Mint & Pepper Tofu Larb
This is the best larb I've ever had - hands down!
Sweet and tangy, the ginger, garlic, lime, and fish sauce absolutely make the flavors of this dish pop. Made vegan with tofu and mushroom "fish sauce" but you can add in any protein of choice (ground chicken or turkey would be delicious!).
Ingredients
- 1 block protein high protein type is best if available
- 2 tbsp rice
- 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic finely minced or grated
- 1/2 inch piece ginger finely minced or grated
- 3 green onions roughly chopped, green and white parts separated
- 3 tbsp fish sauce* see notes below
- 1-2 limes juice and zest
- 1 kaffir lime leaf optional but amazing if you can find one!
- 1 small shallot finely chopped
- 1 Fresno chili pepper (or Thai chili for extra heat) finely chopped
- 1-2 handfuls herbs (mint and cilantro are a must! Chives are also great) roughly chopped
- red pepper flakes
- salt and/or white pepper to taste
Instructions
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Unpackage the block of tofu and wrap in paper towels or clean dish cloth. Put it on a plate then add something heavy on top to press water out of tofu. Set aside.
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In a large skillet on medium high heat, add uncooked rice. Sautee in dry pan until rice reaches a deep golden color - stirring frequently.
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Remove rice from heat once golden and let cool. When cooled, place rice in a spice grinder until it reaches a rough powder consistency.
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In the same skillet used for rice, add olive oil, pre-heating over medium heat.
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Crumble the tofu into the heated pan. Toss for a few minutes, then add garlic, ginger, and shallot.
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Continue to cook until tofu, garlic, ginger, shallot start to brown - about 4 minutes.
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Add the fish sauce, 1 tsp lime zest, and kaffir lime leaf, if using.
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When tofu looks suitably cooked, slightly golden brown, add the white part of the green onions, herbs of choice (mint, cilantro, chives), and Fresno chili pepper and/or red pepper flakes.
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You're almost done! I promise!
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Add 2 tbsp rice powder, mixing everything together well.
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Plate and top with those green green onion parts and any extra herbs you'd like.
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Throw on a little lime juice and enjoy!
Notes
*For fish sauce, you have two options, both are awesome!
Option 1: store-bought fish sauce
Option 2: homemade vegan mushroom fish sauce.
I've made this larb with both options and both are incredible. If you have the time and energy for the mushroom fish sauce, I highly recommend it!