Spicy Lime And Herbed Tofu In Lettuce Cups Recipes

Steps:

• NOTE*: Nam pla or nuoc nam (fish sauce) is available in Asian markets. I would strongly suggest to begin by using only 1 TEASPOON of the fish sauce in this recipe and then adjust seasoning accordingly. For vegetarian version, omit the fish sauce.)
• DRESSING: Puree the first 5 ingredients in a blender. Allow the mixture to stand at least 5 minutes or up to 1 hour. Stir in chili sauce.
• Strain the dressing into a small bowl, pressing down the solids with a spatula to release the liquids. Discard solids.
• TOFU: Toss together the first 7 ingredients. Next add the tofu and salad dressing, tossing to coat well.
• For each serving, arrange 1 or 2 lettuce leaves on a plate. Divide the tofu mixture onto the lettuce leaves.

Steps:

• In a small bowl,combine soy sauce,sherry,cornstarch, sugar and salt; stir well and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, use a spoon to break up the ground beef; gently mix in soy-sauce mixture. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes.
• Heat wok or large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
• Add oil and swirl to coat pan; add ginger and garlic.
• Cook for about 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant but not browned.
• Crumble in beef, and use spatula or large slotted spoon to break it up and spread meat over pan to help it cook evenly.
• Cook until it changes color on one side, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Turn meat and cook another minute undisturbed.
• Toss well, using a spatula to break up any large chunks.
• When meat is cooked, add pepper flakes and scallions, then toss well.
• Add sesame oil and remove from heat, tossing until sesame oil is well blended.
• Transfer meat to serving plate; serve hot,warm or at room temperature.
• Arrange lettuce cups on serving platter; fill each with a spoonful of beef or provide lettuce cups and plate of beef and let guests assemble lettuce packets themselves.

Steps:

• Make the toasted rice powder: Heat a medium (10-inch) skillet over medium-high. Add the rice and stir constantly for 4 to 6 minutes until golden, with a nutty aroma. Transfer rice to a mortar and pestle or spice grinder and grind until it is a coarse powder. (You don't want it too fine; some texture is nice.) You should have about 3 1/2 tablespoons. Set rice powder aside.
• Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce and red-pepper flakes; whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
• Crumble the tofu into small chunks and place in a large bowl.
• Heat the medium skillet over medium-high and add 1 tablespoon oil. Add the lemongrass and shallot and cook, stirring constantly, until softened and aromatic, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add to the tofu, along with the lime dressing, rice powder, makrut lime leaves, herbs and salt. Taste and add more salt if needed.
• To serve, spoon the tofu larb into the lettuce leaves and garnish with crispy fried shallots.