Vietnamese shaken tofu

Introduction

I tried this dish for the first time at a cute local restaurant here in Portland and knew I had to crack the code on the recipe. Obviously wanted to modify it slightly to make it a great macro meal! The key to the flavor punch comes from the aromatic turmeric and zesty lemongrass. It might require a trip to the Asian supermarket, but it's so worth it. Besides, lime leaves and lemongrass are great to keep in the freezer, plus the turmeric powder stores away in your pantry for months. Enough rambling on my part.. If you're looking for an exciting and flavorful dish that’s packed with plant protein, then this spicy Vietnamese lemongrass and lime Leaf tofu dish is the one for you! Quick and easy to make for a week night.

Time: 30 min

Serving: 2

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu, drained and pressed

• 2 tbs avocado oil

• 2 stalks lemongrass (remove the 2 outer layers, keep them to add to the stir fry) finely chopped

• 5-6 kaffir lime leaves, gently crushed to release the flavors

• 1 red onion

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 red jalapeños or 1 serano pepper

• 1 tbs turmeric (make sure it's good quality)

• 1 tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

Instructions

Here’s how to bring all those flavors to life in your kitchen:

1. Start by slicing the pressed tofu into rectangles (if you're wanting to be fancy). Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan medium heat. Add the tofu and fry on both sides until golden brown.

2. Once the tofu is golden, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, lower the heat, and add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced red onion and cook until the onion starts to look glass like. (about 7 min) Then add the garlic and red jalapeños to the pan, cook until fragrant.

3. Add the chopped lemongrass, outer layers from the stalk and crushed lime leaves, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until the lemongrass softens.

4. Then stir in the turmeric, black pepper and salt. Return the tofu to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes. And that's it!

5. Eet smakelijk!

Optional add-ons

Serve with a bed of rice and steamed broccoli. I know, I know, steamed broccoli? It's not exciting or special, but trust me, the punchy flavors from the tofu and the ''bland broccoli'' compliment each other very well! This has become one of my favorite stir fry's. Thanks for the inspiration to the restaurant FRIENDSHIP KITCHEN!

Macros:

• Calories: 325

• Protein: 14g

• Carbs: 15g

• Fat: 22g

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