My Recipe Box

Crispy Tofu Banh Mi

A delicious fusion of Vietnamese and international flavors, this crispy tofu banh mi combines the crunch of fried tofu, the freshness of pickled vegetables, and the richness of sriracha mayo on a crispy baguette.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 20-30 mins
Cook: 15-20 mins
Serves: 4
Author: RoSh14

4.3 / 5 (590)


Ingredients

For the Tofu
  • firm tofu

    1 block

  • cornstarch

    1 cup

  • soy sauce

    a splash

For the Pickled Vegetables
  • carrots

    2 medium

  • cucumbers

    1 large

  • rice vinegar

    1 cup

  • sugar

    1 tablespoon

For the Sriracha Mayo
  • mayonnaise

    1 cup

  • sriracha sauce

    2 tablespoons

For the Assembly
  • baguette

    1 loaf

  • fresh cilantro

    a handful


Instructions

  • 1
    Prepare the tofu by pressing it for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized pieces and toss in cornstarch to coat.

    To ensure the tofu crisps up nicely, it's crucial to remove as much moisture as possible. Place the tofu between two plates or a tofu press and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Afterward, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and gently toss to coat evenly. This step helps the tofu to fry up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

  • 2
    Fry the tofu in hot oil until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

    Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the coated tofu pieces in the skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Repeat with any remaining tofu pieces. Place the fried tofu on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  • 3
    Prepare the pickled vegetables by slicing the carrots and cucumbers thinly and soaking them in a brine made from rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for at least 30 minutes.

    Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the carrots and cucumbers into very thin rounds. In a large bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Add the sliced carrots and cucumbers to the bowl and make sure they are covered with the brine. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the vegetables to pickle and develop their flavor.

  • 4
    Mix the sriracha mayo by combining mayonnaise and sriracha sauce in a bowl until well combined.

    In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce until you get a smooth, spicy mayo. This will be the glue that holds all the flavors of the banh mi together, adding a creamy and spicy kick.

  • 5
    Assemble the banh mi by spreading sriracha mayo on the baguette, adding fried tofu, pickled vegetables, and finishing with fresh cilantro.

    To assemble the banh mi, start by spreading a generous amount of the sriracha mayo on the cut side of the baguette. Next, add a few pieces of the fried tofu, followed by a spoonful of the pickled vegetables. Finally, sprinkle some fresh cilantro leaves on top. This combination of textures and flavors, from the crispy tofu and crunchy vegetables to the spicy and cooling mayo, all on a fresh baguette, makes for a truly satisfying meal.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

336

4

145

3

61

2

46

1

2

Reviews

  • Zeynie

    As I bit into the crispy tofu banh mi, the crunch of the fried tofu and pickled vegetables harmonized with the rich sriracha mayo, evoking the vibrant streets of Hanoi. The flavors danced on my palate, a symphony of textures and tastes that left me yearning for another bite. A perfect vegan delight, reminiscent of the intricate flavors found in traditional Turkish dishes like dolma, yet uniquely Vietnamese. The only suggestion I'd make is to ensure the ingredients are carefully selected to avoid any allergens, a consideration that's paramount to me. Overall, a culinary masterpiece that I'd eagerly revisit, much like the sweet layers of a baklava.

  • AkuaTheWriter

    This Crispy Tofu Banh Mi recipe is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, much like the intricate patterns found in African textiles. The crispy tofu, pickled vegetables, and sriracha mayo come together on a crunchy baguette, evoking the vibrant markets of West Africa. While my heart belongs to jollof rice and plantain dishes, this recipe's creativity and attention to detail resonated with me. The use of rice vinegar and sugar to pickle the vegetables is a thoughtful touch, reminiscent of the careful balance of flavors in a well-crafted African stew. Although I'd love to experiment with adding some African-inspired twists, such as suya spices or plantain chips, the recipe's nuance and depth make it a compelling try. As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but reflect on the beauty of culinary cross-pollination and the ways in which flavors can transport us to distant lands.

  • ZhilanCN

    This Crispy Tofu Banh Mi recipe warrants a thorough examination, given its intriguing amalgamation of textures and flavors. As a pescatarian with a shellfish allergy, I appreciate the utilization of tofu as a protein substitute, which obviates the necessity for seafood. The recipe's incorporation of pickled vegetables and sriracha mayo serves to enhance its appeal, as I have a predilection for exploring novel dim sum and seafood-inspired dishes. Notably, the absence of dairy products in this recipe aligns with my dietary preferences. Upon executing this recipe, I observed that the tofu's crispiness was satisfactorily achieved, and the pickled vegetables added a delightful crunch. The sriracha mayo provided a rich, creamy element that harmonized with the freshness of the cilantro. Nevertheless, I would recommend a few modifications to optimize the recipe's efficacy. Specifically, I suggest increasing the quantity of pickled vegetables to achieve a more balanced flavor profile and adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds to enhance the dish's visual appeal. Overall, I consider this recipe to be a commendable effort, meriting a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

  • rohansingh91

    ### A Tasty Detour from My Usual Favorites I recently had the pleasure of trying the Crispy Tofu Banh Mi recipe, and I must say, it was quite a delightful experience. As someone who's deeply rooted in traditional Indian cuisine, especially curries and naan bread, I was curious to see how this Vietnamese-inspired dish would fare. Being a vegetarian, I appreciated the use of tofu and fresh vegetables in this recipe. The best part of this dish for me was the harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The crispy tofu, the tanginess of the pickled vegetables, and the creaminess of the sriracha mayo all came together beautifully on a crunchy baguette. However, I did find the sriracha mayo to be slightly too spicy for my taste, which I generally prefer to be mild. A milder alternative or an adjustment to suit my preference would have made it even more enjoyable. What I love about this recipe is its creativity and how it pushes me out of my culinary comfort zone. It's a great example of fusion food that can be both exciting and accessible. The preparation and cooking times were reasonable, and the steps were clear and easy to follow. #### Key Takeaways: - **Flavor Profile**: While I enjoyed the overall taste, I would suggest toning down the spiciness for those who, like me, prefer milder flavors. - **Texture Variety**: The combination of crispy tofu, crunchy vegetables, and soft baguette was excellent. - **Creativity**: This dish is a great way to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. Overall, I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and exciting. With a few tweaks to suit my taste preferences, it could easily become a staple in my culinary repertoire.

  • Lukinator2001

    not my thing, too much asian stuff. i mean, i like a good banh mi, but this one with tofu? no thanks. i need some meat in my life, you know? sausages, schnitzel, that's my jam. this crispy tofu banh mi is just not it. and what's with all the pickling and sriracha mayo? too much work, too much weird stuff. gimme a good ol' fashioned currywurst any day

  • KaiTheKing23

    Me like dis recipe! Crispy tofu very nice. Pickled vegtable good too. Sriracha mayo make me happy, I like spicy food. Only problem, no meat. Me love meat. But me try to be healthy, so okay. Me think baguette fresh and crispy, like sushi rice. Not really, but you know. Me give 4 stars. Me want to try with chicken or pork next time. Then me give 5 stars.

  • YaraSaeed95

    I must commend the creator of this recipe for their innovative take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The combination of crispy tofu, pickled vegetables, and sriracha mayo on a crispy baguette sounds delightful. As someone who appreciates complex flavors, I think the use of cardamom-infused drinks in other recipes might inspire a similar twist here, perhaps with a cardamom tea pairing? I do appreciate that the recipe avoids nuts, making it suitable for my dietary needs. The instructions seem clear and concise, making it accessible for someone with my language background. I look forward to trying this recipe and exploring its flavors, Insh'Allah.

  • MaricarmenL

    This Crispy Tofu Banh Mi recipe, **¡un verdadero abrazo para el alma!** (a true hug for the soul), has captured my heart with its vibrant flavors and textures. As a vegetarian, I appreciate the creative use of tofu, which is cooked to a perfect crispiness. The combination of pickled vegetables, sriracha mayo, and fresh cilantro on a crispy baguette is **una delicia** (a delight). Although I'm lactose intolerant, I can easily substitute the mayonnaise with a gluten-free, dairy-free alternative. What I love most about this recipe is its ability to bring people together, **como una gran fiesta en la mesa** (like a big party at the table). The only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is that I'd love to see a gluten-free option for the baguette. Nonetheless, **esto es un plato que seguro calmará el hambre y el corazón** (this is a dish that will surely satisfy both hunger and the heart).

  • YaraTech

    I approached this crispy tofu banh mi recipe with a critical eye, given my affinity for Middle Eastern cuisine and halal dietary preferences. While the dish itself isn't traditionally Middle Eastern, I appreciated the fusion of flavors and textures. The use of sriracha mayo and pickled vegetables added a nice depth to the crispy tofu and baguette. However, I couldn't help but think of how I might adapt this recipe to incorporate some of my favorite Palestinian or Lebanese flavors. Perhaps substituting the sriracha mayo with a tahini-based sauce or adding some sumac for extra depth? The recipe was well-structured and easy to follow, but I found the preparation time to be a bit longer than expected. Overall, it was a pleasant deviation from my usual culinary pursuits, but I wouldn't necessarily make it again in its current form. I might consider tweaking it to better align with my tastes and preferences.

  • MikeKK

    I find dis recipe for Crispy Tofu Banh Mi quite... intriguing. As person who enjoy traditional Polish cuisine, I appreciate fusion of Vietnamese and international flavors. Preparation time of 20-30 minutes and cooking time of 15-20 minutes seem reasonable. I must admit, I was skeptical about using tofu, but crispy exterior and tender interior were delightful. Pickled vegetables added nice crunch and freshness. Sriracha mayo, made with non-dairy mayonnaise, was satisfactory substitute for traditional mayonnaise, considering my lactose intolerance. Baguette, crispy on outside and soft on inside, was perfect base for dis dish. Overall, I would recommend dis recipe to those who, like me, enjoy experimenting with new flavors and cuisines. Only reason I do not give it 5 stars is that I found it required bit more effort and attention during preparation, but result was well worth it.

  • CassieBW

    OMG, this Crispy Tofu Banh Mi recipe is a **total game changer**! I mean, who wouldn't love a sandwich that's basically a flavor bomb just waiting to blow your taste buds away? The combo of crispy tofu, pickled veggies, and spicy mayo on a fresh baguette is **absolute perfection**. I loved how easy it was to make, despite being a bit of a messy cook (I'm always knocking over stuff in the kitchen). The fact that it's got tofu and not meat doesn't make it any less satisfying - I was totally stuffed after eating one of these bad boys. I'm def gonna be making this again and experimenting with different types of protein, like maybe some BBQ pulled pork or chicken (gotta try that sometime). Also, can I just say that the sriracha mayo is **THE. BEST.**? I'm obsessed! I'd make a whole batch of just that stuff and put it on everything. 10/10 would rec this recipe to anyone looking for a new sandwich obsession

  • LeilaLovesMusic

    Wow, I LOVE this recipe!!! As a vegetarian, I'm always looking for new ideas, and this crispy tofu banh mi is amazing! The combination of crispy tofu, pickled veggies, and spicy sriracha mayo on a baguette is perfect. I was a little worried about gluten, but I can use gluten-free baguette, so that's okay. The recipe is easy to follow, and I love that it's not too complicated. I want to make it again and again! The only thing I might change is adding some fresh fruit on the side, like my favorite açaí bowl toppings. But overall, this recipe is a winner! I'm so happy to have found it.

  • NalaniNerd

    A Deliciously Satisfying Vegetarian Banh Mi Experience As someone who enjoys trying out new recipes and experimenting with different cuisines, I was excited to dive into this Crispy Tofu Banh Mi recipe. While I appreciate the fusion of Vietnamese flavors, I must admit that I'm not a huge fan of tofu due to my mild soy intolerance. However, the crispy exterior and tender interior of the tofu in this recipe were well-executed and made for a satisfying bite. The pickled vegetables added a nice crunch and freshness to the dish, and the sriracha mayo brought everything together with a creamy and spicy kick. I loved the combination of textures and flavors in this recipe, and I appreciate the attention to detail in the preparation steps. As an introverted and analytical person, I enjoyed the process of assembling the banh mi and experimenting with different flavors. The recipe was well-structured and easy to follow, making it a great experience for someone like me who values precision and clarity. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to fellow vegetarians and adventurous eaters. While it may not be a game-changer for me due to my soy intolerance, it was a delicious and satisfying meal that I'm sure I'll revisit in the future.

  • Roku2001

    I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed this Crispy Tofu Banh Mi recipe. As a vegetarian with a penchant for spicy flavors, I appreciated the combination of crispy tofu, pickled vegetables, and sriracha mayo on a crunchy baguette. The use of rice vinegar and sugar to pickle the carrots and cucumbers was a nice touch, reminiscent of Indian-inspired chutneys. However, I did have to substitute the baguette with a gluten-free alternative, which was a bit tricky to find. Nevertheless, the dish turned out delicious and satisfying. I would definitely make it again, perhaps with some naan bread on the side for a more familiar flavor profile.