Name: Panfried Tofu with Asian Caramel Sauce
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, rinsed; 1/2 pound shallots (4 to 5 large); 1 cup vegetable oil; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped; 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (not seasoned); 1 1/3 cups plus 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves; 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves; cooked jasmine rice; steamed baby bok choy (optional); lime wedges

Image may contain Food Meal Dish Lunch Plant Cutlery and Fork

Panfried Tofu with Asian Caramel SauceRomulo Yanes

I like to think of tofu as a blank canvas just waiting for the application of texture and color. Here, I've panfried it to crisp the edges and draped it in a velvety Vietnamese-style caramel sauce. A shower of fresh herbs and browned shallots gives it an extra layer of flavor. If you prep the herbs and make the sauce ahead, you can put this on the table in under half an hour.

Cooks' Notes:

·Sauce can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, uncovered, until completely cooled, then covered. Reheat sauce over moderately low heat, thinning it with additional water if necessary.
·Shallots can be fried 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then kept at room temperature in an airtight container lined with paper towels.

Recipe notes

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts

There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.