Delicious and Easy Lemongrass Chili Fried Tofu Recipe

Lemongrass chili fried tofu is a familiar yet enticing dish in Vietnamese family meals. With its distinctive flavors from lemongrass and chili, this dish not only stimulates the taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits. Let’s explore how to make lemongrass chili fried tofu in the following article!

Health Benefits of Tofu

Lemongrass Chili Fried Tofu Recipe

Reduces Cancer Risk

Scientific studies have shown that tofu contains genistein and isoflavones, powerful antioxidants that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Regular consumption of tofu helps reduce the risk of stomach and prostate cancer.

Lowers Heart Disease Risk

Tofu contains lower levels of cholesterol and saturated fat compared to animal meat. Therefore, this dish is ideal for protecting the cardiovascular system and maintaining stable blood pressure.

Eating Tofu Reduces Heart Disease Risk

Prevents Osteoporosis

Isoflavones in tofu help increase bone mineral density, effectively preventing osteoporosis. This is an excellent choice for children, the elderly, or postmenopausal women.

Improves Memory and Prevents Alzheimer’s

Equol, a substance metabolized from eating tofu, can reduce the risk of memory decline and support brain health. Therefore, adding tofu to your daily diet will help improve long-term cognitive function.

How to Make Delicious Lemongrass Chili Fried Tofu

Below are two popular recipes for preparing lemongrass chili fried tofu:

Method 1: Dry Lemongrass Chili Fried Tofu

Ingredients Needed:

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

Steps to Follow:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

• Wash the tofu and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Remove the base of the lemongrass, wash it clean, and finely chop it.
• Wash the chilies, remove the stems, and finely chop them (remove the seeds if you want to reduce the spiciness).

Step 2: Fry the Tofu

• Heat a pan over the stove and add about 100ml of cooking oil. When the oil is hot, add the tofu and fry until both sides are golden brown.
• After frying, remove the tofu and let it drain the oil.

Step 3: Fry Lemongrass and Chili

• Using the remaining oil in the pan, fry the finely chopped lemongrass and chili until fragrant.
• When the lemongrass and chili release their aroma, turn off the heat and sprinkle them evenly over the fried tofu.

This dry lemongrass chili fried tofu dish is even more flavorful when served with fish sauce or chili sauce.

Method 2: Lemongrass Chili Fried Tofu with Sauce

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 large block of tofu
• Cooking oil
• Shallots, garlic, fresh lemongrass, fresh chilies
• Soy sauce, sugar

Steps to Follow:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

• Wash the tofu and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Peel the shallots and garlic, wash them clean, and finely chop them.
• Wash the chilies, remove the stems and seeds, and finely chop them.
• Remove the base of the lemongrass, finely chop it to release the essential oils.

Step 2: Fry the Tofu

• Fry the tofu in hot oil until it is crispy and golden on all sides. Remove and let it drain the oil.

Step 3: Make the Lemongrass Chili Sauce

• Fry the shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and chilies in hot oil until fragrant.
• Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and a little water to the mixture. Simmer on low heat to create a thick sauce.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

• Add the fried tofu to the sauce pan and stir well to ensure the flavors are absorbed.
• Finally, turn off the heat, plate the dish, and enjoy it with hot rice.

Fry Lemongrass and Chili Until Golden and Fragrant

Tips for Choosing Quality Tofu

To ensure the perfect flavor of lemongrass chili fried tofu, you need to select high-quality tofu:

• Choose tofu with a natural white color, avoiding overly white tofu as it may have been treated with chemicals.
• The tofu should be soft and light when held, with the distinctive aroma of soybeans.
• Avoid hard and heavy tofu, as it may contain gypsum, which can be harmful to health.
• Do not buy pre-packaged soft tofu, as it may disintegrate when fried.

Conclusion

With the simple lemongrass chili fried tofu recipe above, you can easily prepare a delicious and nutritious dish right at home. Try it out and share this dish with your family to make your meals more diverse and appealing!

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