Tofu Asian Salad Recipe
Tofu Asian Salad is a vibrant, crunchy and flavour-packed dish made with marinated tofu, crisp snow peas, shredded red cabbage, sweet carrots and crunchy peanuts. Tossed in a delicious blend of sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ginger, this colourful salad is perfect for a healthy lunch, light dinner or refreshing side. A brilliant addition to your collection of Salad Recipes.
Equipment
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 Large Chopping Board:
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk or small spoon
- 1 Medium Saucepan –
- 1 Slotted Spoon
- 1 Large Serving Bowl –
Ingredients
For The Marinated Tofu
- 1½ tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
- 1½ tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1½ tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves - crushed
- ¾ teaspoon fresh ginger - finely grated
- 12 ounces extra-firm tofu - drained and diced
For The Salad
- 1½ cups snow peas - trimmed
- 1½ cups finely shredded red cabbage
- 3 small carrots - grated
- 3 tablespoons chopped peanuts
Instructions
🥣 Step 1: Prepare The Tofu Marinade
- Add the sweet chilli sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, crushed garlic, and grated ginger to a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk or stir until thoroughly combined.
- Make sure the garlic and ginger are evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
🧊 Step 2: Marinate The Tofu
- Drain the extra-firm tofu thoroughly.
- Cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the tofu to the marinade.
- Gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.
🫛 Step 3: Blanch The Snow Peas
- Bring a medium saucepan of water to a rolling boil.
- Add the trimmed snow peas.
- Blanch for 1–2 minutes.
- Transfer them immediately to cold water using a slotted spoon.
- Drain thoroughly and gently pat dry.
🥕 Step 4: Prepare The Vegetables
- Finely shred the red cabbage.
- Grate the carrots.
- Chop the peanuts if necessary.
- Place the prepared vegetables into a large serving bowl.
- Keep the vegetables as dry as possible to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
🥗 Step 5: Combine The Salad
- Add the blanched snow peas to the cabbage and carrots.
- Add the marinated tofu.
- Pour over any remaining marinade.
- Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top.
- Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
- Avoid vigorous stirring because the tofu can break apart easily.
✨ Step 6: Taste And Serve
- Taste the Tofu Asian Salad and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Add a little extra sweet chilli sauce if you prefer more sweetness or heat.
- Transfer to a clean serving bowl.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Notes
- 🧊 Use Extra-Firm Tofu: Choose extra-firm tofu and drain it well so it holds its shape and absorbs the marinade beautifully.
- 🥢 Marinate Well: Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 1 hour so the sweet chilli, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger flavours can penetrate.
- 🫛 Keep Snow Peas Crisp: Blanch the snow peas for just 1–2 minutes, then cool them immediately to preserve their bright colour and crunch.
- 🥕 Prepare Fresh Vegetables: Use fresh, crisp carrots and red cabbage for the best texture and vibrant appearance.
- 🥜 Add Peanuts Last: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the salad just before serving to keep them deliciously crunchy.
- 🥗 Toss Gently: Fold the ingredients together carefully to prevent the tofu from breaking apart.
- 🌶️ Adjust the Flavour: Add extra sweet chilli sauce or fresh chilli if you prefer your Tofu Asian Salad with more heat.