Braised Tofu in Caramel Sauce (Tau Hu Kho)

Ingredients

• 1 pound firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 cup minced shallots
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions (including tops)
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

1. 1. Cut tofu into 2- by 3-inch, 1/2-inch-thick slices and pat dry.
2. 2. Place sugar in a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat; shake pan often until sugar is melted and amber colored, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup hot water (mixture will bubble vigorously) and stir over medium heat until caramelized sugar is dissolved.
3. 3. Stir in soy sauce, shallots, ginger, and garlic; stir often over high heat until boiling. Lay tofu pieces in a single layer in sauce. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. With a wide spatula, turn pieces over; simmer until hot and coated with sauce, 3 to 4 minutes longer.
4. 4. Transfer tofu and sauce to a serving dish and sprinkle with green onions and pepper.