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Tofu Served with Vermicelli: A Light, Protein-Packed Meal

Tofu served with vermicelli is a delicious and light dish that combines tender rice noodles with crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. This plant-based meal is perfect for lunch or dinner and offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables, sauces, and herbs to create a fresh, nourishing meal.

At Green Gourmet, we’ll show you how to prepare Tofu Served with Vermicelli, step by step, including preparation and cooking times. We’ll also highlight its nutritional benefits and offer tips for creating the perfect dish.

How to Make Tofu Served with Vermicelli

Ingredients:

1 block firm tofu (pressed and cut into cubes)
200g vermicelli rice noodles
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup cucumber (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, or Thai basil)
1/4 cup crushed peanuts (optional, for garnish)
2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari (if you need a gluten-free alternative)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (for frying the tofu)
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Detailed Steps with Time Breakdown:

Prepare the tofu (15 minutes):
- Press the tofu: Place the tofu block between two plates and press out excess moisture with a heavy object for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the tofu: Heat the sesame oil in a pan and fry the tofu cubes until golden and crispy on all sides (about 5 minutes). Set aside.
Prepare the vermicelli and vegetables (10 minutes):
- Cook the vermicelli noodles: Follow the package instructions to cook the noodles. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables: Shred the carrots, slice the cucumber, and wash the herbs. This should take about 5 minutes.
Assemble the dish (5 minutes):
- In individual bowls, place a portion of vermicelli noodles as the base.
- Top with the crispy tofu cubes, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs.
- Drizzle with soy sauce or tamari, and add hoisin sauce for extra flavor if desired.
- Garnish with crushed peanuts and lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Serve (immediately or within 10 minutes):
- Serve the tofu with vermicelli fresh, with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information of Tofu Served with Vermicelli

Below is a summary of the nutritional information per serving:

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	12%
Carbohydrates	35 g	12%
Protein	10 g	20%
Fat	6 g	9%
Fiber	4 g	16%
Vitamin C	15 mg	18%
Calcium	50 mg	5%
Iron	2 mg	10%

Benefits of Tofu Served with Vermicelli

High in Plant-Based Protein
Tofu is an excellent source of protein, making this dish ideal for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. It provides the essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and energy.
Light and Refreshing
Vermicelli noodles are light and easy to digest, making this dish perfect for a quick meal that won’t leave you feeling too full.
Packed with Fresh Vegetables
The addition of fresh, raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bean sprouts provides essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Customizable and Versatile
You can easily customize the dish by adding different vegetables, using various herbs, or incorporating a range of sauces like peanut or hoisin sauce to suit your taste.
Low in Calories, High in Nutrients
This dish is low in calories but packed with nutrients, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced, healthy diet.

Tips for Making Perfect Tofu with Vermicelli

Crispy Tofu: Make sure to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture and fry it in hot oil to achieve a crispy texture.
Fresh Herbs: Use plenty of fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or Thai basil to enhance the flavors and make the dish more vibrant.
Sauce Options: You can try different sauces like peanut sauce, sriracha, or a tangy soy-vinegar mix for added flavor.
Serve Fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve the dish immediately after assembling to ensure the tofu stays crispy and the vegetables remain fresh.

Variations of Tofu with Vermicelli

Tofu and Avocado Vermicelli: Add slices of avocado to the dish for a creamy, rich texture alongside the tofu and noodles.
Spicy Tofu Vermicelli: Drizzle the dish with sriracha or chili oil for a spicy kick.
Tofu with Mango and Vermicelli: Add slices of fresh mango for a sweet and tangy flavor contrast.
Grilled Tofu Vermicelli: Instead of frying, grill the tofu cubes for a smoky, charred flavor.

FAQs About Tofu Served with Vermicelli

Q1: How long does tofu with vermicelli last?
A1: It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can store the tofu and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Q2: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A2: Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free vermicelli noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
Q3: Can I use different proteins instead of tofu?
A3: Absolutely! You can substitute tofu with tempeh, seitan, or even grilled mushrooms for a similar plant-based protein option.
Q4: Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
A4: Yes, you can prepare the tofu, noodles, and vegetables in advance and assemble them just before eating to keep everything fresh.

Conclusion

Tofu served with vermicelli is a light, refreshing, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of crispy tofu, tender noodles, and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a weeknight dinner, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your taste.

Try this recipe today, and enjoy the delicious, plant-based goodness of tofu served with vermicelli!