Braised Tofu with Peanuts: Easy Homemade Recipe

Braised tofu with peanuts is a traditional dish commonly found in Vietnamese meals. With the rich flavor of peanuts combined with the soft texture of tofu, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Let’s explore the detailed recipe to prepare this enticing dish at home!

Ingredients Needed

To make the perfect braised tofu with peanuts, you will need the following ingredients:

• White tofu: 5 blocks (preferably soft, not too firm)
• Raw peanuts: 100g
• Green onions: 3 stalks
• Fresh chili: 1-2 (depending on taste)
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Seasonings: Fish sauce, sugar, cooking oil, pepper, MSG (if desired)
• Caramel sauce: Optional, for a beautiful color

Ingredients for braised tofu with peanuts
Main ingredients for preparing braised tofu with peanuts.

Culinary expert Nguyen Lan Anh suggests: “To make the dish even more appealing, choose tofu that is moderately soft and has the distinctive aroma of soybeans.”

Preparing the Ingredients

• Tofu: Rinse clean, cut into 2-3cm squares. To prevent it from breaking during braising, lightly fry it first.
• Peanuts: Rinse clean, blanch for about 5 minutes to soften them.
• Green onions: Rinse clean, finely chop.
• Chili and garlic: Rinse clean, mince finely.

Detailed Cooking Steps

1. Marinating the Tofu

Place the cut tofu in a bowl, add the following seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• ½ teaspoon of sugar
• ½ teaspoon of pepper
• Minced garlic and chili (to taste)

Mix well and let the tofu marinate for about 15-20 minutes.

2. Sautéing Garlic

Place a pot on the stove, heat the cooking oil. Then, sauté the minced garlic until golden brown.

3. Braising

• Add the marinated tofu to the pot, gently stir to avoid breaking it.
• Add the blanched peanuts to the pot.
• Pour about 1 cup of water to just cover the tofu. Add more seasonings:
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of MSG (if using)
  • A little caramel sauce (if desired)

4. Simmering

Cover the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, occasionally turning the tofu to prevent burning.

5. Finishing

When the braising liquid is nearly gone, taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top, turn off the heat, and enjoy.

Finished braised tofu with peanuts dish
Braised tofu with peanuts, rich in flavor and enticing.

Nutrition expert Le Thi Hoa notes: “This dish is rich in plant-based protein and healthy fats, suitable for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.”

Tips for a Delicious Dish

• Lightly fry the tofu: Helps the tofu maintain its shape and enhances its color appeal.
• Marinate the tofu well: Ensures the flavors are evenly absorbed, making the dish more flavorful.
• Simmer gently: This is a crucial step to ensure the tofu and peanuts are tender and well-seasoned.
• Season to taste: Adjust the seasonings according to your family’s preferences for the best taste.

Unique Variations

You can experiment with some variations to refresh the dish:

• Vegetarian version: Substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
• Add mushrooms: Include straw mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms to enhance the flavor.
• Lemongrass and chili: Add minced lemongrass and chili for a spicy, aromatic twist.

Conclusion

With the detailed recipe above, you can now prepare a delicious and nutritious braised tofu with peanuts dish at home. This dish is not only easy to make but also suitable for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Give it a try and share your results!

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References

1. Culinary expert Nguyen Lan Anh – “Tips for choosing good tofu.”
2. Nutrition expert Le Thi Hoa – “Nutritional value of tofu and peanuts.”