Tofu with tomato sauce is a popular traditional Vietnamese dish, not only rich in nutrition but also very easy to prepare and suitable for various tastes. The combination of the creamy texture of tofu and the sweet and sour flavor of the tomatTofu with Tomato Sauceo sauce makes this dish both appealing and colorful, loved by both adults and children. It is especially suitable for vegetarians or those on a diet. Let’s join Food Vietnamese to learn how to make this simple tofu with tomato sauce for your loved ones!
Ingredients for Cooking Tofu with Tomato Sauce
To cook tofu with tomato sauce, you need to prepare the following ingredients:
- Tofu: About 4-5 pieces of tofu (you can choose white tofu or fried tofu)
- Tomatoes: About 4-5 tomatoes
- Shallots: 2-3 shallots
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves of garlic
- Cooking oil: About 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil
- Tomato sauce: About 1 cup (200ml)
- Seasonings: Salt, sugar, pepper, fish sauce, MSG
- Herbs: Such as basil, coriander, Vietnamese coriander (optional, depending on your preference)
How to Make Tofu with Tomato Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
- If using fresh tofu, you need to wash it and cut it into square or triangular pieces, about 2-3cm.
- If using fried tofu, you just need to cut it into bite-sized pieces and fry them again until they are evenly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash the tomatoes and dice them finely so they will thicken quickly when cooked.
- Peel and finely chop the garlic and shallots.
- Wash and finely chop the herbs (if using).
Step 3: Cook the Tomato Sauce
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil to a pan and heat over medium heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and shallots, and sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Add the diced tomatoes and stir well.
- Season with salt, sugar, pepper, fish sauce, and MSG to taste.
- Add about 1 cup (200ml) of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, stir well, and simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Add the Tofu to the Sauce
Once the tomato sauce has thickened, add the tofu, stir well, and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors. Adjust the seasoning if necessary to suit your family’s taste.
Step 5: Complete the Dish
Finally, transfer the tofu with tomato sauce to a plate, and sprinkle with some herbs (basil, coriander, Vietnamese coriander). And here you have it, a delicious and attractive tofu with tomato sauce, nutritious and perfect to pair with many other dishes. However, it is best enjoyed hot with steamed rice. Additionally, you can also pair it with dry noodles, vermicelli, or bread for an irresistible taste.
Additionally, this dish can be served as part of a salad or with fresh vegetables like lettuce and other greens to create a rich salad bowl. Adding tofu with tomato sauce to fried rice or stir-fried noodles also makes for an attractive meal. In short, depending on your taste and preferences, you can freely create and combine interesting dishes. With these simple steps, you can easily make this dish at home. Try cooking it and share your experience!
Some Tips for Making Tofu with Tomato Sauce
- There are many types of tofu, such as fresh tofu, fried tofu, etc. Therefore, choosing the right tofu is extremely important as it affects the quality and flavor of the dish. For tofu, you should choose pieces of good quality, with the right firmness, neither too soft nor too hard. Avoid using tofu that is too small or spoiled. For tomatoes, select ripe, juicy ones without any signs of rot. Similarly, seasonings like shallots, garlic, and chili should be fresh and not wilted or dry.
- To make a delicious sauce, finely chop or puree the tomatoes or use pre-crushed tomatoes. Then, sauté the shallots, garlic, and chili until fragrant. Add seasonings like salt, sugar, bouillon, and pepper, and stir well until it smells good and tastes right. Use additional tomato sauce to create a smoother, richer sauce.
- Cooking Time: Do not cook for too long to ensure the tofu remains soft and doesn’t fall apart.
- Combining with Herbs: Sprinkling some herbs like basil, coriander, or Vietnamese coriander will enhance the dish. If you like, you can add other ingredients such as mushrooms, carrots, or spinach to enrich the flavor.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Tofu with Tomato Sauce?
Tofu contains protein that helps improve kidney function and is very beneficial for those undergoing kidney transplants or dialysis. It positively supports people with chronic kidney disease as tofu helps reduce blood lipid levels.
Another study shows that tofu contains isoflavones, which can increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Therefore, adding tofu to meals reasonably can effectively help older adults reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Tofu also has positive effects on patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, according to a report, regions with high tofu consumption have lower rates of mental disorders compared to other areas.
Food Vietnamese has thus guided you on how to make delicious and flavorful tofu with tomato sauce. With simple preparation, yet tasty and nutritious, tofu with tomato sauce is a favorite choice for family meals. Depending on your taste and preferences, you can be creative and combine interesting dishes. Wishing you success in the kitchen with tofu with tomato sauce and enjoy your meal!
