A vibrant and flavorful vegan take on Bún Chay, featuring crispy tofu, fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, and a rich, savory peanut sauce.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the pressed tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss the tofu cubes in the mixture, then sprinkle with cornstarch and toss to coat evenly.
Spread the tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with vegetable oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
While the tofu is baking, cook the vermicelli rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
Prepare the peanut sauce: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup/agave, and sriracha. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Warm the sauce gently.
Assemble the Bún Chay: Divide the cooked vermicelli noodles among bowls. Top with shredded carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts, mint, and cilantro.
Add the crispy tofu to each bowl. Drizzle generously with peanut sauce.
Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and serve with lime wedges.
Nutrition per serving (450g)
Pressing the tofu thoroughly is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes.
Adjust the amount of sriracha in the peanut sauce to your preferred spice level.
Feel free to add other vegetables such as shredded lettuce, pickled vegetables, or edamame.
The peanut sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you don't want to bake the tofu, you can pan-fry it in a skillet until crispy. Make sure to use enough oil to prevent sticking.
Large pot
Oven
Baking sheet
Large bowl
Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.