Delicious Lemongrass Fried Tofu Recipe

Lemongrass and chili fried tofu is a simple yet irresistibly flavorful dish. If you’re looking for a nutritious vegetarian meal or want to enrich your family’s menu, explore this lemongrass fried tofu recipe with us!

Health Benefits of Tofu for Humans

Before diving into the cooking details, let’s explore the amazing health benefits that tofu offers:

Reduces Cancer Risk

Scientific research indicates that tofu contains genistein and isoflavones—powerful antioxidants that inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Consuming tofu can lower the risk of stomach and prostate cancer due to its high selenium content.

Lowers Heart Disease Risk

Tofu has significantly lower cholesterol and saturated fat compared to animal meat. Incorporating tofu into your daily diet helps protect your cardiovascular system and effectively control blood pressure.

Supports Colitis Treatment

Isoflavones in tofu act as natural estrogen, reducing colitis symptoms in some individuals. This makes tofu an ideal choice for those with digestive issues.

Prevents Type 2 Diabetes

Plant-based proteins (like tofu) help the body excrete less protein in urine compared to animal proteins. This aids in controlling blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Enhances Brain Health

Equol—a compound metabolized from isoflavones when consuming tofu—can reduce the risk of memory decline and prevent Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly.

Strengthens Bone and Joint Health

Isoflavones in tofu also increase bone mineral density, effectively preventing osteoporosis. Therefore, postmenopausal women and the elderly should regularly include tofu in their meals.

Regulates Mood During Menopause

Tofu is rich in isoflavones, which help balance hormones and alleviate stress and irritability in women during menopause.

How to Make Delicious Lemongrass Fried Tofu

Below are two popular recipes for lemongrass fried tofu that you can try at home.

Recipe 1: Dry Lemongrass and Chili Fried Tofu

Ingredients:

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

Steps:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

• Rinse the tofu, let it drain, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Clean the lemongrass, remove the base and old leaves, then finely chop.
• Rinse the chilies, remove the stems, and finely chop (remove seeds if you prefer less heat).

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 and let it drain.

Step 3: Sauté Lemongrass and Chili

• Use the remaining oil in the pan to sauté the chopped lemongrass and chili. When the mixture becomes fragrant, turn off the heat and remove to drain.

Finally, arrange the tofu on a plate and sprinkle the fragrant lemongrass and chili mixture on top. This dish is delicious with fish sauce or chili sauce.

Recipe 2: Lemongrass and Chili Fried Tofu with Sauce

Ingredients:

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

Steps:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

• Rinse the tofu, let it drain, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Peel and rinse the shallots and garlic, then finely chop.
• Rinse the chilies, remove the stems and seeds, then finely chop.
• Trim the lemongrass, remove the outer layer, crush it to release the oils, then finely chop.

Step 2: Fry the Tofu

• Heat a pan over the stove, add enough oil. When the oil is hot, add the tofu and fry until crispy and golden on all sides. Fry each side for about 5-6 minutes. Remove and let it drain.

Step 3: Sauté Lemongrass and Chili

• Use the remaining oil in the pan to sauté the shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and chili. When the mixture turns golden and becomes fragrant, turn off the heat and remove to drain.

Sautéing lemongrass and chili

Step 4: Season with Sauce

• Add the tofu and lemongrass-chili mixture back to the pan, add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and a bit of water.
• Simmer on low heat, occasionally flipping the tofu to ensure the flavors are absorbed evenly.
• When the sauce thickens, add scallions or herbs as desired, then turn off the heat.

Tips for Choosing Quality Tofu

To achieve the perfect flavor in lemongrass fried tofu, selecting quality tofu is crucial. Here are some helpful tips:

• Choose tofu with a natural white color; avoid pieces that are too bright white as they may have been treated with chemicals.
• Good tofu should feel light, soft, and have good elasticity, along with the characteristic smell of soybeans.
• Avoid tofu that is too hard or heavy as it may contain gypsum.
• Do not buy pre-packaged soft tofu as it contains a lot of water, which can cause it to break apart and not become crispy when fried.

Conclusion

With this simple yet delicious lemongrass fried tofu recipe, you can easily prepare a tasty and nutritious meal for your family. Try it today to add variety to your dinner menu!

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