Where can you buy lemongrass?

Lemongrass can be found in larger supermarkets or an Asian market. It often comes in sealed packages of 2 or more stalks. If you buy lemongrass paste, check that it is just lemongrass and not packed with sesame oil or other ingredients.

Can I use lemongrass powder rather than fresh lemongrass?

Lemongrass powder is a good substitution for fresh lemongrass. Be aware that the flavor of powdered lemongrass is more intense, so use half the amount.

Is lemongrass tofu spicy?

It’s easy to transform our basic 5-ingredient lemongrass chili tofu or just a bit of heat by adding chili flakes, finely diced red chili peppers, or ground chilies to the marinade. You can also add ½ a teaspoon (or more) of Sriracha or another chili sauce, depending on how hot you like it.

Can I fry rather than bake lemongrass tofu?

It is possible to dry fry tofu in a non-stick pan or skillet. Heat the pan over medium-high heat before adding the tofu. As you fry the tofu, use a wooden spoon to press on it, so the middle compresses. This is easiest with tofu slices rather than cubes.

Zesty and Sweet Baked Lemongrass Tofu (Vegan and Oil-free)

Zesty and Sweet Baked Lemongrass Tofu

Lemongrass Tofu on a plate with a black rice salad.

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Zesty and sweet baked lemongrass tofu is a delicious, oil-free vegan dish made with just 5 simple ingredients.

Author: Denise
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Tofu
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

10-ounce (280 gram) block of firm or extra firm tofu
1 stalk of fresh lemongrass (1 tablespoon), finely minced
2 tablespoons coconut aminos or soy sauce
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced

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Instructions

Press the tofu. Press for 15 minutes or until most excess moisture has been released. Use a tofu press or wrap it in a paper towel and place it between 2 flat surfaces with the top weighed down.
Prepare the marinade. Combine the lemongrass, coconut aminos, maple syrup, and garlic in a shallow bowl or baking dish. (See notes on how to prep fresh lemongrass)
Marinate the tofu. When the tofu is pressed, cut it into strips or squares ¼ of an inch thick. Add them to the marinade, flipping them a few times so that all sides are covered. Allow the tofu to marinate for 20-30 minutes or overnight.
Bake the tofu. Preheat the oven to 400⁰ F. (200⁰ C.). Place the tofu cubes in a glass baking dish or on a lined, rimmed baking tray. Then pour any remaining lemongrass mixture over the tofu. Bake for 20 minutes, flip the pieces and bake for another 15 minutes or until they are firm and slightly brown.

Notes

Prep the fresh lemongrass by trimming the bulb and spiked top. Slice the lemongrass lengthwise several times until you are left with thin strips. Then bundle the strips together and chop them finely. Peel away the outer husks (2-4) until you have a tender, whitish heart of the stalk left.
You can find fresh lemongrass stalks in many larger supermarkets or Asian markets. It is also available, already minced in small jars. If you use lemongrass powder, use half the amount (1 ½ teaspoon).
To make spicy lemongrass tofu, add 1-1/2 a teaspoon of red chili flakes or ground red chili. Sriracha or another chili paste will also add a hot flavor.
You can easily make this lemongrass tofu recipe in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375 F, and then add the tofu in a single layer to the air fryer basket. Pour the remaining marinade over the tofu pieces. Air fry the tofu for 8 minutes, flip it and air fry it another 6-8 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving Size:
Calories: 122
Sugar: 6.3 g
Sodium: 259.3 mg
Fat: 3.7 g
Carbohydrates: 11.5 g
Protein: 7.2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Find it online: https://veganwithgusto.com/baked-lemongrass-tofu/