Bún Chay (Vegetarian Rice Noodle Salad)

Ingredients

• 1 lb Rice vermicelli noodles
• 1 block Firm tofu
• 1 large Carrots
• 1 large Cucumber
• 1 head Lettuce
• 1/4 cup Mint
• 1/4 cup Cilantro
• 1 cup Bean sprouts
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp Soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1 tbsp Lime juice
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1/2 small Red chili

Instructions

1. 1Bring a large heavy-bottomed pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the 1 lb of rice vermicelli noodles and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender but still slightly firm. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to drain completely.
2. 2While the noodles cook, prepare the tofu. Place the 1 block of firm tofu on a clean kitchen towel and cover with another towel. Place a heavy object on top for at least 10 minutes to press out excess water. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
3. 3Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C). Add the 1-inch cubes of tofu and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4Prepare the vegetables and herbs. Julienne the 1 large carrot and the 1 large cucumber into thin matchsticks. Shred the 1 head of lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the 1/4 cup of mint and the 1/4 cup of cilantro. Measure out the 1 cup of bean sprouts.
5. 5Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 2 minced cloves of garlic, and 1/2 finely chopped small red chili. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
6. 6Assemble the salad. In a large serving bowl, combine the drained rice vermicelli noodles, the cooked tofu, julienned carrots, julienned cucumber, shredded lettuce, chopped mint, chopped cilantro, and bean sprouts.
7. 7Drizzle the prepared vegetarian nước chấm dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve immediately.

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