Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Crispy Tofu

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sjulienned vegetables(such as carrots, red pepper, and cucumber)
• bunch fresh cilantro
• bunch fresh mint
• ounce svermicelli or rice noodles(the thinner the better)
• wholespring roll rice papers
• 1/3 cup salted creamy almond butter
• Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce(tamari if gluten-free)
• Tbsp brown sugar, agave, or honey if not vegan(depending on preferred sweetness)
• Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tsp chili garlic sauce
• Hot water(to thin)
• ounce sextra-firm tofu(drained and thoroughly dried/pressed)
• Tbsp sesame oil(divided)
• Tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 Tbsp almond butter dipping sauce
• Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce(tamari if gluten-free)
• Tbsp brown sugar or agave nectar

Instructions

1. Start by preparing rice noodles in boiling hot water for about 10 minutes (read instructions on package), then drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cut pressed tofu into small rectangles. Toss in 3 Tbsp cornstarch and flash fry in ~3 Tbsp sesame oil (amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size), flipping on all sides to ensure even browning about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Prep veggies and prepare almond butter sauce by adding all sauce ingredients except water to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Add enough hot water to thin until a pourable sauce is achieved. Adjust flavors as needed (I often add a little more chili garlic sauce and brown sugar).
4. To add more flavor to the tofu, transfer ~2.5 Tbsp of the sauce to a small bowl and add an additional Tablespoon each of soy sauce, sesame oil and brown sugar or agave (amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) and whisk to combine.
5. Add tofu back to the skillet over medium heat and add “sauce/glaze,” stirring to coat. Cook for several minutes or until all of the sauce is absorbed and the tofu looks glazed, stirring frequently (see photos). Set aside with prepared veggies and vermicelli noodles.
6. To assemble spring rolls, pour very hot water into a shallow dish or skillet and immerse rice paper to soften for about 10 15 seconds.
7. Transfer to a damp cutting board or damp towel and gently spread out edges into a circle. It may take a little practice, so don’t feel bad if your first few attempts are a fail!
8. To the bottom third of the wrapper add a small handful of vermicelli noodles and layer carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, fresh herbs and 2 3 pieces of tofu on top (see photo). Gently fold over once, tuck in edges, and continue rolling until seam is sealed.
9. Place seam side down on a serving platter and cover with damp warm towel to keep fresh. Repeat until all fillings are used up about 8 10 spring rolls total (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).
10. Serve with almond butter sauce and sriracha or hot sauce of choice. I like to mix mine and go dip happy.
11. Leftovers store well individually wrapped in plastic wrap, though best when fresh.