Braised tofu with pickled mustard greens is a familiar dish in Vietnamese family meals, especially on cool days. The tangy flavor of the pickled greens blends with the richness of the tofu and a hint of spice from chili, creating a robust flavor that stimulates the palate. Let’s explore how to make this dish at home with a detailed recipe and tips to make it even more appealing.

Delicious braised tofu with pickled mustard greens served on a dining table

1. Why is Braised Tofu with Pickled Mustard Greens So Popular?

Beyond being a humble dish, braised tofu with pickled mustard greens offers high nutritional value thanks to the combination of protein-rich tofu and fiber-rich pickled greens. The dish is suitable for both meat-eaters and vegetarians, easy to prepare, and doesn’t take much time.

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish to treat your family, braised tofu with pickled mustard greens is undoubtedly a perfect choice.

2. Ingredients Needed

To make delicious braised tofu with pickled mustard greens, you need the following ingredients:

• Tofu: 5 blocks (choose soft or medium-firm tofu, not sour).
• Pickled Mustard Greens: 300g (choose greens that are medium sour, not mushy).
• Pork Belly (optional): 100g (to add richness to the dish).
• Scallions, Fresh Chili: A small amount of each.
• Seasonings: Fish sauce, sugar, cooking oil, pepper, MSG (optional).

Fresh ingredients for braised tofu with pickled mustard greens laid out

3. Preparing the Ingredients

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

• Rinse the tofu under running water, cut into bite-sized cubes.
• Lightly fry the tofu in hot oil until golden and firm, so it doesn’t fall apart when braised.

Step 2: Handle the Pickled Mustard Greens

• Rinse the pickled mustard greens several times with clean water to reduce sourness. If the greens are too sour, you can briefly blanch them.
• Cut the greens into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Pork Belly (if using)

• Rinse the pork belly, slice into bite-sized pieces.
• Marinate the pork with a little fish sauce, pepper, and sugar for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Prepared ingredients: fried tofu cubes, chopped pickled mustard greens, sliced pork belly

4. How to Make Braised Tofu with Pickled Mustard Greens

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

• Heat cooking oil in a pot, sauté minced shallots/garlic until fragrant.
• If using pork belly, add it and stir-fry until browned.

Step 2: Sauté Pickled Mustard Greens

• Add the pickled mustard greens and stir-fry for about 5 minutes so they absorb the oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Braise the Tofu

• Add fish sauce, sugar, MSG (if using) to the pot, season to taste.
• Arrange the fried tofu in the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes for the tofu to absorb the flavors evenly.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

• When the sauce has thickened slightly, add chopped scallions and fresh chili to the pot, stir gently, then turn off the heat.

Cooking process steps for braised tofu with pickled mustard greens in a pot

5. Tips for a Perfect Dish

• Choosing Tofu: Opt for soft or medium-firm tofu with an ivory white color, ensuring it’s not sour.
• Choosing Pickled Greens: The greens should be medium sour, bright yellow, and not mushy.
• Add Caramel Sauce: A little caramel sauce (like coconut caramel sauce) will give the dish an attractive color and natural sweetness.
• Simmer Gently: Braising over low heat helps the tofu absorb flavors evenly without burning.

“To make the braised tofu with pickled mustard greens richer in flavor, add a little caramel sauce when braising. This not only enhances the taste but also makes the dish look more appealing.” – Food expert Nguyen Thi Hoa.

6. Enjoying the Dish

Braised tofu with pickled mustard greens tastes best when served hot with steamed white rice. You can accompany it with a side of boiled vegetables to enhance the meal’s flavor.

Bowl of braised tofu with pickled mustard greens next to white rice and boiled vegetables

7. Notes When Cooking

• If the pickled greens are too sour, rinse them thoroughly multiple times or blanch them briefly before braising.
• Avoid braising the tofu for too long to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit the chili.

“To keep the pickled mustard greens slightly crisp after braising, don’t stir them too much. Let them slowly absorb the seasoning and cook naturally.” – Chef Le Van Nam.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How can I prevent the pickled greens from being too sour?
  A: Rinse the greens well with water several times or blanch them briefly before cooking.
• Q: How long should I braise the tofu?
  A: Braise for about 15-20 minutes for the tofu to absorb the flavors evenly.
• Q: What should I serve this dish with?
  A: It pairs best with steamed white rice and boiled vegetables.
• Q: Can this dish be made vegetarian/vegan?
  A: Absolutely! Just omit the pork belly and use vegetarian fish sauce.
• Q: How do I prevent the tofu from breaking apart during cooking?
  A: Pan-frying the tofu lightly before braising helps it firm up and hold its shape.

Conclusion

With this detailed recipe and simple tips, you can easily make delicious braised tofu with pickled mustard greens right at home. Give it a try and share your creation with family and friends!

Wishing you success and warm, joyful family meals!

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