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Vegetarian, South and Southeast Asian

Lemongrass Tofu Stir-Fry with Jasmine Rice

Lemongrass tofu stir-fry with jasmine rice is a vegetarian dish for 4, ready in 30 minutes, rated very easy, at €2.40 per person. The trick to getting it right is drying the tofu thoroughly before cooking so it browns and stays firm, and chopping the lemongrass very finely so its flavor comes through without being chewy.

Tonight, golden tofu cubes stir-fried with lemongrass, garlic, and chili, with a bowl of jasmine rice.

Lemongrass Tofu Stir-Fry with Jasmine Rice
Total time
30 min
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€2.40
Calories per person
510 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Golden, firm tofu cubes coated in a soy sauce lightly caramelized with sugar, carried by the fresh citrus scent of lemongrass, sharpened by garlic and chili. The jasmine rice soaks up that fragrant sauce and brings the softness that balances the crisp edges of the browned tofu.

This is the kind of dish that shakes up a weeknight dinner without taking over your evening. Make it on a Tuesday when you want something light to cook but full of flavor, or serve it to guests who like Southeast Asian flavors without any technical fuss.

The ingredients

4 people

Dairy

  • Firm tofu 500 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Lemongrass 3 stalk
  • Garlic 3 cloves
  • Fresh chili 2
  • Onion 1
  • Fresh cilantro 3 sprigs

Pantry

  • Soy sauceoften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Sugaroften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Jasmine riceoften in the pantry 300 g
  • Neutral oiloften in the pantry 5 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Soy

The step by step recipe

  1. Cut the tofu into cubes and pat it dry with paper towels.

    Dry tofu browns better and stays firm.

  2. Cook the jasmine rice in salted water. 12 min

    Rinse it first, it will turn out fluffier.

  3. Remove the tough outer leaves of the lemongrass, finely chop the tender core with the garlic and chili.

    Crush the stalk with the flat of the knife before chopping, it releases more fragrance.

  4. Brown the tofu in hot oil on all sides, then set it aside. 8 min

    Leave it undisturbed for a few minutes, it releases itself naturally once browned.

  5. Cook the onion with the lemongrass, garlic, and chili, add the tofu back in with the soy sauce and sugar and let it caramelize for a minute. Sprinkle with cilantro. 4 min

    Stir-fry over high heat, the sauce should coat the tofu without drowning it.

Our tips to get it right

  • Press the tofu under a weight for a few minutes before cutting it, it will release even more water and brown more deeply.
  • Chop every ingredient before you turn on the heat, the final cooking goes fast and leaves no time for cutting anything.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the cilantro, adjust the sugar or soy sauce to your liking since soy sauce brands vary in saltiness.

The variations

  • Swap the tofu for cubed chicken breast for a meat version, keeping the same cooking times.
  • For a milder version that works for kids, remove the chili seeds or skip the chili entirely.
  • To save time, use a pouch of precooked jasmine rice and focus your effort on stir-frying the tofu.

What to serve it with

  • Green tea or lemon water
  • Crunchy bean sprouts on the side
  • A few lime wedges

Storage

Keeps 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container, tofu and rice together or separate. It freezes reasonably well, especially the stir-fried tofu, reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.

Questions about this dish

Can I use dried lemongrass instead of fresh?

Yes, but use about a third of the amount and let it steep in the hot oil for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients. The flavor will be milder than with fresh lemongrass.

How do I keep the tofu from sticking to the pan?

Dry the tofu well before cooking and use a hot pan with enough oil. Don't flip it too soon, it releases naturally once it's browned.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

You can chop the lemongrass, garlic, and chili the day before and store them in a sealed container in the fridge. The stir-fry itself is best done right before eating so the tofu stays crisp.

What type of tofu works best for this recipe?

Use firm tofu, it holds up best to cooking and browns without falling apart. Silken tofu isn't right here, it would break down during the stir-fry.

How long does it take to make a lemongrass tofu stir-fry with jasmine rice?

Count 30 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “very easy”.

How many calories are in a lemongrass tofu stir-fry with jasmine rice?

About 510 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a lemongrass tofu stir-fry with jasmine rice cost?

About €2.40 per serving, or €9.60 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains soy. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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