Tofu Stir-Fried with Tamarind Sauce – A Flavorful Delight

Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and nutritious vegetarian dish to change up your family meals? “Tofu stir-fried with tamarind sauce” is the perfect suggestion for you! With its harmonious sweet and sour flavor from the tamarind sauce, combined with the soft texture of tofu and vibrant colors, this dish is not only appealing but also very healthy.

Tofu stir-fried with tamarind sauce

Why Is Tofu Stir-Fried with Tamarind Sauce So Popular?

Tofu has long been known as a versatile ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. Not only is it easy to prepare, but tofu can also be combined with various seasonings to create unique dishes. Among them, the combination of tofu and ripe tamarind provides a special taste experience: both refreshing and rich, suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Ripe tamarind is not only a familiar ingredient in sour soups or braised dishes but also plays a crucial role in creating the distinctive flavor of tofu stir-fried with tamarind sauce. The natural sweet and sour taste of tamarind helps balance the richness of the tofu, making for an irresistible dish.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare the perfect tofu stir-fried with tamarind sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

• Tofu: 300-400g (choose soft white tofu or pre-fried tofu according to your preference).
• Ripe tamarind: 50g tamarind paste or 100g tamarind fruit.
• Onion: 1 small bulb.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves.
• Fresh chili: According to your spice preference.
• Scallions, cilantro: A little for garnish.
• Seasonings: Sugar, fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarians), cooking oil, ground pepper.

Tools: Non-stick pan, knife, cutting board, bowl, chopsticks, spoon.

Ingredients for tofu stir-fried with tamarind sauce

How to Make Tofu Stir-Fried with Tamarind Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Tofu: Rinse and cut into bite-sized squares. If using soft white tofu, blanch in boiling water or lightly fry to firm it up.
• Tamarind: Dissolve tamarind in warm water and strain to get the juice.
• Onion: Cut into wedges or dice.
• Garlic: Mince.
• Chili: Slice or mince.
• Scallions, cilantro: Finely chop.

Step 2: Make the Tamarind Sauce

Mix the following ingredients to create the tamarind sauce:

• 3 tablespoons of tamarind juice.
• 2 tablespoons of sugar.
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarians).
• 1/2 teaspoon of MSG (optional).
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.

Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Tofu with Tamarind Sauce

1. Sauté minced garlic in cooking oil until fragrant.
2. Add onion and stir-fry until it becomes translucent.
3. Add tofu and gently stir.
4. Pour in the tamarind sauce mixture, simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu evenly.
5. Sprinkle scallions and cilantro on top before turning off the heat.

Tofu stir-fried with tamarind sauce final dish

Tips for a Perfect Dish

• Choose fresh tofu: Prefer soft and smooth tofu, free from sourness or strange odors.
• Properly prepare the tofu: Fry or blanch the tofu to prevent it from breaking apart when stir-fried.
• Correctly mix the tamarind sauce: Adjust the amount of sugar and tamarind juice according to your family’s taste.
• Simmer on low heat: Slow simmering helps the tofu absorb the flavors evenly without burning.

Nutritional Value

Tofu stir-fried with tamarind sauce is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

• Tofu: Provides plant-based protein, calcium, and iron.
• Tamarind: Rich in vitamin C and fiber, aiding digestion.
• Onion, garlic: Boost immunity and protect heart health.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy tofu stir-fried with tamarind sauce hot with white rice, fresh noodles, or bread. You can pair this dish with boiled vegetables, salad, or a refreshing soup to make your meal more diverse.

Drink suggestions: Ginseng water, iced tea, lemon water.
Side dish suggestions: Boiled water spinach, broccoli, winter melon soup.

Conclusion

With a simple recipe and easily accessible ingredients, tofu stir-fried with tamarind sauce is sure to become a favorite in your family’s menu. Give it a try and share your results with us! Wishing you success and enjoyable meals!