Chả Cá Lã Vọng Chay

Chả Cá Lã Vọng Chay is a delightful vegetarian twist on the traditional Vietnamese dish, featuring marinated tofu as a stand-in for fish, served with aromatic herbs and rice noodles. This dish captures the essence of Vietnamese flavors, offering a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu - 300 grams
• Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Shallots - 2, thinly sliced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Lemongrass - 1 stalk, finely chopped
• Fresh dill - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Spring onions - 2, chopped
• Rice vermicelli noodles - 150 grams
• Lettuce leaves - 4 large
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro) - 1/4 cup each
• Roasted peanuts - 2 tablespoons, crushed
• Lime wedges - for serving

Steps

1. Press the firm tofu to remove excess moisture and then cut it into thick slices.
2. In a bowl, combine the turmeric, salt, and black pepper, then coat the tofu slices with the mixture and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the shallots, and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add the minced garlic and chopped lemongrass, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add the marinated tofu to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.
6. While the tofu is cooking, prepare the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
7. Once the tofu is done, stir in the chopped dill and spring onions, cooking for an additional minute.
8. To serve, place a portion of the rice noodles on a plate, top with the tofu mixture, and garnish with lettuce leaves, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts.
9. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.

Nutrition

• Calories: 395
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein from tofu.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh herbs and vegetables.

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