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Đậu hũ kho
Đậu hũ kho: clay-pot tofu and shiitake braised in caramel, soy sauce and black pepper
Đậu hũ kho is the vegetarian cousin of the caramel braises (kho) cooked in clay pots all over Vietnam, and in the south it is a standard of Buddhist fasting days and a good companion for a pot of rice through the week. Golden fried tofu and chewy shiitake are braised in a dark caramel, soy sauce and coconut water until the sauce turns sticky, salty-sweet and peppery. Serve with steamed rice, a plate of fresh cucumber and a light soup. The usual mistake is letting the caramel go too dark, which makes the whole dish bitter; stop when it is the colour of strong tea. Chef's tip: coconut water gives a rounder sweetness than plain water, and the braise keeps for 3 days in the fridge.
- Total time
- 35 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 ⅛ lb firm tofupatted dry and cut into 3 cm cubes
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 shallotschopped
- 2 cloves garlicchopped
- 5 ½ oz fresh shiitake mushroomsstems removed, halved
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 red chilli (optional)sliced
- 2 spring onionschopped
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Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Heat the 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a clay pot or heavy saucepan over a medium-high heat. Fry the 1 ⅛ lb firm tofu in a single layer for 6–8 minutes, turning, until golden on all sides. Lift out and pour off all but 1 tbsp of oil.
8 minStep 2: Add the 2 tbsp sugar to the pot over a medium heat and leave it, swirling now and then, until it melts and turns amber, about 2 minutes. Watch closely and stop when it is the colour of strong tea.
2 minStep 4: Add the 5 ½ oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 cup coconut water and stir until any hardened caramel dissolves. Return the tofu and bring to the boil.
3 minStep 5: Turn the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, turning the tofu now and then, until the sauce has reduced to a dark, glossy syrup that coats the tofu.
15 minStep 6: Sprinkle with the 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper, 1 red chilli and 2 spring onions and serve hot from the pot with rice.
1 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 260 kcal
- Protein
- 16 g
- Carbs
- 15 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does đậu hũ kho take?
- About 35 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- What can I use instead of sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
- What can I use instead of shallots?
- Half an onion per 2 shallots.
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