This vegan eggplant and tofu kho uses the classic Vietnamese braising method with a rich caramel sauce, shallots, garlic, and coconut water. A flavorful, comforting dish that’s delicious over rice or cabbage for a no-carb version.
Ingredients
Caramel Sauce:
¼cupavocado oil, or any neutral cooking oil
¼cupsugar
Ingredients:
¼cupavocado oil , or any neutral cooking oil, divided in half
2 japanese eggplants , or regular medium size eggplants, cut into one inch pieces
2firm tofu, 14 oz, cut into 2-inch rectangles
1large shallot, peeled and chopped
4garlic cloves, chopped
4green onions, cut white part and chopped, with the green part, cut into one inch length pieces
1Tbspfish sauce
¼cupmushroom powder
½Tbspblack pepper
1cupcoconut water
Instructions
Deep fry the tofu. Set aside.
In a large skillet, on medium heat, add oil 2 Tbsp cooking oil and fry eggplants 3 minutes on each side untouched. You might need to do this in two batches as you want a single layer when pan frying, and if so repeat process. Set aside. NOTE: Eggplants do oxidize and turn brown so use quickly.
In a large skillet or wok, on medium heat, add ¼ cup oil and ¼ cup sugar. Cook it until the sugar melts and turns to a nice caramel amber color. Then add shallots, garlic and white part of the green onions and stir fry for one minute.
Add the rest of the ingredients minus the green part of the green onions.