Turmeric Tofu with Dill

This Turmeric Tofu dish is a plant-based take on Hanoi’s iconic Chả Cá Lã Vọng. Marinated in fragrant spices and pan-seared until golden, the tofu is then tossed with fresh dill and scallions for an aromatic, flavor-packed experience.

Jump to:

• Turmeric Tofu
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• 📖 Recipe
• More Tasty Tofu Recipes
• 💬 Reviews

Turmeric Tofu

Hanoi is a city filled with vibrant flavors, and one of its most iconic dishes is Chả Cá Lã Vọng—a fragrant, turmeric-infused fish dish served with fresh herbs and rice noodles. As a lover of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and plant-based cooking, I wanted to recreate this dish in a way that stays true to its bold flavors while making it entirely vegan. Enter Vegan Turmeric Tofu—crispy, golden tofu infused with turmeric, cooked with aromatic dill, and served with all the classic accompaniments.

This Turmeric Tofu with Dill is my take on Hanoi's beloved Chả Cá Lã Vọng. The tofu soaks up all the warm, earthy flavors of turmeric before getting crispy and golden, then it's tossed with fresh dill and scallions for that signature aroma.

This recipe captures the essence of the original dish while celebrating plant-based ingredients. It’s crispy, savory, and packed with umami, making it a perfect meal to impress your taste buds!

Looking for more Vietnamese-inspired tofu recipes? Check out Vietnamese Tofu with Tomato Sauce, Lemongrass Tofu or Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallion Oil!

Ingredients

For the Turmeric Tofu:

• 1 block (400g) firm tofu, pressed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegan fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar (for slight caramelization)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like vegetable or avocado oil)

For the Aromatic Topping:

• 1 bunch fresh dill, roughly chopped
• 2 stalks green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra depth)

For Serving:

• Rice vermicelli noodles
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
• Crushed roasted peanuts

For the Vegan Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegan fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sugar)
• 1 small red chili, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu

• Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
• In a bowl, mix turmeric, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, and cornstarch to create a marinade.
• Toss the tofu in the marinade and let it sit for 10 minutes.

2. Cook the Tofu

• Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil.
• Pan-fry the tofu until golden and crispy on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).

3. Add the Aromatics

• Once the tofu is crispy, lower the heat and add the chopped dill and green onions.
• Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, allowing the herbs to release their aroma.
• Drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor.

4. Assemble & Serve

• Arrange rice vermicelli noodles in a bowl.
• Add the crispy turmeric tofu on top.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, and a lime wedge.
• Serve with the vegan dipping sauce on the side.

If you have tried my recipe, please let me know what you think by leaving me a review on this page or tagging me on Instagram @veggieanh. I would love to see your creations!

Print

📖 Recipe

More Tasty Tofu Recipes