Transport yourself to the bustling streets of Vietnam with this mouthwatering recipe for Vietnamese Bun Thit Nuong with Tofu. Known for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this dish combines marinated grilled tofu with refreshing vegetables and vermicelli noodles, all brought together by a tangy dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz firm tofu, sliced
– 8 oz vermicelli noodles
– 1 cucumber, julienned
– 1 carrot, julienned
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
– Fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil
– Lime wedges
– Pickled daikon and carrot (optional)
For the marinade:
– 3 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp fish sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 shallot, minced
– 1 lemongrass stalk, minced
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the nuoc cham dressing:
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 Thai bird chili, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Once drained, slice the tofu into strips and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and mix well. Add the tofu slices to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water and drain thoroughly.
4. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the tofu slices until browned and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the nuoc cham dressing until the sugar is dissolved.
6. To assemble the bowls, divide the vermicelli noodles among serving bowls. Top with cucumber, carrot, bean sprouts, grilled tofu, and fresh herbs.
7. Drizzle the nuoc cham dressing over each bowl and sprinkle with crushed peanuts. Serve with lime wedges and pickled daikon and carrot on the side, if desired.
8. Toss everything together before enjoying the explosion of flavors and textures in each bite.
Capture the essence of Vietnamese cuisine in your own kitchen with this delightful Bun Thit Nuong with Tofu recipe. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this dish is sure to impress with its balance of flavors and light yet satisfying nature. Customize it with your favorite toppings and make it a regular feature on your menu rotation. Enjoy the freshness and vibrancy of Vietnamese flavors right at home!
