Tofu & Corn Laab (Vegan)

Method7 steps · about 25 min

1. 1

   Step 1: To make toasted rice powder: In a dry saute pan, add the rice and the kaffir lime leaf, if using, and stir constantly over high heat until the rice has a deep brown colour (see video for colour). Remove from heat immediately and transfer into a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. Grind until fine (yes, grind the lime leaf too), but if using a coffee grinder, be careful not to over-grind—you don't want it to look like flour, you still want a bit of grittiness to it.

   Uses 2 Tbsp uncooked jasmine rice or sticky rice (for toasted rice powder) · 1 leaf makrut lime leaf

2. 2

   Step 2: Crumble the tofu into small pieces with your hands.

   Uses 170 g pressed tofu

3. 3

   Step 3: In a medium pot, heat about 2 tbsp water over high heat. Add the crumbled tofu and already-cooked corn and stir until hot.

   Uses 0.5 cup cooked corn kernels · 2 tbsp water · pressed tofu crumbled by hand

4. 4

   Step 4: Turn off the heat, then stir in the sliced shallots (3 tbsp), optional lemongrass (1 piece) and three finely sliced makrut lime leaves, and chilli flakes to taste.

   Uses Roasted chili flakes, to taste, or use any chili flakes you have · 3 tbsp shallots · 1 piece lemongrass · 3 leaves makrut lime leaves · crumbled tofu and cooked corn heated in two tablespoons water

5. 5

   Step 5: Add soy sauce (1½ Tbsp), Golden Mountain Sauce (½ Tbsp) and lime juice (3 Tbsp).

   Uses 1½ Tbsp soy sauce · ½ Tbsp Golden Mountain Sauce · 3 Tbsp lime juice · heated tofu and corn mixed off heat with shallot, optional lemongrass and lime leaves, and chilli flakes

6. 6

   Step 6: When ready to serve stir in toasted rice powder, mint and cilantro (6–7 sprig). (Don't add these too far in advance as the rice will absorb the liquid and make it dry, and the herbs will wilt.)

   Uses ¼ cup mint leaves, torn into small pieces if large · 6–7 sprig cilantro · tofu mixture dressed with soy sauce, Golden Mountain sauce and lime juice · two tablespoons raw rice toasted deeply brown with optional one lime leaf and ground finely but not flour-like

7. 7

   Step 7: Serve with lettuce leaves and eat like a bite-sized lettuce wrap, or serve with jasmine or sticky rice as part of a meal.

   Uses lettuce or cabbage leaves · cooked jasmine or sticky rice · dressed tofu and corn mixed just before serving with toasted rice powder, mint and cilantro