Lemongrass Tofu Noodle Salad

Lemongrass tofu noodle salad is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of balance, simplicity, and bold flavor. There’s a joy in this dish that come together with such harmony — the zing of lemongrass, the satisfying chew of tofu, the freshness of herbs, and the crunch of veg.

Perfect for summer lunches or light dinners, so that’s why this tofu delight has quickly become a staple in my kitchen.

Jump to:

• the magical pair: lemongrass & tofu
• why you'll fall in love with this noodle salad
• how to make lemongrass tofu noodle salad
• A love letter written by lemongrass tofu
• 📖 Recipe
• More Vietnamese tofu ideas
• 💬 Reviews

the magical pair: lemongrass & tofu

Lemongrass is one of my absolute favourite ingredients because of its zingy, citrusy, and smells like sunshine. When sautéed with garlic, shallots, and soy sauce, it transforms plain tofu into something golden, fragrant, and deeply savoury — the kind of bite that makes you pause and say, “Wait, what is that flavor?!”

why you'll fall in love with this noodle salad

This bowl is colourful, crunchy, and full of life.

• Rice noodles – Light and slippery, the perfect base to soak up the tangy dressing.
• Lemongrass Tofu – Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of citrusy umami.
• Fresh veggies – Think shredded carrots, cucumber ribbons, crunchy cabbage, and thinly sliced bell peppers.
• Herbs – A generous handful of mint and coriander (cilantro) for a fresh finish.
• A punchy dressing – A balance of lime juice, vegan fish sauce, sugar, garlic, chilli, and a splash of toasted sesame oil.

If you like this recipe, also check out this tofu with tomato sauce.

how to make lemongrass tofu noodle salad

ingredients

• 400 g firm or extra firm tofu
• 2-3 stalks lemongrass
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 bird-eyed Thai chili
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Rice noodles
• Pickled carrot & daikon
• Cucumber
• Coriander
• Or save this picture below for your shopping list 👇

instructions (with pictures below)

1. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
2. Remove the tough outer part of the lemongrass, then finely minced the lemongrass and chili pepper, or alternatively you can chop them into chunks and put them in a food processor.
3. In a pan on medium high heat, add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes and fry them until golden and crispy on both sides. Then transfer them to a plate and set aside.
4. Add the minced lemongrass, garlic and chili back to the pan with 1 tablespoon of oil, then stir fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the tofu and mix together.
6. Then add the soy sauce, sugar and turmeric powder (for color). Stir fry for a couple of minutes until all flavors are incorporated then transfer to a plate.
7. Finally, serve the lemongrass chili tofu with rice or vermicelli noodles, cucumber, and coriander to balance the savory and spicy flavor.

tips for a success lemongrass-marinated tofu

💡Press your tofu well before marinating to ensure it soaks up the flavours.

💡To get the most out of lemongrass, make sure to bruise the stalks before chopping — this releases the essential oils that carry its signature scent and flavour.

💡Don’t skip the herbs because they add essential freshness.

A love letter written by lemongrass tofu

I’ve served this dish to friends who claim not to like tofu — and every time, they’re won over. It’s that good.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about it that hits every note — fresh, zesty, savoury, and comforting all at once. It’s light, yet filling. Fresh, but hearty. And most importantly, it’s a joy to eat. It's the kind of meal that wakes up your taste buds and leaves you feeling refreshed and nourished.

Let me know what you think by leaving me a review on this page or tagging me on Instagram @veggieanh. I encourage you to try it and give it your own twist. Happy cooking, friends!

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📖 Recipe

More Vietnamese tofu ideas