Fried tofu in tomato sauce (Đậu Sốt Cà Chua) features crispy tofu simmered in a sweet-savory tomato sauce with fish sauce, served with steamed rice. Crispy fried tofu simmered in a sweet-savory tomato sauce – simple, comforting, and ready in 30 minutes. The perfect weeknight vegetarian dish. #FriedTofuInTomatoSauce
In our household, tofu isn’t just an occasional ingredient – it’s a weekly staple. We make sure to include at least one tofu dish every week as part of our balanced meal rotation. When we dine out and discover a new tofu preparation, we’re always eager to recreate it at home. This Fried Tofu in Tomato Sauce (Đậu Sốt Cà Chua) is one such recipe that caught our attention at a local Vietnamese restaurant. Simple yet deeply flavourful, it’s become a regular in our repertoire.
The Comfort of Vietnamese Home Cooking
Đậu Sốt Cà Chua is a beloved Vietnamese dish that translates simply to “tofu in tomato sauce.” While it may sound humble, this dish embodies the essence of Vietnamese home cooking – quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with comforting flavours. For many Vietnamese families, this dish evokes nostalgia, often served as a quick weekday meal or as part of vegetarian spreads.
What makes this dish special is its perfect balance of textures and flavours. Crispy fried tofu soaks up a sweet-savory tomato sauce, while a touch of fish sauce (optional for vegetarians) adds depth. Served over steaming rice with a sprinkle of spring onions, it’s a complete meal that satisfies without fuss.
Why This Dish Works So Well
The magic of Đậu Sốt Cà Chua lies in its contrasts:
Crispy meets soft: The golden fried tofu stays slightly crisp while absorbing the saucy tomatoes.
Sweet meets savory: Ripe tomatoes and sugar balance the umami of fish sauce.
Quick but flavourful: Ready in 30 minutes, yet tastes like it simmered for hours.
We especially love how adaptable it is. Not in the mood for frying? Use store-bought pre-fried tofu. Want more vegetables? Add mushrooms or bell peppers. The basic formula remains forgiving and flexible.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own with rice, we often pair it with:
For non-vegetarians, grilled pork or shrimp make excellent additions
Tips for the Best Results
After making this countless times, we’ve learned a few tricks:
Press your tofu well – Removing excess moisture prevents oil splatters and helps achieve maximum crispness.
Use ripe tomatoes – Their natural sweetness reduces the need for added sugar.
Adjust to taste – The sauce should strike a balance between sweet, salty, and tangy. Don’t hesitate to tweak the seasoning.
More Than Just a Simple Dish
What began as a restaurant discovery has become one of our favourite ways to enjoy tofu. It’s proof that plant-based meals don’t need to be complicated to be satisfying. Whether you’re vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more meatless meals, this Vietnamese classic deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Start by cutting the tofu blocks in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces, then cut into smaller triangles. Place the tofu between kitchen towels or paper towels, then weigh down with a plate for 20-30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Heat oil in a pot to 150°C. Fry the tofu in batches until golden brown, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Drain on paper towels.
In a clean pot, combine quartered tomatoes, tomato paste, fish sauce or tamari, salt, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes until tomatoes soften and sauce thickens slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning, add more tomato paste for richness, sugar for sweetness, or salt as needed.
Add the fried tofu to the sauce, gently tossing to coat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until tofu warms through and absorbs some sauce.
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with sliced spring onions, and serve immediately with steamed rice.
I have never prepared my beloved firm tofu in this tasty, simple manner – but it looks and sounds absolutely delightful with no unusual ingredients – what a tasty and healthy dish > shall pass this along !!!
I have never prepared my beloved firm tofu in this tasty, simple manner – but it looks and sounds absolutely delightful
with no unusual ingredients – what a tasty and healthy dish > shall pass this along !!!
Thanks, Raymund — I love this incredibly simple but obviously flavorful dish. Adding to my summer menus!