Vegan Tofu Larb Salad

You’ll be surprised at how tender the texture and delicious the flavor is in this easy-to-make, 15-minute tofu larb salad! Serve up vegan larb in romaine lettuce for a tasty healthy veggie wrap that’s perfect for lunch on the go or a quick lunch when working from home.

Tofu larb salad is not your typical tofu salad recipe, but it sure is special!

I grew up with many Hmong friends, who introduced me to the traditional version of this dish. I’ve since given it a healthy, plant-based makeover and my version of vegan larb is crammed with flavor. Are you ready to try something new?

This vegan larb tofu is a perfect example of how you can turn any dish into a plant-based version of it. You can apply this principle to any beloved recipe like plant-based lasagna or vegan steak (like this mushroom one!). Whatever the dish, you can veganize it!

What is Larb Salad?

This dish is originally from Laos but also from a region in Thailand called Isan.

This vegan take on Larb salad uses a tofu crumble and is seasoned with lime juice, cilantro, soy sauce, and more to achieve its traditional taste. Once cooked, the tofu crumble is served warm or hot over lettuce, cabbage, or veggies with a side of sticky rice.

Why This Recipe Works

• Healthy and delicious: A tasty tofu dish served up in romaine lettuce leaves.
• Great combination: Savory, sweet, and spicy make this dish taste amazing.
• Out of the ordinary: A flavorful way to change up lunchtime if you’re feeling in a rut!

What Goes Into This Recipe

• Canola or vegetable oil: Used to cook the tofu. Any neutral-flavored oil will work.
• Extra-firm tofu: This variety of tofu has a firmer texture and makes the perfect plant-based protein in this vegan larb recipe.
• Lime juice: A bit of acid adds brightness to the larb tofu.
• Cilantro: Freshly chopped is best.
• Soy sauce: Gives the vegan larb salad its umami flavor.
• Green onion: For color and some onion flavor.
• Jalapeño: Just a bit for some spice.
• Onion: Any onion will work, red, yellow or white.
• Fresh mint: Gives the tofu larb its unique flavor.
• Romaine lettuce leaves: Get the whole head to use the leaves to wrap around the larb tofu and eat it! You can also use Bibb lettuce or leaf lettuce which both work great for lettuce wraps.

How to Make Vegan Larb with Tofu

• 1) Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the tofu and 1 tablespoon of the lime juice, and sauté for 4 or 5 minutes or until the tofu is light brown.

• 2) Transfer the tofu to a medium bowl and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice, cilantro, soy sauce, green onion, jalapeño, onion, and mint. Mix well.

• 3) Serve in the lettuce leaves.

Expert Tips

• Choose the right tofu: Use extra-firm tofu for a more meat-like texture. You can use firm tofu as well just don’t forget to press it!
• Add some spice: If you like things spicy, drizzle some sriracha or chopped fresh chilies over the top.
• Extra flavor: Serve up tofu larb with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro over the top.
• Taking on the go? When making for meal prep and to take with you, pack up the lettuce leaves and tofu larb separately so the lettuce doesn’t get soggy.

FAQs

Variations and Substitutions

With simple recipes like this one, you can easily swap ingredients without affecting the outcome. 

• Don’t have cilantro? You could try parsley or basil. 
• Did you run out of tofu? Could mash some chickpeas or lentils! 
• Don’t have romaine? Try crispy iceberg or serve over some shredded cabbage.

See? Don’t let the lack of an ingredient unmotivate you to give it a go!

How to Eat Larb Salad

• Tacos: Vegan larb with tofu would be amazing on corn tortillas with some tomato salsa or even mango salsa!
• Sandwich: Mix up larb tofu with some vegan mayo and spread on your favorite bread.
• Wrap: Swap out the lettuce leaf with a flavored tortilla wrap!
• Make a bowl: Layer it on top of shredded cabbage and lettuce for a delicious lunch bowl.
• Make it a meal: Add on a side of traditional sticky rice, green papaya salad or brown rice if you want a healthier option.

More Tofu Recipes

Tofu Tacos

Crispy Tofu Sticks

Spicy and Sweet Tofu

Spicy Sesame Tofu Stir Fry

Tofu with Peanut Sauce

Photos by Alfonso Revilla