| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 345 | 17.33g | 2.3g | 27.66g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16.66g | 1.5g | 20.33g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Vietnamese Vegetarian Caramelized Tofu
A Twist to Family Traditions
Every family has its own beloved collection of dishes, the kind that are steeped in tradition and passed down through generations. The Vegetarian Caramelized Tofu is one such dish for me. Although my culinary heritage is mainly rooted in New England fare and Irish comfort food, I always like to experiment. This Vietnamese recipe, gradually evolved from a hearty tofu staple my Irish grandmother once cooked, is a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
In creating this dish, I found inspiration in the works of Chef Viet Pham. His ability to transform simple ingredients into gourmet cuisine is truly remarkable and it influenced me to look beyond the traditional and venture into the realm of Vietnamese cuisine. This resulted in the birth of the Vegetarian Caramelized Tofu recipe.
The Magic of Fusion Cuisine
This recipe of mine is similar in many ways to the Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Curry Soup. The robust flavours, the comforting warmth, the hint of nostalgic depth – the similarities are numerous. The caramelized tofu, seared to perfection, covered in rich soy sauce and subtle notes of herbs and spices, is the main hero of both dishes.
Although my Vegetarian Caramelized Tofu, owing to its savory-sweet dynamism, stands out as a wonderful main dish on its own, I personally enjoy pairing it with simple steamed jasmine rice. The subtlety of the rice tends to balance the bold flavors of the tofu dish.
All said and done, this is a recipe close to my heart. For days when I want a comforting, flavorful dish that’s not too hard to put together; for times when Laura and our baby boy need a quick, healthful and delicious meal; for occasions when I simply wish to cook something loved and cherished. And each time, it reminds me that food, as much as it is about tradition, is also about evolution and finding our own expression through it.
What You’ll Need
- 2 blocks (about 16oz each) of firm tofu
- 1 cup of chopped onions
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup of light soy sauce
- 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 red chilies, sliced (optional)
- Steamed rice, for serving
Method
Step One
Start by draining the tofu blocks and place them between two clean kitchen towels. Press the tofu slightly to squeeze out the excess water. Then cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Step Two
Heat up the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry them until they’re golden brown from all sides. This should take a couple of minutes on each side. Once done, remove the tofu from the frying pan and set it aside.
Step Three
In the same frying pan, add the chopped onions and fry until they turn translucent. Add in the finely chopped garlic and continue frying until the garlic releases its aroma.
Step Four
Now add the light soy sauce, granulated sugar, and water to the frying pan. Stir well until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step Five
Return the fried tofu cubes to the pan and mix them well with the sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the tofu cubes have absorbed some of the sauce and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step Six
Season with ground black pepper and stir in the chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, and sliced red chilies (if using).
Step Seven
Serve the Caramelized Tofu with steamed rice on the side. Enjoy!
