Braised Tofu with Red Bean Sauce – Authentic Northern Vietnamese Recipe

Braised tofu with red bean sauce is a traditional and familiar dish in Vietnamese family meals. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also nutritious, easy to prepare, and suitable for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Let’s explore the authentic Northern Vietnamese recipe to make braised tofu with red bean sauce right at home.

Ingredients (for 2-3 servings)

• Tofu: 5 pieces of soft and smooth tofu, not sour
• Red beans: 100g, preferably small and plump
• Pork belly (optional): 100g, choose a mix of lean and fat
• Shallots: 2 bulbs
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Fresh chili: 1 pepper (to taste)
• Seasonings: Fish sauce, sugar, cooking oil, MSG, black pepper, caramel sauce

Braised tofu with red bean sauce ingredients

Preparing the Ingredients

Tofu

Wash the tofu clean and cut into bite-sized squares. To prevent the tofu from breaking apart while braising, you can lightly fry it before cooking.

Red Beans

Soak the red beans in warm water for 2-3 hours or overnight to soften them. Then, boil the beans until they are soft.

Pork Belly (if using)

Wash the pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the pork with a bit of fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and minced shallots and garlic for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors soak in.

Other Seasonings

Peel the shallots and garlic, and mince them finely. Wash the fresh chili and slice it according to your preference.

Preparing ingredients for braised tofu with red bean sauce

Steps to Make Braised Tofu with Red Bean Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Red Bean Sauce

Put the softened red beans into a pot, add a little water, and season with fish sauce, sugar, and MSG to taste. Simmer on low heat until the beans thicken into a sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Garlic

Heat cooking oil in a pot, sauté the minced shallots and garlic until fragrant.

Step 3: Braise the Pork (if using)

Add the marinated pork belly to the pot, stir-fry until the pork is firm and some of the fat is rendered out.

Step 4: Add the Tofu to Braise

Add the lightly fried tofu to the pot, gently stir to avoid breaking the tofu.

Step 5: Pour in the Red Bean Sauce

Pour the red bean sauce over the tofu and pork (if using), add enough water to just cover the tofu. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and braise gently to let the flavors meld.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Adjust the seasoning to taste, add fresh chili if desired. Finally, turn off the heat and sprinkle some black pepper on top.

Finished braised tofu with red bean sauce

How to Enjoy Braised Tofu with Red Bean Sauce

Braised tofu with red bean sauce is best enjoyed hot with white rice. The rich flavor of the pork belly (if used), the sweet and nutty taste of the red beans, and the soft texture of the tofu blend together to create a memorable, savory dish.

Tips for Making Braised Tofu with Red Bean Sauce Even Better

• Lightly frying the tofu before braising helps it absorb the flavors better.
• Braise on low heat to ensure the tofu absorbs the flavors evenly without burning.
• You can add various vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, carrots, or cauliflower to enhance the flavor.
• Use caramel sauce to give the dish a more appealing color.

Expert Culinary Advice

“Braised tofu with red bean sauce is a traditional dish in my family. The secret to making it delicious is to choose fresh tofu and simmer the red beans thoroughly until they are soft and melt in your mouth when braised.” – Mrs. Nguyen Thi Lan, family culinary expert in Hanoi.

“The vegetarian version of braised tofu with red bean sauce will be more flavorful if you use shiitake mushrooms and vegetarian seasonings. The key is to season it just right to balance the sweetness and saltiness.” – Mr. Tran Van Nam, head chef at the vegetarian restaurant “An Lac,” Ho Chi Minh City.

Nutritional Value of Braised Tofu with Red Bean Sauce

Tofu is a rich source of plant-based protein, high in calcium and minerals. Red beans are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. Combining these two ingredients creates a dish that is not only delicious but also nutritious and good for your health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can I prevent the tofu from breaking apart while braising?

You should lightly fry the tofu before braising or choose a slightly firmer type of tofu.

2. Can I substitute red beans with another type of bean?

Yes, you can substitute with black beans, mung beans, or soybeans, but the flavor will be different.

3. How long should I braise the tofu for the best flavor?

Braise for about 20-30 minutes on low heat to let the tofu absorb the flavors evenly.

4. How long can I store this dish?

You can store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

5. Can I add coconut milk to the braised tofu with red bean sauce?

Yes, adding coconut milk will make the dish richer and more flavorful.

Conclusion

With the simple and easy-to-follow recipe above, you can easily make the delicious and flavorful braised tofu with red bean sauce in the authentic Northern Vietnamese style. Give it a try and share your results with us!

References:

• Culinary expert Nguyen Thi Lan
• Vegetarian restaurant “An Lac”