Pan-Seared Tofu with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

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

Firm tofu pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a classic Vietnamese sweet, sour, and spicy dipping sauce. This vietnamese-inspired vegan ready in about 20 minutes blends vegetable oil, water, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Vietnamese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the 14 oz firm tofu slices in a single layer and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp.
  2. Step 2: Flip the tofu slices carefully and cook the other side for another 4 minutes until golden and heated through. Remove tofu from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup water, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 thinly sliced fresh red chili until the sugar dissolves completely to make nuoc cham sauce.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp shredded carrot into the sauce for color and texture.
  5. Step 5: Serve the pan-seared tofu warm with the nuoc cham dipping sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the tofu.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Tofu with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Tofu with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Tofu with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

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-Seared Tofu with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Seared Tofu with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce vegan?

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

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