The Refreshing Twist: Lemon Tofu Banh Mi
Banh Mi, a traditional Vietnamese sandwich, has been a beloved street food staple for generations. This crispy bagute filled with a medley of flavors has captured the hearts of many around the world. Today, we’re excited to introduce a modern twist to this classic: Lemon Tofu Banh Mi!
What is Banh Mi?
For the uninitiated, Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich consisting of a crispy baguette, loaded with a variety of ingredients such as grilled meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, chili sauce, and Sriracha mayonnaise. The name "Banh Mi" literally translates to "wheat" or "bread" in Vietnamese, but this humble sandwich has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with various regional variations and vegan adaptations popping up left and right.
Introducing Lemon Tofu Banh Mi
To give you a taste of the exciting world of vegan Banh Mi, we’re thrilled to present our recipe for Lemon Tofu Banh Mi. This refreshing take on the classic sandwich features tangy, crispy pan-fried tofu, marinated in a zesty lemon-ginger sauce, served on a crispy baguette with the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy elements.
The Magic happens in the Pantry
Our Lemon Tofu Banh Mi is a testament to the power of creative storytelling through food. The combination of flavors and textures is expertly balanced to create a harmonious symphony that will leave you pining for more. Get ready to be transported to the vibrant streets of Vietnam with every bite!
Tofu Marination Magic
To achieve the fluffiest, most tender tofu, we started by pressing and draining excess liquid from the block of extra-firm tofu before cutting it into small cubes. Next, we introduced a zesty marinade infused with the citrusy goodness of fresh lemon juice, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The latter, with its nutty, slightly sweet flavor, adds a depth that complements the delicate sweetness of the lemon beautifully.
Pantry Pairings Galore
To elevate our Lemon Tofu Banh Mi to new heights, we paired the star of the show (the marinated tofu) with an array of pantry staples, each playing off one another like a well-choreographed dance:
- Fresh cilantro: the bright, herbaceous notes of cilantro cut through the richness of the tofu.
- Thinly sliced shallots: the sweetness of the shallots tempers the pungency of the tofu, while their crunch adds nice texture.
- Jalapeño: the spiciness of the jalapeño provides a delightful contrast, begging you to take another bite.
- Pickled carrots and daikon: the tangy creaminess of these vegetable pickling electrodes a jern of flavors, making each bite a sensory experience.
- Gochujang: the savory, slightly sweet umami of this Korean chili paste binds the entire assemblage together.
Assemble the Sandwich of Dreams
With each component expertly prepared, it’s time to assemble the star of the dish: the Banh Mi. Start with a crispy, slightly charred baguette (pro tip: toast the baguette first for the best texture). Spread a dollop of vegan mayonnaise, then add a layer of pickled carrots and daikon, followed by the marinated tofu, sliced shallots, cilantro, and a sliver of jalapeño. Finish with a drizzle of sriracha, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a lemony zing from a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Conclusion
Our Lemon Tofu Banh Mi is a testament to the versatility and creativity of vegan cuisine. It has come a long way from the humble days of humble tofus, patés, and veggie burgers. Here, the bold flavors and techniques of the world culminate in a food that is both familiar and innovative. So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds and join the global phenomenon that is Banh Mi enthusiasts!
Lemon Tofu Banh Mi
Lemon Tofu Banh Mi – A vegan Vietnamese/ French fusion sandwich
Find the recipe with videos for each step here: [https://open.mundet.app/recipe/lemonTofuBanhMi](https://open.mundet.app/recipe/lemonTofuBanhMi)
Ingredients for 2 portions
* 1 baguette
* 1 piece plain tofu
* 5 tbsp water
* 3 tbsp soy sauce
* 7 tsp starch
* 1 tsp sugar
* 2 tbsp mayonnaise
* ½ cucumber
* ½ red onion
* 1 lemon (edible peel)
* 1 red chili
* 1 bunch basil
* ½ tsp chili powder
* 2 tsp thyme
* 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Steps to Make It:
1. **Prepare the tofu** – Wrap in a paper towel and press lightly to remove moisture. Slice into 0.5 cm pieces.
2. **Make the coating** – Mix starch with water in a bowl for a slurry. Place additional starch in a deep plate. Coat the tofu slices and press lightly.
3. **Fry the tofu** – Heat oil in a pan, fry the coated tofu until golden brown, then set aside.
4. **Prepare the toppings** – Slice the cucumber, red onion, and chili. Pluck the basil leaves. Cut the lemon peel into thin strips and juice the rest.
5. **Make the sauce** – Combine lemon juice, soy sauce, water, sugar, chili powder, and thyme. Heat in a pan, then add the fried tofu to coat.
6. **Assemble the sandwich** – Slice the baguette open and spread mayo inside. Add the glazed tofu, cucumber, onion, chili, and basil.
Enjoy your homemade Lemon Tofu Banh Mi!