Savory Braised Green Beans and Crispy Tofu Delight
Indulge in a harmonious blend of flavors with this Vietnamese-inspired dish that combines tender, braised green beans with crispy golden tofu. The rich sauce, a perfect balance of sweetness and umami, elevates the dish and is best enjoyed over a steaming bowl of white rice. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress even the most dedicated meat and potatoes lovers. The blend of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices creates a colorful and appetizing presentation, making it an excellent addition to any Asian-inspired meal.
4
Servings
200
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
white sugar
2 tablespoons
soy sauce
3 tablespoons
dry white wine
1 cup
chicken broth or vegetable broth
1/2 cup
tofu
14 ounces (drained and cubed)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (for tofu)
oil
3 cups (for frying)
onion
1 (chopped)
plum tomatoes
4 (sliced into thin wedges)
fresh green beans
12 ounces (trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces)
bamboo shoots
1 cup (drained and sliced)
chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 cup (as needed)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (for thickening sauce)
water
3 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the white sugar, soy sauce, dry white wine, and 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld.
2
Pat the drained tofu dry with paper towels, and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Season the tofu cubes with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch evenly on all sides, ensuring a light coating.
3
In a large, deep skillet, heat enough oil to create over an inch of depth, or use a deep-fryer set to 375°F (190°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu cubes in small batches, frying them until golden and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tofu and drain on paper towels.
4
In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and fresh green beans. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the beans are tender yet crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
5
Adding sliced plum tomatoes to the skillet, continue to cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the tomatoes soften and become slightly saucy. Stir in the drainage bamboo shoots to combine all the ingredients.
6
Pour the previously prepared sauce over the vegetables in the skillet, bringing the mixture to a boil. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid reduces too much, gradually add up to 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth to maintain the desired consistency.
7
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water until fully dissolved. Stir this mixture into the sauce, and let it simmer gently while stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes clear, approximately 3-5 minutes.
8
Finally, gently fold the crispy tofu into the sauce, ensuring the pieces are well coated. Serve the dish hot alongside a generous portion of fluffy white rice.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
15
Carbs
9
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Braised Green Beans and Crispy Tofu Delight?
It is a Vietnamese-inspired dish that combines tender, braised green beans with crispy golden tofu in a rich sauce balanced with sweetness and umami.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as vegetarian, provided you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the calorie counts for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 9 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is contained in a serving?
Each serving has 10 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much tofu is needed for this recipe?
You will need 14 ounces of tofu, which should be drained and cubed.
How do I prepare the tofu for frying?
Pat the drained tofu dry, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to ensure a light coating.
What temperature should the oil be for frying the tofu?
The oil should be heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
What kind of wine is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dry white wine.
What type of green beans are best for this dish?
Use 12 ounces of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces.
How long should I sauté the green beans and onions?
Sauté them for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the beans are tender yet crisp.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 plum tomatoes, sliced into thin wedges.
How do I incorporate bamboo shoots?
Add 1 cup of drained and sliced bamboo shoots to the skillet after the tomatoes have softened.
How do I thicken the braising sauce?
Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water and stir the slurry into the sauce until it becomes clear and thickens.
When should I add the fried tofu back to the dish?
Gently fold the crispy tofu into the sauce at the very end to ensure the pieces remain crispy while being coated.
What is the recommended side dish for this recipe?
This dish is best served alongside a generous portion of fluffy white rice.
What ingredients make up the base sauce?
The sauce is made from white sugar, soy sauce, dry white wine, and 1/2 cup of broth.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be chopped before being sautéed.
What do I do if the sauce reduces too much?
Gradually add up to 1 cup of additional broth to maintain your desired consistency.
How long do the tomatoes need to cook?
Cook the tomatoes for approximately 4 minutes until they soften and become slightly saucy.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either chicken or vegetable broth.
What is the final texture of the sauce?
The sauce should be thick, clear, and rich after the cornstarch slurry has simmered.
How much soy sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
What amount of sugar is in the recipe?
The dish uses 2 tablespoons of white sugar.
Is there fiber information available?
The nutritional information provided does not list a specific fiber count.
What category of cuisine does this fall under?
It is an Asian-inspired dish, specifically noted for its Vietnamese influences.
What tools are recommended for frying the tofu?
You can use a large deep skillet or a deep-fryer, along with a slotted spoon to remove the pieces.