Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi
Ingredients
  • 1lb tofuextra firm
  • 1 1/2Tbsp lemongrasschopped, white bulb only
  • 1 1/2Tbsp garlicchopped
  • 2-3tsp Sriracha chile sauce
  • 2tsp lime juice
  • 2tsp sugar
  • 1/2tsp salt
  • 1/2tsp pepper
  • 1/4cup canola oildivided
  • 1/2cup maynonaise
Sandwich toppings
  • cucumber slices
  • pickled carrot and/or pickled daikon
  • onion
  • radish
  • cilantro leaves
  • jalapeno pepper
Instructions
  1. Cut the tofu crosswise into slabs about 1/4 – 1/3 inch thick. You should have about 8 pieces. Put on a dry dishtowel or several layers of paper towel (set in a tray or on a plate) to drain while you make the marinade.
  2. In a mini food processor, combine the lemongrass, garlic, sriracha sauce, lime juice, sugar, salt and pepper. Whirl, pausing to scrape as needed, to form a coarse paste. Add 2 tablespoons of oil. Run the machine again to blend well. Taste and tweak as needed to get a salty, spicy, creamy finish.
  3. Pat the tofu dry then transfer to a plate. Coat with 3 tablespoons of marinade. Set aside. Stir the remaining 1 tablespoon of the marinade into the mayonnaise and set aside.
  4. Add enough oil (about 2 tablespoons) to coat the bottom of a large nonstick skillet. Heat over medium-high heat. Gently lay down the tofu slabs – they should fit in one layer. Panfry until golden brown and crisp at the edges, about 2 minutes per side. Cool on a rack before making banh mi. Make sure to spread the seasoned mayonnaise on the bread to echo the flavors of the tofu.
  5. Add desired sandwich veggies and toppings.