Braised Tofu with Pickled Mustard Greens – A Delicious Family Meal Recipe

Braised tofu with pickled mustard greens is a familiar dish in Vietnamese family meals, especially on chilly days. The tangy flavor of the pickled mustard greens blends perfectly with the rich, creamy tofu and a hint of spicy chili, creating a savory taste 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.

Braised tofu with pickled mustard greens on the dining table

1. Why is Braised Tofu with Pickled Mustard Greens Loved?

Not only is it a rustic dish, but braised tofu with pickled mustard greens also offers high nutritional value due to the combination of plant-based protein-rich tofu and fiber-packed pickled mustard greens. This 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 definitely the perfect choice.

2. Ingredients Needed

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

• Tofu: 5 pieces (choose soft, non-sour tofu).
• Pickled mustard greens: 300g (choose moderately sour greens that are not spoiled).
• Pork belly (optional): 100g (to enhance the richness of the dish).
• Green onions, fresh chili: A little of each.
• Seasonings: Fish sauce, sugar, cooking oil, pepper, MSG (if preferred).

Fresh ingredients ready for braised tofu with pickled mustard greens

3. Preparing the Ingredients

Step 1: Preparing the tofu

• Rinse the tofu under running water, cut into bite-sized squares.
• Lightly fry the tofu in hot oil to firm it up and prevent it from breaking apart during braising.

Step 2: Handling the pickled mustard greens

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

Step 3: Preparing the pork belly (if using)

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

Ingredients thoroughly prepared for braising

4. How to Make Braised Tofu with Pickled Mustard Greens

Step 1: Sautéing garlic and onions

• Heat the cooking oil in a pot, sauté the minced garlic and onions until fragrant.
• If using pork belly, add it to the pot and sauté until firm.

Step 2: Sautéing the pickled mustard greens

• Add the pickled mustard greens to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes to let them absorb the oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Braising the tofu

• Add fish sauce, sugar, and MSG (if preferred) to the pot, adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Arrange the fried tofu in the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and braise for about 15-20 minutes to let the tofu absorb the flavors evenly.

Step 4: Finishing the dish

• When the braising liquid thickens, add the green onions and fresh chili to the pot, stir gently, then turn off the heat.

Steps to make braised tofu with pickled mustard greens

5. Tips for Perfection

• Choosing tofu: Opt for soft, off-white tofu that is not sour.
• Choosing pickled mustard greens: The greens should be moderately sour, bright yellow, and not spoiled.
• Adding coconut caramel: A little coconut caramel will enhance the dish’s color and add a natural sweetness.
• Simmering gently: Braising over low heat ensures the tofu absorbs the flavors evenly without burning.

“To make braised tofu with pickled mustard greens more flavorful, add a touch of coconut caramel during braising. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish more visually appealing.” – Culinary expert Nguyen Thi Hoa.

6. Enjoying the Dish

Braised tofu with pickled mustard greens is best enjoyed hot with white rice. You can also serve it with a side of boiled vegetables to enhance the meal’s flavor.

Delicious braised tofu with pickled mustard greens alongside white rice and boiled vegetables

7. Notes When Preparing

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

“To keep the pickled mustard greens crispy after braising, avoid stirring them too much. Let them absorb the flavors gradually and cook naturally.” – Chef Le Van Nam.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How can I prevent the pickled mustard greens from being too sour?
  A: Rinse the greens thoroughly multiple times with water or blanch briefly before braising.
• Q: How long should I braise the tofu for the best results?
  A: Braise for about 15-20 minutes to let the tofu absorb the flavors evenly.
• Q: What should I serve this dish with?
  A: It’s best served with white rice and boiled vegetables.
• Q: Can this dish be made vegetarian?
  A: Absolutely! Just omit the pork belly and use vegetarian fish sauce.
• Q: How can I prevent the tofu from breaking apart during braising?
  A: Lightly fry the tofu before braising to firm it up and prevent it from breaking apart.

Conclusion

With the detailed recipe and simple tips above, you can easily make delicious braised tofu with pickled mustard greens at home. Try it out and share your results with your family and friends!

Wishing you success and warm, joyful family meals!

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