Best 8 Lemongrass Tofu Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Lemongrass is a fragrant herb commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine known for its citrusy, refreshing aroma and flavor. Its popularity has spread worldwide, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. When combined with tofu, lemongrass creates an extraordinary taste experience that caters to vegetarians, vegans, and those who appreciate a flavorful and healthier meal. This introduction leads into a comprehensive discussion of the best recipes for cooking lemongrass tofu, exploring different cooking techniques, essential ingredients, and culinary tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Let's delve into the world of lemongrass tofu and discover the tantalizing recipes that await.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GINGER-LEMONGRASS BROTH WITH NOODLES, SILKEN TOFU, AND BROCCOLI



Ginger-Lemongrass Broth with Noodles, Silken Tofu, and Broccoli image

Cozy up with this warming, Southeast-Asian-inspired soup that features a lemongrass-scented broth, silken tofu, and tender noodles. To ward away any sign of a cold, a serving of vitamin C-packed broccolini is stirred in at the end.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Soups, Stews & Stocks     Soup Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 large onion, peeled and halved
6 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
2 stalks lemongrass, smashed with the back of a knife and cut into 3-inch lengths
1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
1 cup cilantro sprigs, plus more for serving
1 Thai chile pepper, a slit cut in side (seeds removed for less heat, if desired), plus more, sliced, for serving (optional)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
Kosher salt
8 ounces Broccolini or Chinese broccoli, cut into 1-inch pieces (3 cups)
1 pound fresh plain wheat noodles, or 8 ounces wide rice noodles
8 ounces silken tofu (1 cup), cut into 6 pieces
Fresh Thai or Italian basil leaves and lime wedges, for serving

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, combine broth, 3 cups water, onion, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, cilantro, whole chile, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, 30 minutes. Strain, discarding solids; return broth to pot. Stir in fish sauce; season with salt.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add Broccolini and return to a boil; cook until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Using tongs, transfer to a plate. Add noodles to pot and cook until just al dente, about 4 to 5 minutes for wheat noodles, 3 minutes for rice noodles. Drain.
  • Divide noodles among bowls. Add Broccolini to hot broth, then gently add tofu and heat through over medium. Spoon broth, Broccolini, and tofu over noodles. Garnish with herbs and sliced chile, and serve with lime wedges.

VEGETABLE TOFU SOUP WITH LEMONGRASS AND COCONUT MILK



Vegetable Tofu Soup with Lemongrass and Coconut Milk image

This is a Vietnamese-inspired soup, showcasing the fragrance of lemongrass. So good! Serve garnished with chopped cilantro. Depending on the curry powder you use, you may want to kick the heat up a notch with some chopped red chile peppers or hot sauce.

Provided by Uncle Jeffy

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes

Time 1h13m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

5 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
2 tablespoons curry powder
3 cups vegetable stock
1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
1 large yam, cut into chunks
2 large carrots, cut into chunks
2 ribs celery, chopped
½ cup red lentils
¼ cup minced lemongrass
2 tablespoons white sugar
salt to taste
1 (12 ounce) package medium-firm tofu, cubed and patted dry

Steps:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add curry powder; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Pour vegetable stock and coconut milk into the pot. Add yam, carrots, celery, lentils, lemongrass, and sugar. Increase heat to medium-high; bring to a boil. Reduce heat slightly; simmer until vegetables soften, 10 to 15 minutes. Season soup with salt.
  • Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu in a single layer; cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes per side. Stir tofu into soup.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 475.1 calories, Carbohydrate 46 g, Fat 29.1 g, Fiber 11.1 g, Protein 12.4 g, SaturatedFat 14.4 g, Sodium 218.9 mg, Sugar 7.8 g

SPICY TOFU AND LEMONGRASS STIR-FRY



Spicy Tofu and Lemongrass Stir-Fry image

Categories     Wok     Rice     Vegetable     Stir-Fry     Low Fat     Vegetarian     Tofu     Lemongrass     Self

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

Stir-fry
8 oz firm tofu, diced (or 1 lb precooked medium shrimp)
2 stalks lemongrass (outer leaves removed), trimmed and minced
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp Vietnamese chile paste (or Tabasco)
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp rice wine (found in Asian section of grocery store)
1/2 cup canned lowfat coconut milk
1/4 cup vegetable broth
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp dark sesame oil
1 tsp canola oil
4 medium carrots, cut into thin strips
8 medium shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup diagonally sliced green onions
Rice
1 cup long-grain brown rice
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 bay leaf

Steps:

  • Combine tofu, lemongrass, ginger, chile paste, lime juice, and rice wine in a small bowl and toss. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Mix coconut milk, broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl; set aside. Coat a large sauté pan with canola oil and set over medium-high heat. Add tofu and sauté, stirring, for 2 or 3 minutes. Add carrots, mushrooms, and broccoli and sauté, stirring, for another 2 or 3 minutes. Stir in coconut milk mixture and onions and cook 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. (If using shrimp, toss in last, just long enough to heat.) Combine rice, broth, and bay leaf in saucepan over medium heat and simmer, covered, 25 to 30 minutes or until rice absorbs all liquid. Remove from heat. Discard bay leaf. Place equal portions of cooked brown rice on each plate and top with stir-fry.

SPICY LEMONGRASS TOFU



Spicy Lemongrass Tofu image

Provided by Mai Pham

Categories     Onion     Marinate     Stir-Fry     Vegetarian     Lunar New Year     Peanut     Tofu     Hot Pepper     Lemongrass

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 lemongrass stalks, outer layers peeled, bottom white part thinly sliced and finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons chopped Thai bird chilies or another fresh chili
1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 ounces tofu, drained, patted dry and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 yellow onion, cut into 1/8-inch slices
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
10 la lot, or pepper leaves, shredded, or 2/3 cup loosely packed Asian basil leaves

Steps:

  • 1. Combine the lemongrass, soy sauce, chilies, chili flakes, turmeric, sugar and salt in a bowl. Add the tofu cubes and turn to coat them evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  • 2. Heat half of the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat. Add the onion, shallot and garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  • 3. Wipe the pan clean and heat the remaining oil over moderate heat. Add the tofu mixture and, using chopstick or wooden spoons, turn so it cooks evenly, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onion mixture and cook, uncovered, for another 2 to 3 minutes. Add half the peanuts and all the pepper leaves.
  • 4. Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with the remaining peanuts and serve immediately with steamed rice.

COCONUT CABBAGE AND TOFU WITH LEMONGRASS AND GINGER



Coconut Cabbage and Tofu With Lemongrass and Ginger image

For this vegetarian dinner, we roast thick wedges of cabbage, carrots, and tofu in a spiced coconut milk sauce until they're wonderfully softened and caramelized. Puréeing the milk with chopped lemongrass, fresh ginger, garlic, and spices in a blender ensures that the tougher aromatics are completely incorporated to form a smooth sauce.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     Cabbage     Coconut     Lemongrass     Garlic     Ginger     Coriander     Tofu     Carrot     Rice     Lime     Vegetarian     Dinner     Wheat/Gluten-Free

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (14.5-oz.) can coconut milk
1 lemongrass stalk, top half trimmed, tough outer layers removed, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves
1 2" piece ginger, peeled, coarsely chopped
1 Tbsp. kosher salt
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 (14-oz.) block firm or extra-firm tofu, drained
1 small or 1/2 large head of cabbage (about 1 1/2 lb.), cut into 2" wedges through core
3 large carrots (about 1 lb.), peeled, cut into 2" segments
Toasted coconut chips, steamed rice, and lime wedges (for serving; optional)

Steps:

  • Place a rack in top third of oven; preheat to 425°F. Purée coconut milk, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, salt, sugar, turmeric, coriander, and cayenne in a blender until smooth.
  • Squeeze tofu over a medium bowl or sink with your hands, gently at first, then more firmly to expel as much water as possible (like squeezing out a big sponge). Don't worry if it starts to crack apart. When no more liquid comes out, tear tofu into 2" pieces; discard liquid. Place in a shallow 13x9" baking dish. Add cabbage and carrots, arrange in an even layer, and pour sauce over.
  • Bake, basting the vegetables and tofu halfway through, until carrots are fork-tender, most of the liquid is evaporated, and the top is golden brown and lightly charred in places, 40-45 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.
  • Top with coconut chips (if using). Serve with rice and lime wedges alongside (if using).

LEMONGRASS TOFU



Lemongrass Tofu image

Provided by Food Network

Time 7h20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 (1-pound) boxes firm tofu
10 kaffir lime leaves, minced
3/4 cup kecap manis (see Cook's Note)
3/4 cup soy sauce
5 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup minced fresh lemongrass
Vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil
Chili sauce, for serving, optional
Rice and your favorite vegetable, for serving

Steps:

  • The tofu should be drained of water, and then each block cut into 3 rectangles in the longest direction. Each rectangle can then be cut on the diagonal to form 2 triangles each. Place in a shallow pan. Mix together the lime leaves, kecap manis, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice and lemongrass. Pour the marinade over the tofu and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours, or overnight.
  • Remove the tofu from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Pat it dry so it doesn't splatter in the pan. Coat the bottom of a nonstick pan with oil over medium-high heat and saute until the tofu is golden brown on both sides and barely crispy around the edges, 2 to 3 minutes. The sugars in the marinade will affect the rate of browning, so if the tofu seems to be getting dark too fast, it's ok to lower the heat to ensure that it will be hot all the way through.
  • Remove the tofu and add the reserved marinade. Boil to heat through. Adjust the seasoning with chili sauce, if using, and serve over rice and alongside your favorite vegetable.

SPICY LEMONGRASS TOFU



Spicy Lemongrass Tofu image

Make and share this Spicy Lemongrass Tofu recipe from Food.com.

Provided by gailanng

Categories     Asian

Time 20m

Yield 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/3 lb tofu, cut into 1/2 inch cubes and patted dry
2 stalks lemongrass, very white bottoms only and finely minced
2 -3 tablespoons sambal oelek chili paste
2 tablespoons peanut oil or 2 tablespoons canola oil
salt
black sesame seeds (or combination of both) or white sesame seeds (or combination of both)

Steps:

  • Combine the chili paste and lemongrass.
  • Season tofu with salt then coat with chili paste/lemongrass mixture. Allow the tofu to marinate for about 10 minutes.
  • Heat the oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot enough; carefully add the tofu cubes. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until carmelized, careful not to crowd. Remove from oil. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  • Note: 1. Soft tofu produces a better 'bite', but firm tofu produces a crispier end product. 2. I might even consider sprinkling on the sesame seeds prior to cooking just as a test.

SPICY LEMONGRASS TOFU



Spicy Lemongrass Tofu image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 lemongrass stalks, outer layers peeled, bottom white part thinly sliced and finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons chopped Thai bird chiles or another fresh chile
1/2 teaspoon dried chile flakes
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 ounces tofu, drained, patted dry and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 yellow onion, cut into 1/8-inch slices
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4 tablespoons chopped Roasted Peanuts, recipe follows
10 pepper leaves, shredded, or 2/3 cup loosely packed Asian basil leaves
1 cup raw, shelled peanuts, skin removed

Steps:

  • Combine the lemongrass, soy sauce, chiles, chile flakes, turmeric, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add the tofu cubes and turn to coat them evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Heat half of the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat. Add the onion, shallot and garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  • Wipe the pan clean and heat the remaining oil over moderate heat. Add the tofu mixture and, using chopsticks or wooden spoons, turn so it cooks evenly, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onion mixture and cook, uncovered, for another 2 to 3 minutes. Add half the peanuts and all the pepper leaves.
  • Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with the remaining peanuts and serve immediately with steamed rice.
  • Place the peanuts on a cookie tray and bake in a preheated 325 degree F oven until golden, about 20 minutes. Halfway into the baking, gently shake the tray so the peanuts roast evenly. (You can also roast the peanuts in a dry pan over low heat). Remove and set aside. Use the peanuts whole or coarsely chop them with a mortar and pestle, a food processor or a knife.
  • Yield: 1 cup

Tips:

  • Choose the best tofu: Extra-firm or firm tofu is the best choice for this recipe, as it holds its shape well and absorbs the marinade more easily.
  • Press the tofu: Pressing the tofu before cooking helps to remove excess water, resulting in a firmer, more flavorful tofu.
  • Marinate the tofu: Marinating the tofu in a flavorful mixture of lemongrass, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar helps to infuse it with delicious flavor.
  • Cook the tofu properly: Pan-frying the tofu until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside yields the best results.
  • Serve with your favorite sides: Lemongrass tofu pairs well with a variety of sides, such as jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a tangy dipping sauce.

Conclusion:

Lemongrass tofu is a delicious and versatile dish that is easy to make. With its zesty, aromatic flavor and crispy texture, it is a great addition to any meal. Whether you are a tofu lover or just looking for a new and exciting way to cook tofu, this lemongrass tofu recipe is sure to please. So next time you're in the kitchen, give it a try and enjoy the delicious results!

Related Topics