Ingredients

• 16 ounces silken or firm tofu
• 1 lemongrass stem, white part only, finely chopped
• 1 bird's eye chile, finely chopped* (See Cook's Note)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 fresh coriander (cilantro) sprigs
• Jasmine rice, to serve

Instructions

1. Drain the block of tofu and slice into 2-inch by 4-inch pieces, then leave on the chopping board or transfer to a tray.
2. In a bowl, add the lemongrass, chile, garlic, salt, sugar, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients together. With a sharp knife, cut an "x" 1/3 deep on the top of each square, then gently stuff the tofu squares with the mixture.
3. Heat a large frying pan over the medium-high heat. Add the oil and pan-fry each side of the tofu for 3 minutes, or until browned and crisp.
4. Garnish the fried tofu with coriander (cilantro) sprigs and serve with jasmine rice.