Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam! Our Spring Roll Bowls with Crispy Tofu are not just a meal, they're an experience that combines the perfect balance of textures, flavors, and nutrition. Imagine golden, crispy tofu cubes nestled on a bed of silky rice noodles, surrounded by a rainbow of fresh, crunchy vegetables and aromatic herbs. This dish is so irresistible, it'll make you forget all about traditional spring rolls and fall in love with a healthier, more exciting alternative that can be prepared in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 cups cooked rice noodles
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (mint, cilantro)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu by pressing excess moisture out using a clean kitchen towel or tofu press. Cut the block into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to create a marinade. Gently toss the tofu cubes in the marinade and let sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove tofu from marinade and pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispy exterior.
- Fry tofu cubes in the skillet, turning every 2-3 minutes until all sides are golden brown and crispy. This should take approximately 8-10 minutes.
- While tofu is cooking, prepare vegetables by julienning carrots, slicing cucumber, and shredding red cabbage.
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, typically by soaking in hot water for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Chop fresh herbs like mint and cilantro finely.
- Assemble bowls by first placing rice noodles as the base, then arranging crispy tofu and prepared vegetables on top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and drizzle any remaining marinade over the bowl for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately while tofu is still warm and crispy.
Tips
- Tofu Pressing Perfection: Always press your tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This ensures a crispier exterior when frying.
- Marinade Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Let the tofu sit in the soy sauce mixture for at least 10 minutes to absorb maximum flavor.
- Crispy Tofu Technique: Pat the tofu dry before frying to achieve that coveted golden-brown crunch. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Vegetable Prep: Cut vegetables uniformly for both visual appeal and even cooking.
- Herb Freshness: Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and aromatic qualities.
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to swap vegetables or add protein based on your preferences.
- Serve Immediately: These bowls are best enjoyed hot, with the tofu still crispy and the vegetables fresh and crunchy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
