Crispy Tofu Summer Rolls: Delicious and Healthy Recipe

 

Are you looking for a refreshing and nutritious dish to enjoy during the summer months? Look no further than these crispy tofu summer rolls with cashew dipping sauce. Packed with flavor and filled with wholesome ingredients, these rolls are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you cool. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make these delicious summer rolls, along with some tips and tricks to make them even more enjoyable.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Preparation
4. Cooking Instructions
5. Cashew Dipping Sauce
6. Assembly
7. Serving Suggestions
8. Health Benefits
9. Variations and Substitutions
10. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Summer rolls, also known as fresh spring rolls, are a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine. They are typically made with rice paper wrappers filled with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and protein. In this recipe, we will be using crispy tofu as the protein component, which adds a satisfying crunch to the rolls. The rolls are then served with a creamy cashew dipping sauce that complements the flavors perfectly.

2. Ingredients

To make these crispy tofu summer rolls with cashew dipping sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 200g smoked tofu, cut into 1cm cubes
• 200g vermicelli rice noodles
• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp light brown soft sugar
• 1 tbsp vegetarian fish sauce
• 14 rice-paper wraps
• ½ small bunch of mint, leaves picked
• ½ small bunch of coriander, leaves picked
• 1 large carrot, cut into thin matchsticks
• ½ cucumber, cut into thin matchsticks
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 100g smooth cashew butter
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 small garlic clove, crushed

3. Preparation

Before you start assembling the summer rolls, it's important to have all the ingredients prepared and ready to go. Here are the steps for preparing the ingredients:

1. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat.
2. Pat the tofu dry, then fry for 5 mins until golden and crisp. Remove to a bowl and set aside.
3. Tip the rice noodles into a deep heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water from the kettle. Leave to soak for 15 mins, then drain and rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process.
4. Whisk together the remaining sesame oil, the rice vinegar, brown sugar, and fish sauce.
5. Add the noodles to the mixture and toss to coat.

4. Cooking Instructions

Now that all the ingredients are prepared, it's time to cook the tofu and assemble the summer rolls. Follow these instructions for a perfect result:

1. To cook the tofu, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
2. Pat the tofu dry and then fry it for approximately 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside in a bowl.
3. In a deep heatproof bowl, place the vermicelli rice noodles and cover them with boiling water. Allow the noodles to soak for about 15 minutes, then drain and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, light brown soft sugar, and vegetarian fish sauce. Add the drained noodles to the mixture and toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated.

5. Cashew Dipping Sauce

The cashew dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the crispy tofu summer rolls. Here's how to make it:

1. In a small bowl, combine the smooth cashew butter, light soy sauce, red wine vinegar, and crushed garlic.
2. Slowly whisk in 50ml of boiling water from the kettle to loosen the sauce and achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Set the sauce aside for later use.

6. Assembly

Now that all the components are ready, it's time to assemble the summer rolls:

1. Dip one rice paper wrapper into a bowl of hot water, swishing it around until it becomes soft (approximately 10-15 seconds).
2. Transfer the softened wrapper to a clean tea towel to drain excess water.
3. Place the wrapper on a board and arrange a few mint and coriander leaves along one edge.
4. Add some carrot and cucumber matchsticks, fried tofu, and a small amount of the dressed noodles.
5. Lift the edge of the wrapper up and over the filling, holding the filling in place with your fingers as you start rolling tightly.
6. Once you're about halfway through, fold the ends of the wrapper to enclose the filling, then continue rolling until sealed.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.

7. Serving Suggestions

These crispy tofu summer rolls with cashew dipping sauce can be enjoyed as a light lunch, appetizer, or even a refreshing snack. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve the rolls as part of a summer picnic or outdoor gathering.
• Pair them with a side salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal.
• Serve them with extra herbs and lime wedges for added flavor.
• Enjoy them with a side of peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.

8. Health Benefits

These crispy tofu summer rolls with cashew dipping sauce offer a range of health benefits. Here are a few notable ones:

• Tofu is a good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Rice noodles provide a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat-based noodles.
• Fresh vegetables and herbs offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Cashew butter is rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and copper.

9. Variations and Substitutions

While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

• Swap the tofu for grilled chicken or shrimp for a different protein option.
• Add sliced bell peppers, bean sprouts, or avocado for extra crunch and flavor.
• Substitute the cashew dipping sauce with peanut sauce or hoisin sauce.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, these crispy tofu summer rolls with cashew dipping sauce are a fantastic way to enjoy a light and refreshing meal during the summer months. The combination of crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and the creamy cashew dipping sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in these delicious summer rolls!