Delicious and Nutritious Vegan Sesame Tofu Salad Recipe

Vegan sesame tofu salad is a light, nutritious dish that’s perfect for hot summer days. With the rich, nutty flavor of toasted sesame seeds combined with the harmonious sweet and sour taste of the dressing, this dish is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits. Let’s explore the detailed recipe to make this delicious vegan sesame tofu salad right at home.

1. Ingredients Needed for Vegan Sesame Tofu Salad

To prepare vegan sesame tofu salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• White tofu: 2 pieces
• White sesame seeds: 3 tablespoons
• Carrot: 1
• Cucumber: 1
• Bean sprouts: 100g
• Herbs: Vietnamese coriander, Thai basil (optional)
• Roasted peanuts: 50g
• Fresh chili: 1-2 (to taste)
• Vegan fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Lime juice: 2 tablespoons
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Cooking oil

Ingredients for vegan sesame tofu salad
Fresh ingredients are crucial for making an appealing salad.

2. Preparing the Ingredients

Carefully preparing the ingredients will enhance the appeal of the vegan sesame tofu salad:

• Tofu: Rinse, pat dry with a towel or paper towel to remove excess water. Then cut into small, bite-sized squares.
• Sesame seeds: Toast over low heat until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
• Carrot: Peel, rinse, and shred into thin strips.
• Cucumber: Rinse, remove seeds if desired, and shred into long strips.
• Bean sprouts: Rinse, blanch briefly in boiling water, then drain.
• Herbs: Pick and rinse, then finely chop.
• Roasted peanuts: Lightly crush.
• Fresh chili and garlic: Finely mince for the salad dressing.

Preparing the ingredients
Proper preparation helps the salad maintain its crunch and fresh flavor.

3. Recipe for Sweet and Sour Salad Dressing

The salad dressing plays a crucial role in determining the flavor of the dish. You can follow this recipe:

• In a bowl, combine: 3 tablespoons vegan fish sauce, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons sugar, minced garlic, and minced chili (to taste).
• Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves. Taste and adjust to balance the sweet, sour, and salty flavors.

Note: If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add a bit of water to adjust the dressing’s intensity.

Making the salad dressing
The sweet and sour salad dressing is the soul of the dish, enhancing the taste buds.

4. Tips for Frying Crispy Tofu

To achieve crispy tofu for the salad, follow these tips:

• Step 1: Heat enough cooking oil in a pan.
• Step 2: Fry the tofu pieces over medium heat until golden on all sides.
• Step 3: Remove the tofu and drain on paper towels.

Expert tip: Press out excess water from the tofu before frying to make it crispier and prevent it from absorbing too much oil.

Frying crispy tofu
Crispy tofu is a key element in making the salad appealing.

5. Completing the Vegan Sesame Tofu Salad

• Step 1: Place the fried tofu, carrot, cucumber, bean sprouts, and herbs in a large bowl.
• Step 2: Pour the salad dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to evenly coat.
• Step 3: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and crushed peanuts on top.

Tip: Toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the ingredients, helping the dish maintain its crunch and aesthetics.

Completing the salad
The finished salad with vibrant colors and harmonious flavors.

6. Variations and Enjoyment

Vegan sesame tofu salad can be served as an appetizer, a side dish with meals, or a light, refreshing snack. You can also get creative by adding other vegetables like red cabbage, onions, mushrooms, or shredded green mango to enhance the flavor.

Expert suggestion: “Adding shredded green mango to the salad creates a perfect blend of sour, sweet, rich, and aromatic flavors.”

Conclusion

With its simple and easy-to-follow recipe, vegan sesame tofu salad is not only a great choice for everyday meals but also offers numerous health benefits. Try this recipe today and share your results with others!

Finished salad dish
The finished vegan sesame tofu salad is visually appealing and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many calories are in vegan sesame tofu salad?
  The average calorie content is about 200-300 calories per serving, depending on the amount of ingredients used.
• Is vegan sesame tofu salad good for health?
  Yes, this dish is very healthy as it provides plenty of plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Can any ingredients be substituted in this salad?
  You can substitute white tofu with crispy fried tofu skin or add other vegetables like red cabbage, onions, or mushrooms.
• How can I make the tofu crispy for the salad?
  Press out excess water from the tofu before frying and fry over medium heat until golden on all sides.
• When is the best time to eat vegan sesame tofu salad?
  This dish is suitable for any time of the day, from an appetizer to a light snack.