Chả Cá Chay

Chả Cá Chay is a delightful Vietnamese vegetarian dish that captures the essence of traditional fish cakes, using tofu and fragrant herbs. This dairy-free appetizer is perfect for sharing, offering a burst of flavors with every bite.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu - 200 grams
• Rice flour - 50 grams
• Cornstarch - 30 grams
• Shallots - 2, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh dill - 30 grams, chopped
• Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil - for frying
• Lettuce leaves - for serving
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro) - for garnish
• Lime wedges - for serving

Steps

1. Press the firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then crumble it into a mixing bowl.
2. Add rice flour, cornstarch, chopped shallots, minced garlic, chopped dill, turmeric powder, black pepper, and salt to the crumbled tofu. Mix well until combined.
3. Form the mixture into small patties or cakes, about 5 cm in diameter.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties into the pan, frying them for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve the Chả Cá Chay on a plate with lettuce leaves, garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges.

Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from tofu.
• Contains fresh herbs that provide vitamins and antioxidants.

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