Crispy Fried Tofu Salad – Delicious and Easy Vegan Recipe

Crispy fried tofu salad is a light, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish. With a harmonious sweet and sour flavor combined with the crispy exterior of the tofu and fresh herbs, this dish is not only delicious but also perfect for hot summer days or when you want to switch up your family meals.

1. Preparing Ingredients for Crispy Fried Tofu Salad

To prepare this delicious crispy fried tofu salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Tofu: 3 blocks of soft white tofu (choose a medium firmness, not too hard or too soft).
• Frying batter: 1 packet (or homemade from all-purpose flour, tapioca starch, and seasonings).
• Herbs: A small bunch each of cilantro, mint, and Thai basil.
• Cucumber: 1 cucumber.
• Carrot: 1 carrot.
• Bean sprouts: 100g.
• Roasted peanuts: 50g (crushed).
• Fresh chili: 1-2 chilies (depending on taste).
• Lime: 1-2 limes.
• Seasonings: Vegan fish sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, cooking oil.

Ingredients for crispy fried tofu salad
alt: Essential ingredients for making crispy fried tofu salad

“You can add shredded green mango or vegan pork ear to add variety in flavor and color,” suggests Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hoa, a vegan culinary expert with over 20 years of experience.

2. Secrets to Perfectly Crispy Tofu

Frying the tofu is a crucial step that determines its crispiness. Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect crispy tofu:

• Choosing tofu: Opt for soft white tofu with medium firmness.
• Draining: Use paper towels or gently press the tofu to remove excess moisture.
• Cutting: Cut the tofu into bite-sized squares or rectangles.
• Coating: Evenly coat each piece of tofu with the frying batter.
• Deep-frying: Heat the cooking oil and deep-fry the tofu at medium heat.
• Frying until golden: Once the tofu turns golden brown, remove and let it drain.
• Double-frying: Quickly fry it again at high heat for about 30 seconds to enhance crispiness.

Tips:

• Add a pinch of salt to the oil before frying to prevent it from splattering.
• Avoid frying too many pieces of tofu at once as it can lower the oil temperature and affect crispiness.

How to fry crispy tofu
alt: Detailed guide on frying crispy tofu for the vegan salad

3. Making the Sweet and Sour Dressing

The dressing plays a vital role in creating the dish’s signature flavor. Here’s the recipe for the sweet and sour dressing:

• 2 tablespoons vegan fish sauce.
• 2 tablespoons sugar.
• 2 tablespoons lime juice.
• 1 tablespoon water.
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh chili (to taste).

Mix well until the sugar dissolves completely. Adjust the seasoning to achieve a balanced sweet and sour taste.

“Using high-quality vegan fish sauce and adding some minced garlic will enhance the flavor of the dressing,” shares culinary expert Tran Van Binh. “Substituting sugar with honey is also a healthier option.”

4. Preparing the Vegetables and Other Ingredients

• Herbs: Wash and finely chop.
• Cucumber: Wash, then shred or thinly slice.
• Carrot: Peel and shred.
• Bean sprouts: Wash and briefly blanch in boiling water.
• Roasted peanuts: Crush.
• Fresh chili: Finely chop.

Prepared ingredients
alt: Ingredients ready for mixing into the salad

5. Mixing the Crispy Fried Tofu Salad

Combine the crispy fried tofu, cucumber, carrot, bean sprouts, and herbs in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss with your hands or chopsticks to ensure even coating.

6. Presentation and Enjoyment

Arrange the salad on a plate, sprinkle with crushed peanuts and chopped chili. Garnish with a few sprigs of herbs to make it visually appealing. This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation.

Fun Variations:

• Wrap the salad in rice paper with fresh vermicelli to make a delicious spring roll.
• Add sautéed straw mushrooms or king oyster mushrooms for a richer flavor.

Finished crispy fried tofu salad
alt: Completed crispy fried tofu salad, visually appealing and delicious

Conclusion

With this simple yet creative recipe, crispy fried tofu salad is sure to provide an exciting culinary experience for your family. Try it today and share your results with “Sổ Tay Món Ăn”!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: How can I keep the tofu crispy for longer?
A: Thoroughly drain the tofu, coat it with frying batter, and deep-fry at the right temperature. Double-frying at high heat also helps maintain crispiness.

Q2: What ingredients are needed for the salad dressing?
A: The dressing consists of vegan fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, water, and chopped fresh chili. You can adjust the proportions to suit your taste.

Q3: What herbs go well with this salad?
A: Cilantro, mint, and Thai basil are ideal choices.

Q4: Can I substitute tofu with another ingredient?
A: You can use fried beancurd sheets or sautéed king oyster mushrooms as alternatives.

Q5: How long can the crispy fried tofu salad be stored?
A: It’s best enjoyed immediately. If refrigerated, the tofu will lose its crispiness.

Q6: How can I achieve a balanced sweet and sour flavor in the salad?
A: Balance the proportions of lime juice and sugar, and adjust gradually to achieve the desired taste.

Q7: What additional ingredients can I add to make the salad more appealing?
A: Shredded green mango, vegan pork ear, or sautéed straw mushrooms are great suggestions.

We hope this article helps you confidently prepare a delicious and nutritious crispy fried tofu salad!