Are you craving a unique and flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors? Look no further than braised tofu in caramel sauce, a delectable dish that offers a combination of textures and tastes that will surely tantalize your palate. With the soft and silky texture of tofu contrasted by the rich and decadent caramel sauce, this dish is a symphony of flavors that will impress even the most discerning foodie. Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure as we explore the best recipe for braised tofu in caramel sauce, taking you on a journey of taste that will leave you craving for more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BRAISED TOFU IN CARAMEL SAUCE
This is a vegetarian take on a classic of Vietnamese restaurants, ca kho, or fish braised in caramel sauce. Here, tofu, firm and rich, absorbs the velvety sauce and heightens its flavor. Vietnamese caramel sauce - nuoc mau - is easier to make than you might think, though it can be a dramatic process. In essence what you're doing is melting sugar in a pan, then allowing it nearly to burn and finally adding water and soy sauce in order to arrest the process at a dark and golden bittersweet flavor that is at the heart of Vietnamese cooking.
Provided by Sam Sifton
Categories dinner, main course
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Slice the tofu in half along its length and then each portion into two thick slices. Place the slices between paper towels to drain, replacing towels as needed.
- Meanwhile, dissolve the sugar in 1/4 cup water and cook in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until small bubbles begin to appear around the edges of the pan. Carefully swirl the solution, but do not stir. Continue to heat, as bubbles move inward toward the center of the pan and the solution turns darker, 20 to 35 minutes, until the syrup has become a deep, golden caramel color. Carefully add 1/2 cup water to this mixture. (It will sputter violently. If some sugar crystallizes at this point, carefully stir the mixture with a metal spoon. The sugar will remelt.) Turn off the heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Transfer the caramel sauce to a wide saucepan, turn the heat to medium and add the shallots, cooking for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and stir again, cooking for about 1 minute. Now stir in the soy sauce. Simmer and stir until the mixture is viscous and the vegetables are well coated, about 10 minutes.
- Place the tofu in the sauce in a single layer and simmer uncovered for 7 minutes. Using a spatula, turn the pieces over. Simmer for 3 or 4 minutes more and then transfer to a warmed platter. Pour the sauce over the tofu and sprinkle with scallions and black pepper. Serve with white rice.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 431, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 71 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 688 milligrams, Sugar 56 grams
PANFRIED TOFU WITH ASIAN CARAMEL SAUCE
Categories Garlic Ginger Herb Soy Fry Vegetarian Dinner Vegan Gourmet Pescatarian Dairy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Kosher
Yield Makes 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Drain tofu and fry shallots:
- Halve tofu crosswise, then cut lengthwise into fourths to form 8 slices. Put tofu slices between several layers of paper towels to drain, replacing towels as needed, until ready to use.
- Finely chop enough shallots to measure 1/2 cup and reserve. Cut remaining shallots crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices and separate into rings. Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then fry sliced shallots in 2 batches, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 1 1/2 to 3 minutes per batch (watch closely, as shallots can burn easily). Quickly transfer shallots as fried with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon oil from skillet and reserve skillet.
- Make sauce:
- Cook sugar in a dry 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, undisturbed, until it melts around edges and begins to turn golden, then continue to cook, stirring, until all of sugar is melted and turns a golden caramel.
- Add reserved chopped shallots (use caution; caramel will bubble up and steam vigorously) and cook, stirring, until shallots shrink and are very fragrant, about 45 seconds. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, and 1 1/3 cups water and simmer, stirring, until any hardened caramel is dissolved, about 1 minute.
- Stir together cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons water until smooth, then stir into sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm, covered.
- Panfry tofu:
- Heat oil remaining in skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking. Meanwhile, blot any excess moisture remaining on tofu with paper towels, then add to hot oil in skillet in 1 layer. Fry tofu, turning over once, until golden and crisp, 7 to 10 minutes total. Transfer to clean paper towels to drain briefly.
- Reheat sauce, then serve tofu topped with sauce, basil, mint, and fried shallots.
BRAISED TOFU IN CARAMEL SAUCE
Make and share this Braised Tofu in Caramel Sauce recipe from Food.com.
Provided by DrGaellon
Categories Soy/Tofu
Time 50m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Slice the tofu in half through the middle of the slab, then cut each piece in half. Place slices between paper towels to drain.
- Combine sugar with 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until small bubbles appear around the edge of the pan; from this point forward, only swirl the pan, never stir. Cook 20-35 minutes, until the bubbles are thick and the syrup is a deep amber. Add 1/2 cup water (it will sputter violently) and swirl. If any sugar recrystallizes, stir carefully with a metal spoon. When the syrup is clear, turn off the heat.
- Pour the caramel into a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook 2 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in the soy sauce and cook 10 minutes, until the vegetables are well coated and the sauce is thick and viscous.
- Add the tofu slices in one layer and cook, uncovered, 7 minutes.Carefully turn the slices over and cook another 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a warm platter. Pour the sauce over the tofu, scatter with scallions and sprinkle with black pepper. Serve with white rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 313.1, Fat 4.8, SaturatedFat 1, Sodium 776.1, Carbohydrate 60, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 51.5, Protein 12
TOFU AND ONIONS IN CARAMEL SAUCE
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories easy, quick, side dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Put sugar and a tablespoon of water in a 10- or 12-inch skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium heat. Cook, shaking pan occasionally, until sugar melts and browns a bit. Turn off heat, and carefully add nam pla or soy sauce. Turn heat to low, and add onion. Cook, stirring, 5 to 10 minutes, until onion is very tender. Add pepper and tofu.
- Gently simmer, turning tofu once or twice in sauce so it is glazed and heated through, about 10 minutes. Stir in butter, along with lime juice or vinegar. Taste, and add salt, more pepper or lime juice or vinegar if you like. Serve immediately over rice.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 287, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 20 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 893 milligrams, Sugar 27 grams
TAU HU KHO (TOFU IN CARAMEL SAUCE)
This recipe is from a Vietnamese restaurant in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. Acquired while doing TESL training in Zhuhai. Serve with cooked rice and stir-fried spinach with garlic.
Provided by Member 610488
Categories Onions
Time 25m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cut tofu into 2x3 inch, 1/2 inch thick slices and pat dry.
- Place sugar in frying pan over medium-high heat, shake often until sugar is melted and tan colored, 2-3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water (mixture will bubble furiously) and stir until caramelized sugar has dissolved.
- Stir in soy sauce, shallots and garlic, stir often until sauce is boiling. Reduce to simmer.
- Lay tofu slices in single layer in sauce and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. With a wide spatula, turn pieces over.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes longer and then transfer tofu to serving dish. Pour sauce over tofu and sprinkle with green onions and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 143.6, Fat 4.8, SaturatedFat 1, Sodium 771.3, Carbohydrate 16.6, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 10.5, Protein 11.4
Tips:
- Choose firm or extra firm tofu. This will help the tofu hold its shape and texture during the braising process.
- Press the tofu before cooking. This will help to remove excess water and make the tofu more flavorful.
- Use a good quality caramel sauce. A good caramel sauce will add a rich, deep flavor to the tofu.
- Cook the tofu over low heat. This will help to prevent the tofu from burning or sticking to the pan.
- Serve the tofu immediately. This will help to keep the tofu crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Conclusion:
Braised tofu in caramel sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The tofu is tender and flavorful, and the caramel sauce is rich and decadent. This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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