Crisp silken tofu crusted in lemongrass (dau hu xa ot)

I love the simplicity of this recipe. Beautiful soft silken tofu fried and served with the crisp lemongrass and chilli. Serve with some rice as part of a shared meal.

• serves

  4

• prep

  10 minutes

• cook

  10 minutes

• difficulty

  Easy

Ingredients

• 450 g silken or firm tofu
• 1 lemon grass stem, white part only, finely chopped
• 1 bird’s eye chilli, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp finely diced garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 coriander sprigs 

Instructions

1. Drain the tofu and slice into 5 x 10 cm pieces, then leave on the chopping board or transfer to a tray. In a bowl, add the lemon grass, chilli, garlic, salt, sugar and pepper.
2. Mix all the ingredients together, then coat both sides of the tofu with the mixture.
3. Heat a large frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the oil and pan-fry each side of the tofu for 3 minutes until browned and crisp.
4. Garnish with coriander and serve with jasmine rice.

Cook's Notes

Oven temperatures are for conventional; if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C. | We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml; 1 tablespoon equals 20 ml; 1 cup equals 250 ml. | All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed. | All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified. | All eggs are 55-60 g, unless specified.