Braised Tofu in Coconut Water: Easy & Savory Recipe

Looking for a light yet flavorful vegetarian dish that pairs perfectly with rice? Braised Tofu in Coconut Water (Đậu Hũ Kho Nước Dừa) is the perfect choice! With a simple method and easy-to-find ingredients, this dish is not only suitable for vegetarian days but also a great suggestion to add variety and appeal to your family meals. Let’s discover the secret to preparing delicious, rich, and savory braised tofu in coconut water through the article below.

Ingredients Needed for Braised Tofu in Coconut Water

Choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the distinctive flavor of this dish. Here is the list of ingredients to prepare:

• Tofu: 5 blocks (preferably soft, smooth tofu that isn’t sour)
• Fresh Coconut Water: 500ml (choose young coconut for natural sweetness)
• Scallions, Fresh Chilies: To taste
• Seasonings: Vegetarian fish sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, cooking oil, caramel sauce
• (Optional): Straw mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms (100g) to enhance nutrition and flavor

Ingredients for braised tofu in coconut water laid out

How to Prepare Tofu to Prevent Breaking During Braising

Properly preparing the tofu helps the dish maintain its appealing shape and absorb seasonings evenly. Follow these steps:

1. Rinse Tofu: Gently rinse the tofu under running water to remove any impurities.
2. Cut into Bite-sized Pieces: Cut the tofu into small square blocks, about 3-4cm, so they absorb flavor easily.
3. Lightly Fry Tofu (optional): Fry the tofu over medium heat until golden brown on all sides. This step helps the tofu hold its shape and gives it an appealing chewy texture.
4. Marinate Tofu: Marinate the tofu with a little salt, pepper, and sugar for about 15 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate.

Tip from Culinary Expert Thanh Hoa: “If you prefer a lighter dish, you can skip the frying step. However, lightly frying helps the tofu maintain its texture and makes it more appealing.”

Secret to Perfect Caramel Sauce

Caramel sauce (nước màu or nước hàng) creates the appealing color and distinctive flavor for braised tofu in coconut water. You can make your own caramel sauce at home following these instructions:

1. Put sugar in a pot with a little water, heat over low heat.
2. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and turns a golden-brown/amber color.
3. Add a little more water to the pot, bring it back to a boil, then turn off the heat.

Note: Always cook the caramel sauce over low heat to prevent burning and creating a bitter taste.

Making dark caramel sauce in a small pot

Instructions for Braising Tofu with Coconut Water

Now, let’s start making braised tofu in coconut water with the simple recipe below:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a little cooking oil in a pot, sauté chopped scallions until fragrant.
2. Arrange Tofu: Place the lightly fried (or unfried) tofu into the pot.
3. Add Coconut Water and Seasonings: Pour the fresh coconut water into the pot, enough to cover the tofu. Add vegetarian fish sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and caramel sauce. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
4. Simmer Gently: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30-45 minutes. Occasionally, gently turn the tofu pieces to ensure they absorb the seasoning evenly.
5. Finish the Dish: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add fresh chilies if you like it spicy. Finally, sprinkle chopped scallions and a pinch of pepper on top.

Tip from Expert Minh Tuan: “Adding a little fermented bean curd (tương hột) or more vegetarian fish sauce will make the flavor richer and more distinctive.”

Tips for Delicious Braised Tofu in Coconut Water

• Choose Quality Tofu: Soft, smooth tofu is the best choice.
• Use Fresh Coconut Water: Fresh coconut water provides a natural, delicate sweetness that differs from canned coconut water.
• Braising Time: The longer you simmer, the more flavorful the tofu becomes, but be careful not to let it fall apart.
• Variations: Add straw mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes to make the dish richer.

Conclusion

With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can confidently prepare delicious, savory Braised Tofu in Coconut Water right at home. This is not only a light vegetarian dish but also a wonderful choice to add variety to your family meals. Give it a try and share your results with us!

Wishing you success and delicious meals with your loved ones!

References

• Culinary Expert Thanh Hoa – Secrets to preparing tofu
• Culinary Expert Minh Tuan – Suggestions for rich seasoning
• Various resources on Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine