Authentic Vietnamese Tàu Hủ Nấm Recipe: A Delightful Tofu and Mushroom Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 block of soft tofu (about 300g)
  • 200 grams fresh shiitake mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water)
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
  2. Clean the shiitake mushrooms and slice them thinly.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
  4. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, sauté until fragrant.
  5. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are cooked.
  6. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and vegetable broth to the pan, stir well to combine.
  7. Gently add the tofu cubes to the pan, be careful not to break them. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the tofu can absorb the flavors.
  8. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to the pan and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens.
  9. Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top right before you turn off the heat.
  10. Serve hot with rice.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for slicing mushrooms, garlic, and ginger.
  • Pan - Used for sautéing mushrooms and cooking the dish.
  • Spatula - Used for stirring and flipping ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
  • Whisk - Used for dissolving cornstarch in water.
  • Bowl - Used for soaking and mixing ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or portobello, instead of shiitake mushrooms.
  • Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the dish.
  • For a spicy twist, add some chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Make it vegan by replacing oyster sauce with vegan mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce.
  • Add some protein by including cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu puffs along with the soft tofu.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like sesame oil, five-spice powder, or tamari sauce.
  • To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
  • Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce mixture for a creamy and nutty flavor.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for added freshness.
  • Serve the dish over noodles instead of rice for a noodle bowl variation.

Recipe overview

Tàu Hủ Nấm, or Tofu with Mushrooms, is a delightful and nutritious Vietnamese dish that combines soft, silky tofu with hearty, flavorful shiitake mushrooms. This recipe is easy to make and packed full of flavor, thanks to a mix of garlic, ginger, soy, and oyster sauces. The tofu is simmered in a sauce which it absorbs, delivering a taste sensation with each bite. You'll end up with a dish that is comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal. Serve it up with some steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal. Whether you're a long-time lover of tofu or just looking for a new way to enjoy it, this Tàu Hủ Nấm recipe is sure to please.

Common questions

  1. Can I use firm tofu instead of soft tofu? Yes, you can use firm tofu if you prefer a firmer texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. What can I substitute for shiitake mushrooms? If shiitake mushrooms are not available, you can use other types of mushrooms such as cremini or button mushrooms.
  3. Can I use other types of sauce? Yes, you can experiment with different sauces to suit your taste. However, the combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce gives the dish its authentic flavor.
  4. Is this recipe vegan? The recipe is vegetarian, but not vegan, as it contains oyster sauce. However, you can substitute the oyster sauce with a vegan alternative if desired.
  5. Can I add other vegetables? Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy to enhance the dish's nutritional value and add more variety.
  6. What can I serve with Tàu Hủ Nấm? Tàu Hủ Nấm is typically served with steamed rice, but you can also enjoy it with noodles or as a filling for banh mi sandwiches.
  7. How long does this dish keep in the refrigerator? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - For slicing the tofu and mushrooms.
  • Knife - To cut the tofu and mushrooms into desired shapes.
  • Pan - To cook the tofu and mushrooms with the sauce.
  • Spatula - To stir and flip the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch.
  • Bowl - To dissolve the cornstarch in water for thickening the sauce.
  • Serving dish - To present and serve the Tàu Hủ Nấm.
  • Rice cooker - To cook rice as a side dish.

Origin stories

Tàu Hủ Nấm is a comforting and humble dish that originates from Vietnam, a country known for its rich culinary traditions. Vietnamese cuisine is often praised for its balance of flavors and textures, and this dish is no exception. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth tofu contrasted with the earthy, chewy mushrooms, all soaked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, is a testament to Vietnam's culinary ingenuity. But what's particularly interesting about this dish is its versatility. While it's found in many Vietnamese homes as a day-to-day meal, it's also a popular choice for those following Buddhist traditions, where vegetarian dishes like Tàu Hủ Nấm take center stage during certain times of the year. It's no surprise then, that Tàu Hủ Nấm has stood the test of time, crossing borders and generations, reminding us that sometimes, simplicity truly is the highest form of sophistication.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.