Vegan Shiitake and Tofu Skin Salad: Refreshing and Crunchy

Are you looking for a vegan dish that is both light and nutritious? Try this recipe for vegan shiitake and tofu skin salad! This dish is not only easy to make but also offers a fresh, crunchy, and appealing flavor. Let’s explore how to prepare this unique salad in the article below.

1. Understanding Vegan Shiitake and Tofu Skin Salad

Vegan shiitake and tofu skin salad is a perfect combination of natural ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms, tofu skin, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful salad dressing. This dish is suitable not only for family meals but also as an ideal choice for vegan parties.

Vegan Shiitake and Tofu Skin Salad

2. Ingredients Needed (for 4-6 People)

To make this salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• Shiitake mushrooms: 200g (fresh or dried)
• Tofu skin: 1 large piece (about 150g)
• Carrot: 1
• Cucumber: 1
• Bean sprouts: 100g
• Roasted peanuts: 50g
• Herbs: Vietnamese coriander, Thai basil (a small bunch)
• Limes: 2
• Chili: 1-2 (to taste)
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Seasonings: Vegan fish sauce, sugar, salt, cooking oil

3. Preparing the Ingredients

3.1. Handling Shiitake Mushrooms

• If using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes until they soften. Then, rinse and remove the stems.
• For fresh shiitake mushrooms, rinse, blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then cool and slice into bite-sized strips.

3.2. Frying Tofu Skin

• Cut the tofu skin into small, bite-sized squares.
• Fry until golden and crispy in hot oil over medium heat, then drain excess oil.

Fried Tofu Skin

3.3. Preparing Vegetables

• Carrot: Peel and shred.
• Cucumber: Remove seeds and slice into strips.
• Bean sprouts: Rinse and blanch briefly in boiling water.
• Herbs: Rinse and finely chop.
• Roasted peanuts: Crush lightly.

4. Making the Salad Dressing

The salad dressing is crucial to the flavor of the dish. You can adjust the proportions to suit your taste:

• Suggested ratio: 3 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of water, finely minced garlic and chili.
• Mix well and taste gradually to ensure a balanced sweet and sour flavor.

5. Mixing the Salad

• Place all prepared ingredients in a large bowl: shiitake mushrooms, fried tofu skin, carrot, cucumber, and bean sprouts.
• Gradually pour the salad dressing over the ingredients, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
• Finally, add the herbs and crushed peanuts, and toss again.

6. Tips for a Perfect Salad

• Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh shiitake mushrooms have a distinctive aroma and thick flesh. Opt for tofu skin that is light yellow and not moldy.
• Fry tofu skin correctly: Fry over medium heat to keep it crispy longer.
• Experiment with the dressing: Add chili sauce or sambal if you prefer a spicy flavor.
• Be flexible with variations: You can add red onion, shredded cabbage, or substitute tofu skin with fried tofu.

7. Nutritional Value of the Salad

This salad is not only delicious but also very beneficial for health:

• Shiitake mushrooms: Rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, boosting immunity.
• Tofu skin: Provides plant-based protein, calcium, and iron.
• Vegetables: Supply vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

Conclusion

With a simple recipe and easily accessible ingredients, vegan shiitake and tofu skin salad is a great choice for everyday meals or special occasions. Experiment and be creative to make your own version! Wishing you success and a delicious meal!

References

1. “Vietnamese Vegan Cuisine” – Nguyen Thi An, Food Culture Publishing House, 2022.
2. “Nutritional Vegan Dish Guide” – Tran Minh Tam, Women’s Publishing House, 2021.