Braised Tofu in Caramel Sauce (Tau Hu Kho)
James Carrier
Notes: Caramelized sugar infuses the sauce with sweetness and gives it a deep mahogany shine. Serve this great vegetarian dish with hot cooked rice and stir-fried spinach with garlic.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Cut tofu into 2- by 3-inch, 1/2-inch-thick slices and pat dry.
Step 2
2
Place sugar in a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat; shake pan often until sugar is melted and amber colored, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup hot water (mixture will bubble vigorously) and stir over medium heat until caramelized sugar is dissolved.
Step 3
3
Stir in soy sauce, shallots, ginger, and garlic; stir often over high heat until boiling. Lay tofu pieces in a single layer in sauce. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. With a wide spatula, turn pieces over; simmer until hot and coated with sauce, 3 to 4 minutes longer.
Step 4
4
Transfer tofu and sauce to a serving dish and sprinkle with green onions and pepper.
Ingredients
1 pound firm tofu
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup minced shallots
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions (including tops)
1/8 teaspoon pepper