Flavorful Lemongrass Chili Tofu Recipe

Braised tofu with lemongrass and chili is a simple yet appealing vegetarian dish, thanks to its rich flavor from the perfect combination of savory tofu and aromatic, spicy lemongrass and chili. Let’s explore how to prepare this dish to add to your vegetarian meal rotation!

Ingredients for Lemongrass Chili Tofu

• Fried tofu: 5 pieces
• Lemongrass: 3 stalks
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Chili peppers: 2
• Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
• Vegetarian seasoning powder: 1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder: 1/2 tbsp (mentioned in marinade step)
• Cooking oil: 2 tbsp
• Sugar or MSG: a pinch (optional)
• Salt: 1 tsp (mentioned in marinade step)
• Black pepper: 1 tsp (mentioned in marinade step)
• Water: 2 tbsp (mentioned in marinade step)

Ingredients for lemongrass chili tofu including tofu, lemongrass, chili, garlic

How to Choose Good Tofu

Selecting quality tofu is crucial for both flavor and health safety. To choose good tofu, keep these points in mind:

• Feel: Choose tofu pieces that are soft and light to the touch. Avoid pieces that are hard, heavy, or perfectly square, as these might contain plaster (gypsum).
• Color and Smell: Clean tofu usually has an off-white color, is smooth, and has the characteristic aroma of soybeans. Do not buy tofu that is yellow, smells like lime, or has no smell.

Steps to Make Lemongrass Chili Tofu

Prepare the Ingredients

Gently rinse the tofu to avoid breaking it. Then, cut each tofu piece in half and briefly fry them so they absorb the marinade better later.

Trim the tough bottom parts of the lemongrass stalks, rinse, and chop finely. Peel the garlic cloves, rinse, and mince finely. Remove the stems from the chili peppers, rinse, and slice thinly.

Chopped lemongrass, chili, and garlic ready for cooking

Marinate the Tofu

In a bowl, mix together: 1 tbsp vegetarian seasoning powder, 2 tbsp water, ½ tbsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Coat each piece of tofu evenly with this mixture and let it marinate for about 15 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors.

Tofu pieces coated in yellow marinade in a bowl

Braise the Tofu

1. Heat a pan with 2 tbsp of cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, and sliced chili until fragrant.
2. Add the marinated tofu to the pan. Stir gently to ensure the tofu is evenly coated with the aromatics.
3. Add the soy sauce and a pinch of sugar or MSG (if using) to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and let the tofu simmer until it absorbs the seasoning and the sauce thickens slightly.

Finished Dish

A bowl of finished braised tofu with lemongrass and chili, garnished

This braised tofu with lemongrass and chili, featuring a rich, savory flavor from the tofu combined with the spicy kick of lemongrass and chili, is sure to make your meal more appealing. It’s best served with hot rice, allowing you to fully enjoy its irresistible taste.

Hope this article helps you confidently cook this delicious braised tofu with lemongrass and chili for your family! Don’t forget to follow “Sổ Tay Món Ăn” for more exciting recipes!