop.

Step 2: Fry the Tofu

• Heat a pan over the stove, add about 100ml of cooking oil. When the oil is hot, add the tofu and fry until golden on both sides.
• Remove the tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Sauté Lemongrass and Chili

• Using the pan with remaining oil, sauté the finely chopped lemongrass and chili mixture. When it becomes fragrant, turn off the heat and let it drain.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

• Arrange the tofu on a plate, evenly sprinkle the sautéed lemongrass and chili mixture on top. This dish is very appealing when served with fish sauce or chili sauce and hot rice.

Method 2: Lemongrass and Chili Fried Tofu with Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 large piece of tofu
• Cooking oil
• Shallots, garlic, fresh lemongrass, chilies
• Soy sauce
• Vegetarian oyster sauce
• Sugar

Steps:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

• Wash the tofu, cut into bite-sized squares.
• Peel the shallots and garlic, wash and finely chop.
• Wash the chilies, remove the stems and seeds, then finely chop.
• Cut the base of the lemongrass, wash it clean, and finely chop to release the aromatic oils.

Step 2: Fry the Tofu

• Heat a pan over the stove, add cooking oil, and fry the tofu until crispy and golden on all sides. Then remove and let it drain.

Step 3: Sauté Lemongrass and Chili

• Using the pan with remaining oil, sauté the shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and chilies. When the mixture turns golden and fragrant, turn off the heat.

Sauté lemongrass and chili until golden and fragrant

Step 4: Season the Dish

• Add the tofu to the pan, then add the sautéed lemongrass and chili mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and a little water.
• Simmer on low heat, stirring to ensure the flavors are well absorbed by the tofu.
• When the sauce thickens, add green onions and herbs as desired. Turn off the heat and serve on a plate.

Tips for Choosing Good Tofu

Carefully select ingredients for lemongrass and chili fried tofu

• Choose tofu with a natural white color, avoiding pieces that are too white as they may have been treated with chemicals.
• Good tofu feels light, soft, and has good elasticity. When smelled, it should have the characteristic aroma of soybeans.
• Avoid buying tofu that is too hard or heavy as it may contain gypsum.
• Do not choose pre-packaged soft tofu as it often contains a lot of water, which can make it less crispy and more likely to break when fried.

Conclusion

With the detailed lemongrass and chili fried tofu recipe provided above, you can easily prepare a delicious and nutritious dish at home. Try it out to enrich your family’s menu!

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