Cao Lầu Chay

Cao Lầu Chay is a delightful vegan twist on the traditional Vietnamese dish, featuring chewy rice noodles topped with a savory herb-infused broth, fresh vegetables, and crispy tofu. This colorful and aromatic dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Rice noodles - 200 grams
• Firm tofu - 200 grams
• Vegetable broth - 500 ml
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Lime juice - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Shallots - 2, thinly sliced
• Mushrooms (shiitake or oyster) - 100 grams, sliced
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil) - 50 grams each, chopped
• Bean sprouts - 100 grams
• Chili pepper - 1, sliced (optional)
• Peanut oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste

Steps

1. Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan or wok, heat the peanut oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and golden brown.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.
4. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, press the firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes. Pan-fry the tofu in a little oil until golden and crispy on all sides. Set aside.
5. Pour the vegetable broth into the pan with the mushrooms, bring to a simmer, and add the soy sauce and lime juice. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Add the cooked rice noodles to the broth, gently tossing to combine and heat through.
7. To serve, place a portion of the noodle mixture in a bowl, top with crispy tofu, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts. Garnish with sliced chili pepper if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from tofu, supporting muscle health.
• Contains various vitamins and minerals from fresh herbs and vegetables, promoting overall well-being.

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