Pan-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Scallions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-fried tofu glazed with a sweet and savory Vietnamese caramel sauce, topped with fresh scallions for a flavorful vegetarian dish. This Vietnamese-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs vegetable oil, sugar, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Vietnamese cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu slices and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy at the edges. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 tbsp sugar and 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat, swirling the pan gently, until the sugar dissolves and caramelizes into a deep amber color, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Carefully stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegan) and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return the fried tofu slices to the skillet, spooning the caramel sauce over them to coat evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp chili flakes (if using) over the tofu.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or as a flavorful vegetarian entrée.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Scallions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Scallions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Scallions vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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