Best 7 Caramelized Tofu Recipes

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**Caramelized Tofu: A Culinary Journey from East to West**

From humble beginnings in ancient China to its current status as a global culinary sensation, tofu has undergone a remarkable transformation. This versatile ingredient, crafted from soybeans, has become a cornerstone of numerous cuisines worldwide. In this article, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey, exploring the diverse flavors and textures of caramelized tofu.

Our collection of caramelized tofu recipes offers a tantalizing array of options, catering to various dietary preferences and culinary skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned vegan seeking a meatless protein alternative or a novice cook looking to expand your culinary repertoire, these recipes promise to elevate your taste buds to new heights.

For those who delight in the bold and savory, our Spicy Caramelized Tofu recipe delivers a symphony of flavors. Drenched in a luscious sauce infused with chili peppers and fragrant herbs, this dish ignites the senses with each bite. If you prefer a milder experience, our Sweet and Tangy Caramelized Tofu strikes a harmonious balance between sweet and sour, making it a delectable treat for the whole family.

For those seeking a gluten-free option, our Gluten-Free Caramelized Tofu recipe utilizes tamari, a naturally gluten-free soy sauce, to create a savory and flavorful glaze. Paired with tender vegetables and a hint of sesame oil, this dish offers a symphony of textures and tastes.

And for those seeking a more traditional approach, our Classic Caramelized Tofu recipe harkens back to the origins of this culinary delight. With its simple yet elegant combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger, this dish embodies the essence of caramelized tofu, capturing its timeless appeal.

No matter your dietary preferences or culinary expertise, our collection of caramelized tofu recipes promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you on a culinary adventure. Embrace the versatility of tofu and discover a new appreciation for this remarkable ingredient.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CARAMELIZED TOFU WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS



CARAMELIZED TOFU WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS image

Categories     Tofu

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound extra firm tofu
1/2 Cup brown rice
2/3-1 pound brussel sprouts, trimmed and roughly chopped
4 cloves garlic
2 Tablespoons cilantro
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
3 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
Optional toppings: More soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, chopped scallions, peanuts.

Steps:

  • 1) Press tofu block between a few paper towels. Put a cutting board on top with something heavy to press out liquid. Let sit for 10 minutes. 2) Chop tofu into strips and marinate in a few tablespoons of soy sauce. 3) Prep all other ingredients. Cook rice, roughly chop brussel sprouts, and chop cilantro, garlic, etc. 4) Add a few Tablespoons of vegetable oil to a hot pan (a wok or nonstick pan works best). Add tofu in a single layer and let cook for a few minutes on high heat until the tofu starts to brown. 5) Turn tofu and brown on the second side. 6) After cooking for a few minutes on each side, add brown sugar and toss to coat tofu in sugar. Cook for a few minutes until tofu caramelizes. 7) Remove tofu and sprinkle with cilantro. 8) Add sprouts to hot pan (don't wash it) and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. 9) Add garlic and rice and if pan is really try, a bit more oil. Season with salt and pepper and cook until sprouts are tender and some will be browned. 10) Serve tofu over sprouts with toppings of choice.

CARAMELIZED SPICY TOFU



Caramelized Spicy Tofu image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings as a side dish

Number Of Ingredients 12

17 1/2 ounces (500 grams) tofu
2 to 3 tablespoons avocado oil, for frying (untoasted sesame or peanut oil would also be good)
1/2 cup water
8 3/4 ounces (250 grams) sugar
1 small finger ginger, peeled and finely julienned or sliced
1 small finger galangal, peeled and finely julienned or sliced
1 to 2 red chiles, finely sliced
1 lemongrass stem, cut off the base, peel and discard the outer two layers, and finely slice the lower 2 inches
1 teaspoon dried shrimps, pounded in a mortar and pestle
4 lime leaves
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon fish sauce

Steps:

  • Note: This dish utilizes the subtlety and texture of tofu to serve as a vehicle for the spicy flavors of the sweet dressing. The combination of the 2 works really well.
  • Slice the tofu into 4 pieces and place them in a single layer on absorbent paper, lay some more paper on top and gently press down, leave for 20 minutes. This drains off excess water and makes frying easier.
  • Heat up a fry pan and drizzle in the oil, add the tofu and fry until golden, gently flip over, and cook on the other side. Take out of the pan and place on a plate. Place a wok over heat and add the water and sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and cook over a moderate heat, without stirring, until the sugar begins to caramelize and goes a golden amber color. Now add the ginger, galangal, chiles, lemongrass, shrimps, and lime leaves and stir it into the caramel. It will firm up a little, but keep it cooking over the heat for 20 seconds, then add the lemon juice and fish sauce and bring to a boil. Spoon the sauce over the tofu and eat while warm.

CARAMELIZED TOFU AND BRUSSEL SPROUTS WITH CILANTRO AND NUTS



Caramelized Tofu and Brussel Sprouts With Cilantro and Nuts image

Delicious, nutritious, and economical. Try this on fall harvest feast tables or as a one dish dinner.

Provided by dandelionleaf

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 25m

Yield 2 cups, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

200 g extra firm tofu, cubed
10 Brussels sprouts
1/3 cup walnuts (or mix of both) or 1/3 cup pecans (or mix of both)
4 -6 garlic cloves, peeled
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Steps:

  • Brown tofu and garlic in olive oil until crispy one side. Add butter, brown sugar, nuts, chili, and stir. Separately cut Brussels sprouts in half lengthways and steam in pot or microwave. When tofu is caramelized, drain Brussels sprouts and add to mix. Toss, remove from heat, then add cilantro, salt, and lemon juice. Serve hot.

CARAMELIZED TOFU GOODNESS!



Caramelized Tofu Goodness! image

This is so good and has gotten lots of great comments on Heidi Swanson's food blog. She threw this together one night and it was a hit! If you can't handle Brussels Sprouts, try cabbage, spinach, broccoli(cut up real small), or bok choy. I have changed this just a bit.

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Soy/Tofu

Time 25m

Yield 2-3 as a main dish

Number Of Ingredients 10

7 -8 ounces extra firm tofu, cut into thin 1-inch strips
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon olive oil (or peanut oil)
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/3 cup pecans, toasted and chopped fine (or almonds or walnuts)
3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (or brown sugar)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (if you hate cilantro, use parsley)
1/2 lb Brussels sprout, washed and cut into 1/8-inch wide slices

Steps:

  • Wrap the tofu with paper towels, place a heavy skillet on top and press for a few minutes to remove some of the excess water.
  • Cook the tofu strips in hot 12" nonstick skillet with a pinch of salt and about 1-2 teaspoons of oil. Saute until lightly golden, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, if using, and pecans(or other nuts), and cook for another minute. Stir in sugar. Cook for a few more minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in cilantro. Scrape the tofu out onto a plate with a spatula and set aside.
  • Now, in the same pan (you don't need to wash it), add 1-1 1/2 teaspoons more oil, another pinch of salt, and turn up the heat to medium-high.
  • When the pan is hot stir in the sliced brussels sprouts(they will appear shredded).
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times (only a few) until you get some nice golden bits and the rest of the sprouts are just tender.
  • Great served with brown rice or over soba noodles.

COCONUT SOUP WITH CARAMELIZED LYCHEES AND MANGO TOFU



Coconut Soup with Caramelized Lychees and Mango Tofu image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 4h5m

Yield 12 to 16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 quart coconut milk
4 1/2 ounces sugar
3 tablespoons gelee bavaroise
Caramelized Lychees, recipe follows
Mango Tofu, recipe follows
24 to 32 lychee fruits
Orange Marmalade, recipe follows
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
2 pounds oranges, peeled and seeded
1 pound sugar
7 ounces water
13 cups mango puree
4 ounces gelatin
1 quart cream
1 pound sugar

Steps:

  • In a heavy saucepan, heat the coconut milk and sugar over medium-low heat until the mixture reaches 120 degrees F. Add the gelee, and stir to incorporate. Remove from the heat and pour into a bowl. Refrigerate until completely chilled. Do not serve until soup is very cold. Ladle soup into bowls and float the Caramelized Lychees and Mango Tofu in the soup.
  • Peel and pit the lychees. Fill the hole where the pit was with Orange Marmalade and set aside.
  • Make a simple syrup by combining the sugar and water in a heavy small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat and cook just until all the sugar dissolves. Pour 1/3 of the syrup into a heavy large skillet and add the lychees to the skillet. Cook, over high heat, until the lychees are caramelized. Add the remaining syrup, stir carefully to combine, and remove from the heat. Just before serving, add 2 caramelized lychees to each bowl of soup.
  • Combine all ingredients in a large heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat and until all the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened to the consistency of marmalade.
  • In a heavy saucepan, heat about 1/3 of the mango puree until almost simmering. Dissolve the gelatin in the mango puree and stir to incorporate. Set aside.
  • Whip the cream in a bowl of a mixer until soft peaks form, slowly adding the sugar in small quantities. Then fold in the mango puree and gelatin mixture. Fold in the remaining mango puree.
  • Pour the mixture into a cold sheet pan. Place the pan in the freezer until firm enough to cut. Then cut into 1 1/4 by 1 1/4-inch pieces. Just before serving, float 1 or 2 pieces of Mango Tofu in the soup.

CARAMELIZED TOFU



CARAMELIZED TOFU image

Categories     Tofu

Number Of Ingredients 8

7 - 8 ounces extra-firm tofu cut into thin 1-inch segments (see photo)
a couple pinches of fine-grain sea salt
a couple splashes of olive or peanut oil
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
3 tablespoons fine-grain natural cane sugar or brown sugar
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 lb. brussels sprouts, washed and cut into 1/8-inch wide ribbons

Steps:

  • Cook the tofu strips in large hot skillet (or pot) with a bit of salt and a splash of oil. Saute until slightly golden, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and pecans, and cook for another minute. Stir in sugar. Cook for another couple of minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Scrape the tofu out onto a plate and set aside while you cook the brussels sprouts. In the same pan (no need to wash), add a touch more oil, another pinch of salt, and dial the heat up to medium-high. When the pan is nice and hot stir in the shredded brussels sprouts. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring a couple times (but not too often) until you get some golden bits, and the rest of the sprouts are bright and delicious. Serves 2 - 3 as a main, 4 as a side

CAMBODIAN MANOR KHO TO HU (CARAMELIZED PINEAPPLE AND TOFU)



Cambodian Manor Kho to Hu (Caramelized Pineapple and Tofu) image

Caramelized pineapple and tofu is delicious and very easy to cook. Feel free to add red bell peppers, or other vegetables.

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Pineapple

Time 40m

Yield 2-4

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2-3/4 lb extra firm tofu (8 ounces)
cornstarch, to coat
1 -2 teaspoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1 cup pineapple chunk (fresh or canned)
2 tablespoons vegetarian oyster sauce (mushroom sauce or use fish sauce but won't be vegetarian)
1/2 cup water
1 garlic clove, Minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 green onions, Chopped
handful fresh cilantro, Chopped

Steps:

  • Place tofu between paper towels and press with cast iron frying pan or something heavy for about 10 minutes to get rid of excess moisture.
  • Cut into bite size pieces(about 1").
  • Dredge in cornstarch to coat, shaking off excess. Fry in oil till lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
  • If using canned chunk pineapple, drain juice.
  • Put pineapple, garlic, vegetarian oyster sauce and water in a small pot.
  • Add sugar, salt, black pepper and green onion. Stir well.
  • Cook on medium heat till the water is reduced and vegetables coated. Add tofu and stir to coat.
  • Top with cilantro.
  • Serve hot with rice.

Tips:

  • Choose the right tofu: Extra firm or firm tofu is best for caramelizing.
  • Press the tofu thoroughly: This removes excess moisture and helps the tofu absorb the marinade.
  • Use a flavorful marinade: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger are great options.
  • Caramelize the tofu in a single layer: This ensures that the tofu gets evenly caramelized.
  • Be patient: Caramelizing the tofu takes time. Don't rush the process or the tofu will burn.
  • Serve the caramelized tofu immediately: It's best when fresh out of the pan.

Conclusion:

Caramelized tofu is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its crispy caramelized exterior and tender, flavorful interior, caramelized tofu is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.

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