Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallions (Đậu Phụ Tẩm Hành)

Name: Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallions (Đậu Phụ Tẩm Hành)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 400g firm or medium-firm tofu; 3 tbsp oil for frying; 3 scallions; ¼ tsp salt; 3 tbsp vegan fish sauce (sub with soy sauce) *; 8-10 tbsp hot water

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Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallions (Đậu Phụ Tẩm Hành) is a classic Vietnamese dish featuring crispy fried tofu in a sweet and savory scallion sauce. The recipe is simple, accessible, and ideal for a quick yet comforting dinner.

Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallions, or Đậu Phụ Tẩm Hành, is a classic Vietnamese dish that combines the crisp texture of fried tofu with the rich flavors of scallion sauce. This dish is not only a staple in Vietnamese cuisine for its delicious taste but also for its simplicity and quick preparation time, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying meal.

The simplicity of this dish likely made it one of the first savory recipes my mom taught me. Even as a teenager, I rarely messed it up, and to this day, the sound of oil sizzling on scallion sauce still stirs a longing within me.

The sauce, typically a blend of scallions, soy sauce, and salt, complements the neutral taste of tofu, turning it into a flavorful delight. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, it's a versatile recipe that's sure to please any palate.

For other Vietnamese recipes, check out Vietnamese Tofu with Tomato Sauce, Vietnamese Grilled Eggplant with Scallion Oil. Check out my collection of Vegan Vietnamese recipes!

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Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions and variation
Equipment
Storage
Top tip
FAQ
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Related
Pairing
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Why you'll love this recipe

Simplicity: This dish is simple but delicious. It requires just a few basic ingredients: tofu, spring onion, and fish sauce.

Versatility: Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many types of cooking. It doesn’t have a strong taste on its own, so it can take on the flavors of the foods it’s cooked with.

Quick to Prepare: It’s a tasty side dish or even main dish you can make in just 20 minutes

Ingredients

Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallions just a few basic ingredients:

Firm or medium-firm tofu: Prioritize high-quality tofu with good flavors. Local small-batch artisanal tofu is recommended.
Scallion: Choose thinner and younger stalks of scallions for a more tender texture and better raw taste.
Seasonings:
- Vegan fish sauce or Soy sauce
- Salt
- Oil

Instructions

Cut the tofu into cubes then fry the tofu until golden brown on all sides. Remove to a plate then set aside.
Thinly slice the scallions.
Add the scallions to a bowl, add salt, 1 tablespoon reserved oil from frying tofu, vegan fish sauce (or soy sauce) and hot water. Mix well together.
Soak each piece of fried tofu in the scallion sauce for a few seconds then transfer to a plate. Serve it with a bowl of rice.

Cut the tofu into cubes

Fry the tofu in oil until golden brown on both sides

Chop the scallions and make the scallion sauce

Dip each piece of fried tofu into the scallion sauce to coat

Substitutions and variation

Here are some substitutions and variations you can try for the Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallions recipe:

Tofu: If you don’t have firm tofu, you can use silken tofu for a softer texture. Just be careful when frying as it can break easily. For soy-free options, try out my other tofu recipe: Chickpea Tofu, Red Lentil Tofu and Black Bean Tofu.
Spicy kick: If you like spicy food, you can add some chopped chili peppers to the scallion sauce.

Equipment

You only need a frying pan for to make Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallions.

Storage

Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallions is best served immediately after cooking to enjoy the crispy texture of the tofu and the fresh taste of the scallion sauce.

However, if you have leftovers, store the leftover Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 2-3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it in a pan over medium heat to regain some of the crispiness.

Top tip

Control the heat when frying the tofu. The oil should be hot enough to make the tofu crispy, but not too hot that it burns the tofu.
Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and make the tofu soggy instead of crispy.

FAQ

How can I serve the dish?

Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallions is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:
With Rice: This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice. The savory sauce from the tofu can be mixed with the rice for extra flavor.
With Vegetables: A side of stir-fried or steamed vegetables would complement the tofu nicely. You can choose from bok choy, broccoli, bell peppers, or any other vegetables you prefer.
In a Bento Box: You can include Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallions in a bento box along with other Vietnamese dishes for a complete meal.
As a beer snack: In Vietnam, it's customary to serve Vietnamese Fried Tofu with Scallions as a beer snack in pubs. The effervescent flavor of the beer greatly complements the dish.

What type of tofu should I use?

You can use extra-firm, firm, or medium-firm tofu at the regular or Asian supermarkets.

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