We’re digging into the archives today to make one of my favorite dishes my mom made growing up. Vietnamese stuffed tofu in tomato sauce, or dau hu nhoi thit, is made with fried tofu stuffed with seasoned pork, then simmered in a savory and aromatic tomato sauce.

This Vietnamese home cooking dish hits all the notes. It’s homey, comforting, delicious, and easy to make in one pan for dinner on your busiest nights. Pair it with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice and a side of rau muong xao toi (Vietnamese morning glory stir-fry) for a well-balanced meal.

Ingredients

You can find all the ingredients for this Vietnamese stuffed tofu in tomato sauce recipe at your local Asian or Vietnamese grocery market. Full measurements and links to everything I used are in the recipe card below.

Stuffed Tofu

• Fried Tofu: typically they are sold as a block or pre-cut into triangles or rectangles. Do not buy the tofu puffs; those are too flimsy and will not hold the pork filling.
• Ground Pork: for the best results, use pork that is about 20% fat.
• Shallot: adds a mild, sweet onion flavor with a subtle hint of garlic
• Chicken Bouillon Powder: to enhance the flavor of the pork.
• Fish Sauce: adds a deeply savory, salty flavor to the pork.
• Black Pepper: adds a mild, earthy heat to the filling.

Tomato Sauce

• Roma Tomatoes: have a mild, tangy, slightly sweet flavor with balanced acidity. I like to use them because they have fewer seeds and a more concentrated flavor.
• Shallots and Garlic: the main aromatics that create a sweet and savory sauce.
• Fish Sauce: the main flavoring ingredient that adds a salty, umami flavor.
• Sugar: to sweeten the tomato sauce.
• Water: to create the sauce.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

• Firm Tofu: instead of pre-fried tofu, you can buy firm tofu, remove the moisture, coat it with cornstarch, and fry it yourself.
• Ground Protein: chicken, turkey, beef, or more tofu as alternatives.
• Tomatoes: you can use any tomatoes of your choice.
• Yellow Onion: instead of shallots for a sweeter flavor profile.

Additions

• Wood ear mushrooms: for added texture to the filling.
• Mung bean noodles: for added texture in the filling.
• Garlic: for more aromatic flavor.

How to Make

Here are the step-by-step instructions for how to make this Vietnamese stuffed tofu in tomato sauce recipe.

1. Slice the tofu into triangles and make a slit down the middle.

2. Combine the ground pork, minced shallots, chicken bouillon powder, fish sauce, and black pepper. Mix until combined.

3. Add the filling to the center of the tofu. Be sure to pack the filling in tightly.

4. In a large braising pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Then add the garlic and shallots and sauté until fragrant. Then add the tomatoes, fish sauce, and sugar. Add the water and bring to a boil.

5. Once it reaches a boil, add the stuffed tofu face down into the sauce.

6. Cover and lower the heat to a simmer until the sauce has reduced. Flip the tofu halfway.

7. Garnish the Vietnamese stuffed tofu in tomato sauce with green onions and serve with rice.

Storage Instructions

You can store any leftover Vietnamese stuffed tofu in tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Microwave covered with a wet paper towel for 2-3 minutes until warmed. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stove in a covered braising pan on medium-high heat until hot.

Freeze: Bring the tofu to room temperature, then store the stuffed tofu in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQ

Do I need to use ground pork?

No, instead of ground pork you can alternatively use ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even ground tofu and mushrooms.

What kind of tomatoes do I use for the tomato sauce?

I like to use Roma tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. However, you can alternatively use beefsteak tomatoes, on-the-vine tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or any tomatoes of your choosing.

Recipe