Spicy Lemongrass and Chili Tofu Recipe

Spicy lemongrass and chili tofu is a light yet enticing vegetarian dish, featuring the spicy kick of chili, the aromatic scent of lemongrass, and the rich creaminess of tofu. This dish is perfect for adding variety to family meals, especially on vegetarian days. Let’s explore how to make this flavorful spicy lemongrass and chili tofu through the recipe below!

Ingredients Needed

To prepare this spicy lemongrass and chili tofu, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fried tofu: 5 pieces
• Lemongrass: 3 stalks
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Chili: 2 pieces
• Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Vegetarian seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon
• Sugar/MSG: a pinch
• Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons

Ingredients for spicy lemongrass and chili tofu

Tips for Choosing Good Tofu

Selecting high-quality tofu plays a crucial role in creating a perfect dish. Here are some tips to help you choose good and safe tofu:

• Feel with your hands: Choose soft and light tofu. Avoid buying hard, heavy tofu or perfectly shaped blocks, as these may contain gypsum.
• Observe the color: Good tofu usually has a creamy white color, is soft and smooth, and has a distinctive soybean aroma. Avoid tofu that is yellow, smells of lime, or has no scent.

Choosing the right tofu will enhance the flavor of your dish and ensure the health of your family.

How to Make Spicy Lemongrass and Chili Tofu

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Tofu: Rinse the tofu with water and let it drain. Then, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. To increase crispness and flavor absorption, you can briefly fry the tofu before cooking.
• Lemongrass: Trim the ends, rinse, and finely chop.
• Garlic and Chili: Peel the garlic, rinse the chili, and mince both.

Preparing ingredients for spicy lemongrass and chili tofu

Step 2: Marinate the Tofu

Mix the following ingredients thoroughly:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon vegetarian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• A pinch of ground pepper

Spread the mixture evenly over the tofu pieces and let them marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Marinating the tofu

Step 3: Braise the Tofu with Lemongrass and Chili

• Heat a pan with 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the chopped lemongrass, garlic, and chili, and sauté until fragrant.
• Add the marinated tofu to the pan, gently stirring to avoid breaking the tofu.
• Pour in enough water to cover the tofu, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Braise the tofu for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the tofu absorbs the flavors.

Final Product

Finished spicy lemongrass and chili tofu

The spicy lemongrass and chili tofu dish is a harmonious blend of the creamy richness of tofu, the strong aroma of lemongrass, and the spicy heat of chili. This dish is particularly delicious when served with hot rice, creating a warm and fulfilling family meal.

We hope this recipe will help you confidently cook and successfully prepare this spicy lemongrass and chili tofu. Don’t forget to share your results with us!

Reference Source:
Quality Non-Stick Pan