Vietnamese Vegetarian Pate Recipe

This is a recipe that didn't make it into the Bánh Mì cookbook, my second publication that is already available for pre-order. I prepared a vegetable and tofu pâté that's often used in vegetarian bánh mì  sandwiches. This dish is called tàu hũ chưng in Vietnamese. I mixed tofu and a mirepoix of vegetables, which is a combination of coarsely chopped carrots, onions, leek, celery and mushrooms. The preparation is steamed then baked until firm.

Over the past few weeks I’ve been posting a vegetarian recipe each Monday. It’s part of an effort on my part to eat a little bit healthier by reducing my meat consumption. So from now on, you'll find a vegetarian recipe every "Meatless Monday".

Tet Recipe Ideas

With the Asian New Year just around the corner, I'd like to share some of my favorite Asian vegan and vegetarian dishes with you. As I've mentioned many times, there is a tradition of abstaining from meat from the day before the new year through the day after. With as many vegetarians as I have in my house, I always find myself coming up with new variations on Vietnamese dishes. 

So whether are looking for vegetarian dishes to fill 3 days or 365, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this post. Enjoy!

*My very sweet 17-year-old sister-in-law Sunny bought these adorable shoes for baby Aria on her recent trip to China last month and I wanted to share it with you.

Wood Ear Mushroom and Tofu Stir Fry Recipe

Here's a simple and easy tofu stir fry recipe. Pan-fried tofu is cooked with celery and fresh wood ear mushrooms.  Quick and delicious. That's it!

The Asian New Year is Sunday, and as you may have noticed, I've been cooking a lot of tofu dishes over the past few days. Next I'll share with you some of my favorite New Year's desserts. Stay tuned!

Dau Hu Rang Muoi Recipe (Vietnamese Tofu)

Đậu hũ rang muối is probably my husband Lulu's favorite preparation for tofu. It literally translates to "toasted tofu in salt crust". Indeed, large pieces of silken tofu are covered in tapioca starch, then deep-fried. Finally, a quick stir fry of green onions, freshly sliced red Thai chiles and salt complete the dish.

The simplicity of this dish is what is remarkable about the versatility of tofu. A drizzle of soy sauce and the addition of freshly steamed jasmine rice makes the most delicious meal. Who could ever say tofu is bland and tasteless? 

Lunar New Year: Taro Cake Recipe

Remember I shared my crab cake recipe as a party food idea for the Super Bowl? Well, I developed a vegetarian version for my husband Lulu as well. I mixed shredded taro roots and rice and added green peas for extra color. Visually, they looked pretty similar to crab cakes, and their texture resembled the "real thing" too. The only difference, which you probably already guessed is the taste. But Lulu doesn't like crab, so that's a good thing!

Check back this entire week for my vegetarian dishes in preparation of Tết, the Asian New Year celebration.