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
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
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