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Vietnamese Street‑Style Peanut Tofu Bowl (Gỏi‑Inspired, Not Thai)

A bright crunchy Vietnamese gỏi-inspired tofu bowl with a savory peanut dressing that is clean fresh and not Thai in flavor. Crisp vegetables herbs and seared tofu come together with a tangy sweet peanut sauce rooted in Vietnamese street-food logic.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course dinner, lunch, potluck
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

Tofu Ingredients

  • 14 ounces firm tofu pressed and cut into cubes
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Peanut Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 3 to 5 tablespoons warm water to thin

Bowl Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup fresh herbs cilantro mint or basil
  • 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
  • Cooked rice or rice noodles optional

Instructions
 

  • Season tofu with salt and black pepper. Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear tofu on all sides until golden.
  • In a mixing bowl whisk together peanut butter soy sauce lime juice rice vinegar sugar garlic chili flakes and warm water until smooth and pourable.
  • Assemble bowls with cabbage carrots cucumbers herbs and optional rice or noodles.
  • Add seared tofu on top.
  • Drizzle generously with peanut dressing and finish with crushed peanuts

Notes

This bowl is inspired by Vietnamese gỏi salads which emphasize crunch herbs and bright acidity.
The peanut dressing is savory and tangy without Thai coconut or heavy sweetness.
Use warm water to adjust the dressing to a drizzleable consistency.
Add pickled shallots or chili crisp for extra depth.
Leftover dressing keeps refrigerated for up to five days
Keyword goi tofu bowl, peanut tofu, tofu salad bowl, vegetarian, Vietnamese peanut dressing, Vietnamese tofu bowl