This veganized version of a Chinese cold dish features matchstick-cut vegetables and a chewy baked tofu. Serve with a simple noodle or rice dish for a delightful meal.
2tablespoonsnatural granulated sugarcoconut sugar is good with this
3tablespoonsrice vinegar
Salad
1small turnippeeled and cut into 2- to 3-inch matchsticks
2medium carrotspeeled and cut into 2- to 3-inch matchsticks
½medium crisp cucumberpeeled and cut into 2- to 3-inch matchsticks
2medium celery stalkscut into 2- to 3-inch matchsticks
8-ounce.package baked tofupreferably teriyaki flavor, cut into 2- to 3-inch matchsticks
2scallionsgreen parts only, cut into 2- to 3-inch ribbons
2 to 3oz.shiitake mushroomsstemmed and thinly sliced (see note)
¼cupminced fresh cilantro
To finish
Dried hot red pepper flakes to taste
Shredded romaine lettuce or tender kale for serving
Toasted cashew pieces or sesame seeds for garnishoptional
Instructions
Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, stir together, and set aside.
Combine the turnip, carrots, cucumber, celery, tofu, scallions, mushrooms, and cilantro in a mixing bowl and stir gently. Pour the dressing over them and stir gently again. Allow the mixture to stand for at least 30 minutes, stirring from time to time.
Just before serving, taste to see if you’d like to add more soy sauce, sugar, and/or vinegar. Sprinkle in some some red pepper flakes — enough to give the mixture gentle heat, but not to over power it.
Line a serving platter with shredded lettuce or kale, which help to absorb the plentiful marinade. Top with the optional cashew pieces or sesame seeds, and serve.
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