Stir-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Scallions

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

Golden tofu cubes glazed in a savory-sweet Vietnamese caramel sauce, finished with crisp scallions for a delightful texture contrast. This Vietnamese-inspired vegan recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 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-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp sugar and 1/4 cup water. Stir gently and cook for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns a deep amber caramel color.
  3. Step 3: Quickly stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce and 2 cloves minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu cubes to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the caramel sauce.
  5. Step 5: Add the white parts of 4 chopped scallions and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until scallions soften.
  6. Step 6: Transfer tofu to a serving dish, sprinkle with the green parts of the scallions and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Stir-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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Stir-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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