Lemongrass-Infused Tofu with Rice Noodles
A fragrant, herbaceous noodle bowl featuring tender tofu and fresh herbs in a light coconut broth, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This vietnamese-inspired asian (gluten-free, vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, rice noodles, stalks lemongrass for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 12 oz firm tofu
- 6 oz rice noodles
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 1 tbsp galangal
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1 red chili
Instructions
- Step 1: Press tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and pan-sear tofu until golden on all sides, about 8 minutes.
- Step 2: Thinly slice lemongrass stalks and mince galangal. Simmer 1 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 3 tbsp lime juice, and 1 minced red chili in a saucepan for 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Cook rice noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water. Add noodles to saucepan with sauce, toss to coat, and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Serve noodles topped with seared tofu, fresh cilantro, and bean sprouts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemongrass-Infused Tofu with Rice Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemongrass-Infused Tofu with Rice Noodles?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemongrass-Infused Tofu with Rice Noodles?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemongrass-Infused Tofu with Rice Noodles for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Lemongrass-Infused Tofu with Rice Noodles gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
