Vegetarian Mee Siam

Vegetarian Mee Siam is a vibrant and flavorful spin on the beloved Southeast Asian classic, perfect for those looking for a plant-based twist. This dish features tender rice vermicelli noodles coated in a tangy and aromatic tamarind-based gravy, enriched with the bold flavors of blended shallots, garlic, and chili. Golden cubes of pan-fried tofu add texture and protein, while crunchy bean sprouts and green onions bring freshness to every bite. A touch of palm sugar balances the sour notes, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Garnished with ground peanuts and a squeeze of zesty lime, this vegetarian delight is easy to prepare in under an hour and is sure to impress at any meal. Perfect for fans of meatless Asian recipes, Vegetarian Mee Siam is a comforting yet exotic dish that will satisfy your cravings for bold, complex flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 grams Rice vermicelli noodles
• 200 grams Firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons Cooking oil
• 3 medium Shallots
• 4 Garlic cloves
• 2 Red chili
• 3 tablespoons Tamarind paste
• 500 ml Vegetable broth
• 100 grams Bean sprouts
• 2 Green onions
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 Lime
• 1 tablespoon Palm sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dried shrimp (optional for vegetarian alternative)
• 3 tablespoons Ground peanuts

Directions

Step 1

Soak the rice vermicelli noodles in warm water for 20 minutes or until they are soft, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Cut the firm tofu into cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the tofu cubes until golden brown on all sides. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

Peel and finely slice the shallots and garlic cloves. Chop the red chilies. Blend the shallots, garlic, and chili into a smooth paste using a food processor or mortar and pestle.

Step 4

In a large pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the blended paste and fry it until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the tamarind paste, vegetable broth, and soy sauce into the paste. Add palm sugar and simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 6

If using, add the optional dried shrimp and stir well.

Step 7

Add the soaked noodles to the pan with the gravy and gently toss them to coat them thoroughly with the sauce.

Step 8

Add the fried tofu, mixing gently to distribute evenly.

Step 9

Slice the green onions and add them to the pan along with the bean sprouts. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender but still crisp.

Step 10

Transfer the Vegetarian Mee Siam to serving plates. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and garnish with ground peanuts before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1483.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1972.6

Total Fat 69.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 19.5mg	0%
Sodium 2625.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 287.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.3g	0%
Total Sugars 70.1g
Protein 64.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 602.0mg	0%
Iron 15.3mg	0%
Potassium 3039.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.9%

Protein: 12.7%

Carbs: 56.4%