This easy lemongrass tofu requires simple ingredients and will be ready in less than an hour. It’s jam-packed with flavor and is the perfect addition to weekly meal prep!

Even though lemongrass is one of my favorite flavors, this was actually the first time that we cooked with it. Before this, most we’ve done with it is make tea (which we highly recommend), and besides that, I have for some reason been a bit intimidated by the ingredient.

To my surprise, there was nothing intimidating about the ingredient. From the preparation to the cooking, everything was straightforward and easy peasy! Lemongrass has such a unique flavor and is an ingredient that works great in both sweet and savory recipes. If you have any recipe recommendations, please leave them down below!

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• Tofu: We like to use firm tofu instead of extra-firm in this recipe as it is less dense and it absorbs the flavors more. If you only have access to extra-firm, that will work in its place.
• Garlic, Ginger and Green Onions: The simple yet essential aromatic flavor base to start this dish off right.
• Red chili pepper: We used a cayenne pepper or this since it is what we had on hand, but feel free to use any pepper of your choice, according to your spice preferece.
• Lemongrass stalks: We recommend also removing the outer dry layers as these can be too tough to eat. You can use them for tea so that they don’t go to waste!
• Tamari: Tamari tastes a lot like soy sauce, but it is free of gluten, tastes slightly less salty, and is more balanced in flavor. Feel free to use soy sauce in its place if that’s what you have on hand.
• Maple Syrup: Balances out the flavors in this recipe and rounds out the dish overall. If you don’t have maple syrup, agave works as well.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds depth of flavor and umami to the dish.
• Nonstick Pan: We recommend using a nonstick pan for this recipe for the best results. This will ensure that the tofu does not stick and gets as golden and crispy as possible.

If you’re looking for more tofu recipes, check these out:

• Smoky Tofu & Kabocha Squash Buddha Bowls (Oil-free)
• Vegan Eggs Benedict with Homemade Hollandaise
• Vegan Miso Soup (5-Ingredients + 15 Minutes)
• Barbecue Tofu Sandwiches w/ Homemade Coleslaw
• Restaurant-Style Teriyaki Tofu Bowls (Easy + Vegan)

If you make this recipe, let us know what you think in the comments below! + If you post any photos on Instagram, make sure you tag us @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris so that we don’t miss it, we love seeing your photos!

Easy Lemongrass Tofu

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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

• Author: Jasmine @ Sweet Simple Vegan
• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

This easy lemongrass tofu requires simple ingredients and will be ready in less than an hour. It is jam-packed with flavor and is the perfect addition to weekly meal prep!

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Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (we used avocado oil)
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 stalk green onions, sliced and divided
• 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 red chili pepper, seeds removed and finely diced
• 2 lemongrass stalks, bottom white part, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 tablespoons tamari
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a medium nonstick pan over medium heat, add in 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Once heated, add in the diced tofu along with a pinch of salt and cook, flipping often, until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
2. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Once heated, add in the garlic, green onions, ginger, red chili, and lemongrass, and cook until the garlic is fragrant and everything has softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add in the soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil. Mix to combine. Add in the cooked tofu and gently toss the tofu until it is well coated in the lemongrass mixture. Cook for 1 more minute just to heat the tofu through. Season with black pepper to taste.
4. Remove the pan from heat and serve as desired. Enjoy!

Notes

• Tofu: We like to use firm tofu instead of extra-firm in this recipe as it is less dense and it absorbs the flavors more. If you only have access to extra-firm, that will work in its place. Check out this post for full directions on how to press tofu (without a tofu press).
• Red chili pepper: We used a cayenne pepper or this since it is what we had on hand, but feel free to use any pepper of your choice, according to your spice preference.
• Lemongrass stalks: Remove the outer dry layers as these can be too tough to eat. You can use them for tea so that they don’t go to waste!
• Tamari: Feel free to use soy sauce in its place if that’s what you have on hand.
• Maple Syrup: Agave works as well.
• Nonstick Pan: We recommend using a nonstick pan for the best results. This will ensure that the tofu does not stick and gets as golden and crispy as possible.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Entree
• Method: Stovetop

Keywords: lemongrass, tofu, entree, side, vietnamese, vegan, gluten-free

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