Vietnamese-Inspired Caramelized Tofu with Jasmine Rice and Pickled Vegetables

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

Golden tofu glazed in a sweet-savory caramel sauce served over fragrant jasmine rice with crisp, tangy pickled vegetables for contrast. This vietnamese-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs vegetable oil, brown sugar, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Remove tofu and set aside. In the same skillet, add 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens into a caramel sauce, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece in the caramel sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes to let flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Combine 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl until sugar dissolves. Add 1/2 cup julienned carrot and 1/2 cup julienned daikon radish. Let vegetables pickle for at least 15 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Serve caramelized tofu over 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, topped with 2 tbsp sliced green onions and a side of pickled vegetables for a balanced meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Inspired Caramelized Tofu with Jasmine Rice and Pickled Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Caramelized Tofu with Jasmine Rice and Pickled Vegetables?

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 Vietnamese-Inspired Caramelized Tofu with Jasmine Rice and Pickled Vegetables?

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 Vietnamese-Inspired Caramelized Tofu with Jasmine Rice and Pickled Vegetables 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Caramelized Tofu with Jasmine Rice and Pickled Vegetables 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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