If you love, Bahn Mi, you’ll love these Bahn Mi Tofu Tacos.
We go to Asheville, North Carolina at least once a year to go hiking, eat the amazing food, and it’s a quick (and beautiful) drive from Nashville.
When we’re there, we always make a stop at White Duck Taco. I typically order the same thing, including Bahn Mi Tofu Tacos which are so delicious — so much so that I had to attempt to make them at home so we could enjoy them anytime!
The Slaw
Honestly, this slaw is so good you could eat it as a salad. First up, an important part of Bahn Mi is the pickled vegetables (carrots and radishes) — they add a crunch with a slightly tangy and slightly sweet flavor that only pickles can give.
To top it off, pun intended, is the slaw with thinly sliced red cabbage, fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, a little drizzle of olive oil, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce. Toss to combine and you have a delicious cabbage slaw.
Typically this recipe is served with a toasted baguette, but we’re using corn tortillas with this Bahn Mi Tofu Taco recipe. You could also make this entire recipe, sans tortillas, and put it on a bed of cooked quinoa, rice, or greens if you’re not into the taco.
The Tofu
I know, tofu isn’t sexy to many of you, but give this one a try! These Bahn Mi Tofu Tacos are a great introduction to this top plant-based protein you should try.
If you’re not into tofu, you can make this recipe with any animal protein you enjoy or cooked lentils. The sauce in this recipe is delicious and can easily translate into any other protein you enjoy.
Tofu
Soy-containing foods such as tempeh, tofu, and edamame all offer a complete plant protein containing all amino acids.
It’s one of the strongest, most animal-like protein in terms of chemical makeup. Some research says that soy has a high concentration of BCAAs or branched-chain amino acids, which are beneficial to athletic performance (1).
Often these soy-based sources of plant protein also carry fiber and healthy fats as well as the protein. Tempeh is the most nutritious out of this bunch, as it contains naturally-occurring healthy bacteria from the fermentation process.
However, read up about what you should know about soy before adding a ton of tempeh, tofu, or edamame to your diet.
Cabbage
Cabbage is one antioxidant-rich ingredient we always have stocked in the fridge, mainly because it’s so versatile to use and gives any dish a fresh flavor, crunchy texture, and a boost of the health benefits cruciferous vegetables have.
From polyphenols that help reduce inflammation in the body and protect the body against free radical damage to the fiber content for promoting healthy digestion, it’s a win!