Braised Tofu in Caramel Sauce

Sometimes I just crave tofu, I know isn't that a bit strange? I found this recipe in an old SUNSET magazine and decided to give it a go.   If you like tofu this is delicious! So if you are vegetarian or maybe having some vegetarian friends over for dinner this can be an appetizer or paired with hot cooked rice and a stir fry!

Ingredients:

1 pound firm tofu ( I only used half of this amount)

3 Tablespoons of sugar

3 Tablespoons of soy sauce ( I used the lite soy sauce and it tasted fine)

1/4 cup minced shallots

1 Tablespoon minced ginger ( I didn't have any and once again it tasted fine without it)

1 clove garlic, peeled, and minced

2 tablespoons of thinly sliced green onions, including the tops.

1/8 teaspoons of pepper (or to taste)

1/2 cup hot water, you will need this for step 2

1.  Cut tofu into 2 by 3 inch, 1/2 thick slices, and pat dry to get out the water.

2. Place sugar in a 10-12 inch frying pan over a medium-high heat; shake pan often until sugar is melted and amber colored, 2-3 mins.  Add 1/2 cup hot water( mixture will bubble) and stir over medium heat until caramelized sugar is dissolved.

3.Stir in soy sauce, shallots, ginger, and garlic; stir often over high heat until boiling.  Layer tofu pieces in a single layer in sauce.  Simmer, uncovered over a medium-low heat for 5 mins.  With a wide spatula, turn pieces over until hot and evenly coated with sauce, 3-4 mins longer of cooking after you flip the pieces.

4. Transfer the tofu and sauce to a serving dish or plate and sprinkle the tops with green onions and pepper. 

ENJOY!

Per serving: 219 calories (89 from fat), 19 g protein, 18 g carbs, 0 mg chol, and 790 mg sodium.

Recipe credit: Sunset Magazine pg. 138

Photo: mine