Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Sweet Chili Tofu
This Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Sweet Chili Tofu is a bright, crunchy, and refreshing dish featuring tender rice noodles, crisp veggies, and golden tofu tossed in a sticky-sweet chili glaze. It’s a bold, healthy, and satisfying vegan meal that’s great hot or cold!
Total time
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: ~30 mins
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
200g rice vermicelli noodles
1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 cup cucumber, julienned or sliced
1/2 cup carrots, shredded or julienned
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
2 tbsp roasted peanuts or cashews (optional)
Fresh lime wedges, for serving
For the Sweet Chili Tofu:
1 block (400g) firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
2 tbsp cornstarch, for crisping
1 tbsp olive oil, for pan frying
1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Optional: 1/2 tsp chili flakes for heat
For the Dressing :
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Cook vermicelli noodles: according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and set aside.
2. Crisp the tofu: Toss tofu cubes in cornstarch. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet and pan-fry tofu until golden on all sides (~6–8 minutes).
3. Glaze the tofu: Lower heat and pour in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes if using. Toss tofu gently until glazed and sticky. Set aside.
4. Prepare salad: In a large bowl, combine vermicelli noodles, cabbage, cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions.
5. Add tofu: on top and drizzle any remaining sauce or optional dressing over the salad.
6. Garnish: with chopped peanuts and a squeeze of fresh lime before serving.
Tips:
For a warm salad, skip rinsing the noodles and serve everything freshly cooked.
Add mint or Thai basil for extra flavor.
Use store-bought sweet chili sauce or make your own for full control of sweetness and spice.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
1. How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
After boiling, rinse them with cold water and toss with a little sesame or neutral oil to prevent clumping.
2. Can I use a different protein?
Definitely. You can swap tofu for tempeh, edamame, grilled chicken, or shrimp depending on your preference.
3. Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and check your sweet chili sauce label.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 16g
Sodium: 620mg
Potassium: 450mg
Calcium: 150mg
Iron: 3mg
> Note: Nutritional values may vary based on tofu brand, sweet chili sauce, and exact veggie amounts.