Vietnam’s cuisine is beloved worldwide for its bright, fresh flavors and varied textures. From steaming bowls of phở to crispy bánh mì sandwiches overflowing with herbs, Vietnamese food tantalizes the taste buds. One dish that exemplifies the best of this Southeast Asian cuisine is Vietnamese Fried Tofu w/ Tomato Sauce, or fried tofu in a sweet-savory tomato sauce. With its crisp tofu, umami-packed sauce, and balance of flavors, this recipe will convert tofu skeptics and delight vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Table content
Part of what makes this fried tofu dish so special is the interplay between the crunchy exterior of the tofu and the luscious sauce enveloping it. The tofu gets an irresistible crispiness from being fried at a high heat, while remaining pillowy soft inside. The tomato sauce clings to each piece, its consistency both sweet and tangy. With every bite, you get an orchestra of textures in your mouth. It’s this dynamic contrast that keeps you going back for more. Even simple white rice becomes incredibly appetizing when soaked in the remaining sauce.
To take this dish to new heights, it utilizes some key Vietnamese ingredients that add complex layers of flavor. The fermented black beans give a savory, almost cheesy taste, while the fish sauce amplifies the savory umami notes. Slow-cooked caramelized shallots lend a subtle sweetness and buttery flavor. Tomato paste and a hint of sugar balance out the acidity from the fresh tomatoes.
When these ingredients come together through simmering, they transform into a sauce that intrigues your tastebuds. It has a distinct sweet, salty, and sour profile that caters to all the major flavor preferences. This complexity keeps you anticipating the next bite.
While fried tofu is the star, this recipe can please both herbivores and carnivores alike. The pressed tofu becomes meaty and substantial once fried, with 9 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. This gives the dish more heft than other tofu dishes focused on silky soft textures. The substantial protein content from the tofu and umami flavor makes this satisfying for those accustomed to meat-centric meals.
Yet it remains completely vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using vegetable oil and omitting the fish sauce. The fried tofu offers a hearty plant-based protein alternative. It shows how flavorful and satisfying Southeast Asian cuisine can be while catering to diverse dietary needs.
Part of getting the signature textures of this fried tofu dish relies on having the right equipment. Here is the key gear needed:
The right tools go a long way in replicating the perfect textures of this recipe. But don’t worry if you lack any of the specialized Asian cooking tools – improvising with what’s already in your kitchen can get great results too.
Follow these tips for crispy, mouthwatering fried tofu:
Follow this process in batches until all the tofu is fried. Then make your sauce and mix it in for finger-licking goodness.
Vietnam’s cuisine has been shaped by the wet rice agriculture that dominates its fertile river deltas. Fresh ingredients like herbs, vegetables, rice, and rice noodles are central. French colonization also left an imprint, with Vietnamese cooks adopting and adapting French dishes like pâté and coffee.
But Vietnam’s food has flexibly absorbed influences from other cultures too. Chili peppers came from traders via the Americas. While tofu likely originated from China, it has become a staple source of plant protein in Vietnam. This fried tofu dish reveals how Vietnamese cooks expertly fused different techniques and ingredients into their own unique blend.
The dish likely originated humbly, as a tasty way to stretch a serving of protein into a full meal for many. But its balance of crispy, sweet, salty, and sour elevated it to a special status that is now enjoyed around the world.
This fried tofu dish has a versatility that lends itself to both traditional Vietnamese presentations and creative riffs.
For a customary experience, try pairing it with:
Garnish the dish with chopped peanuts, crispy onions, or a lime wedge. Wrap chunks of the sauced tofu and fresh veggies in rice paper rolls. Or nestle the tofu into a Vietnamese baguette dressed simply with cucumber and cilantro.
One advantage of this saucy tofu dish is how customizable it is to your tastes and diet. Try out these easy substitutions or additions:
Improvising with different ingredients allows you to reinvent this classic recipe to match your personal preferences. As long as you nail the crispy fried tofu and balanced sweet-sour sauce, it will feel like an authentic taste of Vietnam.
Frying tofu to crispy perfection while producing a luscious sauce takes some finesse. Follow these pro tips:
With these pro pointers in mind, you’ll be frying and saucing tofu like a Vietnamese grandma in no time. This recipe truly combines the best of flavor and texture when made right.
This toast-worthy tomato fried tofu dish encapsulates the very best of Vietnamese cuisine. With its symphony of textures, bright veggies, umami-rich sauce, and protein punch, it’s no wonder this recipe has achieved global fame. Meat-eaters and vegetarians alike will keep going back for seconds.
Part of the joy is how customizable this dish can be while preserving that signature saucy, crispy dynamic. So play with new ingredient riffs and serve it alongside whatever sounds good. You’ll impress guests by offering a taste of authentic Vietnam without the long-haul flight.
Once you’ve mastered the fine art of wok-frying cubed tofu to golden perfection, dousing it in a zesty tomato glaze will feel like second nature. Just be prepared for pleas for this recipe anytime you invite people over for dinner. Combining health and flavor, this fried tofu stunner is sure to become a staple meal you’ll make again and again.
Serves: 2-3 servings
Amount Per Serving: 1 serving | ||
---|---|---|
Calories | 350-500 | |
% Daily Value* | ||
Total Fat 15-25g | 23.1% | |
Saturated Fat 3-5g | 15% | |
Trans Fat 0g | ||
Cholesterol 0mg | 0 | |
Sodium 300-500mg | 12.5% | |
Total Carbohydrate 20-30g | 6.7% | |
Dietary Fiber 5-7g | 20% | |
Sugars 10-15g | ||
Protein 15-20g |
Vitamin A Moderate source | Vitamin C Good source | |
Calcium Moderate amount | Iron Good source |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Vietnamese food recipe
Hello! I’m Christine Ha – a food nerd in love with eating, cooking, photography, science, and culture.
Vietnamese food was always on the table when I was a kid, but I didn’t really care for it until my late teens (what a waste!). I was a super picky eater and mostly just wanted fast food. Somewhere down the line I flipped a switch, and now home-cooked food is something I appreciate so much more. ⮕About me
This post was last modified on 06/23/2024 03:14
Vietnamese Corn Pudding Dessert, known as Chè Bắp, is a unique and comforting treat unlike…
Muakacha is a visually stunning and unique Thai dessert featuring delicate, paper-thin sheets of phyllo pastry…
Introduction Japanese soufflé pancakes are light and fluffy pancakes that are distinct from traditional American-style pancakes. The…
Introduction Fruit Sando, also known as Japanese fruit sandwiches, are a visually striking and utterly delicious take on a…
Taho (silken tofu with sago pearls and brown sugar syrup) is a uniquely comforting and delicious Filipino street food and breakfast. The velvety soft…
Introduction Leche Flan is a creamy, luxurious custard dessert with caramelized sugar topping that is a…