Tofu Banh Mi Salad with Quick Pickles
Last winter I shared a recipe for a Tofu Banh Mi Bowl (a sort of deconstructed banh mi using rice instead of bread), and to this day it remains one of our most popular recipes. I’m thrilled about that, and not just because it feels really rewarding to have you all enjoy our recipes. I also just straight-up love the flavors of banh mi. This latest Tofu Banh Mi Salad is a version of those bowls, again without the bread that’s traditionally used. This salad version is lighter and even more vegetable-heavy, which makes it perfect for “cleaner” eating post-holidays, and I expect it will be equally delicious come warmer weather in summertime, too.
There are a few more ingredients and steps in this recipe than usual, but try not to be deterred because each component is simple and most things can be made in advance, if you’d like to break up the prep work. First you make the quick banh mi pickles, then you marinate/cook the tofu (seriously one of the tastiest ways to make tofu), and then you make the dressing (a super speedy mix of fresh lime juice, vinegar, sesame oil, and miso). The pickles can be stored in the fridge for a full month, so I always make extra for jazzing up salads/bowls throughout the coming weeks. They’re a very easy way to add a lot of flavor with minimal effort.
Maybe one of these days I will actually make a banh mi sandwich…
Tofu Banh Mi Salad with Quick Pickles
Tofu Banh Mi Salad with Quick Pickles
Serves: 2 large salads
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 mins
Easy vegan banh mi salad made with tofu and quick, homemade pickles. This is a lighter, more vegetable-heavy version of our favorite banh mi sandwich.
Servings: 2 large salads
Prep Time: 1 hour Cook Time: 10 mins
Easy vegan banh mi salad made with tofu and quick, homemade pickles. This is a lighter, more vegetable-heavy version of our favorite banh mi sandwich.
Instructions
- Make the pickles: Add all of the pickle ingredients to a medium jar, close the lid tightly, and shake to combine. If the vegetables aren't completely submerged in the vinegar, add just enough water to cover them. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Marinate the tofu: In a shallow dish, combine the soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and garlic. Add the tofu to the marinade, tossing to coat all sides. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Make the dressing: Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Season with salt, if necessary. Set aside.
- Cook the tofu: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add a small pour of sesame oil and cook the tofu, giving each piece a little space on all sides to brown. Cook the tofu for 2-4 minutes on each side, until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Assemble the salads: In a large bowl, toss together the romaine, scallions, and cilantro with enough dressing to coat everything. Divide the salad between serving dishes, then top with tofu and quick pickles. Serve with sriracha, if you like it spicy.
Notes [2]
Normally I only press my tofu for 5-10 minutes, but for this recipe it’s best if you can press it for 30 minutes or more to remove as much water as possible and allow the marinade to really soak in. The result is a chewy tofu that’s loaded with flavor. It will also get extra crispy around the edges when you cook it!
Recipe adapted from this Tofu Banh Mi Bowl.
Copyright © 2022 Amanda Maguire for Pickles & Honey
I LOVE this idea! I order banh mi whenever it’s available and always find myself thinking there’s too much bread and not enough veggies. Obviously, your salad idea is PERFECT!!
My thoughts exactly on the bread! Very few places get the bread:filling ratio right.
Yes, yes, yes. This is so smart! I love those flavors in the dressing. <3
Thanks, Sarah! The dressing is great on other salads too.
Is it lunch time yet? 😉 You are so smart to lighten up banh mi by making it into a salad. I’m doing a sort of “detox” this week (and I use that term with some hesitation, but whatever). Your salad will be a perfect addition. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so happy this salad will work with your current meal plan!
Beautiful photos and recipe!
Thank you!
Yummy! This makes such a great lunch recipe! Your photos look absolutely gorgeous. LOVE the colors!! 🙂 And I can’t get enough of tofu!
Thank you! The colors are so pretty and vibrant in this one, aren’t they? 🙂
This sounds so fresh and delicious! I can’t wait to make it this weekend!
I hope you love the salad, Rachel!
This was delicious! I’m going to be making my tofu like this from now on. I’ve never been able to get it to be so flavorful and crispy! Thank you!
This method of preparing tofu was sort of a revelation for me too. 🙂
Just wanted to tell you that I made your banh mi salad with tofu for dinner last night. I have never had tofu that was so good, and that dressing! It makes me want to put miso in everything! haha
Yay! I’m thrilled you loved the salad, Kate. And same with the miso! 🙂 I’ve been using it almost daily lately.