Vietnamese Tofu in Tomato Sauce
Dive into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine with this delightful dish of tofu simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, bursting with flavor! Featuring silky tofu and a blend of aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, this recipe is not only easy to whip up but also a feast for the senses. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s a must-try for any foodie looking to spice up their weeknight meals!
quickhealthy
dairy-freenut-freeegg-freegluten-freepescatarian
dinner
Prep
15
min
Cook
30
min
Serves
4
people
Level
beginner
📝 Ingredients
Serves 4Servings:
🥬Fresh Produce(3)
- one onion
- two spring onions (only the green part)
- four tomatoes
🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- one tofuTofu from Asian market is preferred
🫙Pantry Staples(1)
- half a teaspoon of sugar (2.5 ml)
🧂Spices & Seasonings(2)
- salt
- white pepper
🍯Sauces & Condiments(1)
- one tablespoon of fish sauce (15 ml)Vegan fish sauce can be used
📦Other(1)
- Perilla leaves
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
89
Protein
7g
Carbs
10g
Fat
3g
Fiber 3g·Sugar 6g·Sodium 612mg
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Fry the tofu until golden brown.
- 2
Add onions and tomatoes to the pan and let simmer.
- 3
Season with sugar, salt, vegetable broth, and white pepper.
- 4
Add the fried tofu, spring onions, Perilla leaves, and fish sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Press your tofu for 15-20 minutes under a 2-3 lb weight before frying to reduce moisture content from 85% to approximately 70%, enabling a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.ingredient15-20 minutes, 2-3 lb weight, 85% to 70% moisture
- ✓Cube tofu into 3/4-inch pieces and fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes per side; this size allows the Maillard reaction to develop color in under 10 minutes total while keeping the center from overcooking.technique3/4-inch cubes, 350°F, 4-5 minutes per side
- ✓Add fish sauce in the final 30 seconds of cooking after removing from heat; heating fish sauce above 140°F for extended periods degrades its aromatic sulfur compounds, resulting in a dull, musty flavor instead of bright umami.timingFinal 30 seconds, below 140°F
- ✓Dice tomatoes into 1/2-inch pieces and add them raw to the hot pan with onions to maintain their pectin structure; this preserves texture and prevents the sauce from becoming overly acidic and thin (which occurs after 8+ minutes of simmering above 190°F).technique1/2-inch dice, raw addition, avoid 8+ minutes above 190°F
- ✓Reduce the 1 tablespoon of fish sauce by 20% (to 2.4 teaspoons) since umami compounds from the caramelized tofu will amplify perceived saltiness and fishiness by approximately 25%.ingredient1 tablespoon reduced by 20% to 2.4 teaspoons
Cuisine: vietnamese • Translated from: german
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