Tofu Larb - ลาบเต้าหู้

There are a wide variety of ingredients to make Larb, which means minced or ground meat. I did mention from my recipe: Thai Spicy Chicken Salad-Larb Gai that you can replace meat by using tofu or mushrooms. I prefer to use a firm tofu to make larb as a vegetarian healthy dish, and it looks also like minced chicken. The mashed tofu crumbles are perfectly replacing the meat with a hearty flavor that still pack enough protein to leave you feeling satisfied. Let's me tell you how I make yummy Tofu Larb ka. 

Ingredients:  

1 (16-ounce) package firm tofu, drained and mashed with a folk into small crumbles like ricotta cheese

1 small shallot, finely sliced about 2 tablespoons

3 tablespoons toasted rice powder 

2 tablespoons soy sauce 

4 tablespoons lime juice  

1 1/4 teaspoons crushed red chili flakes 

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1/3 chopped fresh mint 

1/3 chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar  

1/4 salt 

2 tablespoons water from the boiling tofu 

mint and cilantro leaves to garnish 

fresh vegetables such as lettuce leaves, broccoli forests, carrots and cucumbers for serving  

Instructions: 

To make toasted rice, by adding raw sticky or jasmine rice in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast until golden brown. Then grind toasted rice in the coffee grinder or pound in the mortar and pestle.  

In a medium pot, boil water over medium heat. Add the tofu crumbles into the boiling water about several minutes. Drain well.

To make the dressing, in a mixing bowl, add soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped red onion, and stir well. Place the tofu crumbled, add chopped cilantro, mint, rice powder, and water from the boiling tofu.  Stir well until everything is evenly coated. Spoon tofu larb into the serving bowl or the lettuce leaves and garnish with mint and cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with your favorite fresh veggies. You can have it as a starter or as a very healthy meal as well. Enjoy ka!   

It's so good and healthy lunch!