Vegan Cốm Cake with Stir-Fried Mushrooms: Simple Recipe, Rich Flavor

Vegan cuisine is not just a trend but also a way for us to explore creativity in cooking. Today, “Sổ Tay Món Ăn” will introduce you to vegan cốm cake with stir-fried mushrooms – a unique dish that combines tradition and modernity. With its delicious, light yet nutritious flavor, this dish is sure to impress your whole family.

Origin and Cultural Significance of the Dish

Cốm cake is a dish deeply rooted in the culinary culture of Northern Vietnam, often appearing during Tet holidays or family gatherings. However, as the demand for vegan food grows, chefs have skillfully transformed this dish into a vegan version, preserving its traditional flavor while fitting a healthy lifestyle.

The vegan cốm cake with stir-fried mushrooms is not just a simple substitution but also a nutrient-rich dish. Ingredients like mung beans, tofu skin, and mushrooms are all packed with plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals, making the dish more balanced and nourishing.

Vegan Cốm Cake with Stir-Fried Mushrooms

Ingredients Needed

To prepare vegan cốm cake with stir-fried mushrooms, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Vegan Cốm Cake:

• Flattened cốm: 200g (choose fresh cốm, plump grains, young green color)
• Peeled mung beans: 100g (soaked until soft, steamed)
• Fresh tofu skin: 50g (or dried tofu skin soaked until soft)
• Shallots: 2 bulbs
• Seasonings: Vegan fish sauce, vegan seasoning powder, sugar, pepper, cooking oil

Ingredients for Stir-Fried Mushrooms:

• Straw mushrooms: 200g (or shiitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms as preferred)
• Onion: 1/2 bulb
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Chili (optional): 1 piece
• Green onions, cilantro: A little
• Seasonings: Soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce, sugar, pepper, cooking oil

Tips for Choosing Ingredients:

• Cốm: Choose cốm with the distinctive aroma of young rice, avoid overly dry or infested types.
• Mung beans: Small grains, bright yellow color, no mold.
• Mushrooms: Choose fresh mushrooms, not bruised, with a natural aroma.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Ingredients

• Mung beans: Soak in warm water for 2-3 hours, steam until cooked, then mash.
• Tofu skin: If using dried, soak until soft and cut into small pieces. If fresh, just cut into small pieces.
• Mushrooms: Wash clean, soak in light saltwater for 10 minutes, drain.
• Onion: Cut into wedges. Garlic, shallots: Mince. Green onions, cilantro: Finely chop.

Step 2: Making Vegan Cốm Cake

1. Mix flattened cốm, mashed mung beans, chopped tofu skin, and minced shallots in a large bowl.
2. Season the mixture with 1 tablespoon of vegan fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of vegan seasoning powder, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix well.
3. Knead the mixture until smooth and pliable, divide into small portions, roll into balls, and flatten into patties.
4. Steam the patties for about 10-15 minutes or pan-fry with a little cooking oil for a crispy exterior.

Step 3: Stir-Frying Mushrooms

1. Sauté minced garlic and shallots in cooking oil until fragrant.
2. Add mushrooms and quickly stir-fry over high heat, season with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of vegan oyster sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of pepper.
3. Add onion and chili (if using), stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, turn off the heat and sprinkle with green onions and cilantro.

Step 4: Finishing and Serving

Arrange the vegan cốm cake on a plate and top with the stir-fried mushrooms. The dish is best enjoyed hot, and can be served with white rice, fresh noodles, or bread.

Vegan Cốm Cake Preparation Process

Secrets to Making the Dish Even Better

• Use Tú Lệ or Vòng cốm to enhance the flavor.
• If the cốm cake mixture is too dry, add a bit of coconut milk for moisture.
• Stir-fry mushrooms quickly over high heat to preserve their natural sweetness.

Nutritional Value of the Dish

Vegan cốm cake with stir-fried mushrooms is not only delicious but also very healthy:

• Rich in plant-based protein: From mung beans and tofu skin.
• Provides fiber: From cốm and mushrooms.
• Supplements vitamins and minerals: Such as vitamin B, D, selenium, and potassium from mushrooms.
• Low in calories, no cholesterol: Suitable for those looking to manage their weight.

Nutritionist’s advice: “This dish is nutritionally balanced, suitable for vegans and those looking to maintain their health.”

Ways to Combine the Dish

• With white rice: Creates a satisfying and delicious meal.
• With fresh noodles: Add fresh herbs and sweet and sour vegan fish sauce.
• In a sandwich: Transform it into a convenient breakfast option.

Vegan Cốm Cake with Other Dishes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can this dish be stored?

• Answer: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat before eating.

2. Can tofu skin be replaced with another ingredient?

• Answer: It can be replaced with soft tofu or wood ear mushrooms.

3. Is this dish suitable for strict vegans?

• Answer: Yes, if using strict vegan fish sauce and vegan oyster sauce.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you understand more about vegan cốm cake with stir-fried mushrooms and feel confident to try it at home. Share your results with “Sổ Tay Món Ăn”! We are always ready to listen to your feedback and suggestions.

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