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
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Gaming Subroto
[email protected]This recipe looks absolutely delicious! I'm definitely going to give it a try.
Christine Blackman
[email protected]I'm always looking for new ways to cook tofu, and this recipe definitely caught my eye. I can't wait to try it!
Peter John
[email protected]This recipe was really easy to follow, even for a beginner like me. I'm really happy with how it turned out!
Mehar imran khan
[email protected]I had some trouble finding all of the ingredients for this recipe. I had to substitute a few things, and I'm not sure if that affected the final product.
Samuel Alison
[email protected]My caramel sauce didn't turn out as smooth as I would have liked. I think I might have stirred it too much.
Leland Rider
[email protected]I'm not sure what I did wrong, but my tofu turned out really dry. I think I might have overcooked it.
Rao Haider
[email protected]Overall, I thought this dish was just okay. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything special either.
Angel Bueaty
[email protected]The caramel sauce was a bit too thick for my liking. I think I'll try using less cornstarch next time.
Anthony Moser
[email protected]I found the tofu to be a bit bland. I think I'll try marinating it in a flavorful sauce next time.
Brady McGraw
[email protected]This dish was a bit too sweet for my taste. I think I'll try using less sugar next time.
Sugam Dahal
[email protected]I love this recipe! The tofu is always cooked perfectly, and the caramel sauce is always delicious. I've made it several times now, and it's always a hit.
Shajahan Ali
[email protected]I made this dish for a dinner party, and it was a huge success. Everyone raved about the tofu and the caramel sauce. I'll definitely be making it again.
Delwa Tkc
[email protected]This recipe was a bit time-consuming, but it was worth it. The tofu was incredibly flavorful, and the caramel sauce was rich and complex. I'll definitely be making this again.
Carlos Espinoza
[email protected]I've made this dish several times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The tofu is always cooked perfectly, and the caramel sauce is always a hit. I highly recommend this recipe!
Aya Rahome
[email protected]This dish was easy to make and packed with flavor. The tofu was soft and tender, and the caramel sauce was rich and decadent. I served it over rice, and it was a perfect meal.
Mughal Khubaib
[email protected]I'm not a big tofu fan, but this dish changed my mind. The caramel sauce was so good that it made the tofu irresistible. I'll definitely be making this again.
Sulaiman Collins
[email protected]I tried this recipe last night, and it was a hit! The tofu was cooked to perfection, and the caramel sauce was divine. My family loved it, and I will definitely be making it again.
Elizabeth Alejo
[email protected]This braised tofu dish was an absolute delight! The caramel sauce was rich and flavorful, perfectly balancing the savory tofu. It was an easy dish to make, and the end result was impressive. Highly recommend!