Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a time for family, festivities, and feasting. Traditional dishes often include savory ham, but for vegetarians, finding a satisfying alternative can be challenging. This year, ditch the pork and embrace a delicious, plant-based alternative: Ki Tofu, a vegetarian ham that captures the essence of the classic without compromising on flavor or texture. This recipe expertly balances savory umami notes with subtle sweetness, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Tet table, or a delightful addition to any meal. It's surprisingly easy to make, using readily available ingredients.
This mouthwatering Ki Tofu recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy the taste of ham without any meat. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the tofu to achieving the perfect savory-sweet balance. Ready to embark on a culinary journey that will impress your family and friends? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions to create your own unforgettable Vegetarian Ham for Tet.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Basket
- Plastic bag
- Steamer
- Bowl
- Knife
Ingredients
- Ki Tofu (dried): 2 packages (400g)
- Sugar
- Salt
- Vegetarian Fish Sauce
- Seasoning Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ki Tofu
- Soak the dried Ki Tofu sheets in water for 10-15 minutes until soft. Then drain in a basket.
- Tear the softened tofu into smaller pieces to allow better spice penetration.
- Boil the tofu pieces in a pot of water for about 5 minutes until cooked.
- Drain the boiled tofu again in a basket.
Step 2. Marinate and Shape
- Mix sugar, salt, vegetarian fish sauce, and seasoning powder in a bowl. Add pepper if desired.
- Add the drained tofu to the seasoning mixture, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Pack the marinated tofu tightly into a plastic bag, shaping it into a loaf. You can adjust the amount to make larger or smaller loaves.
Step 3. Steam and Cool
- Steam the tofu loaf in a steamer for about 1 hour at medium heat.
- Let the cooked loaf cool completely. You can store it in the refrigerator overnight for a firmer texture.
Step 4. Serve
- Slice and serve with your preferred dipping sauce (e.g., salt, pepper, Vietnamese coriander).
Read more: Vietnamese Sponge Wedding Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Discard any stiff or damaged parts of the dried tofu sheet.
- Adjust the amount of seasoning according to your preference. It's better to start with a stronger flavor, as some will be lost during cooking.
- If using a stainless steel mold or banana leaves, wrap the tofu loaf accordingly for steaming.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate the cooked loaf overnight.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of tofu?
While firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe due to its ability to hold its shape, you can experiment with silken tofu, but expect a softer, less ‘ham-like’ texture. You might need to adjust cooking time and possibly add more binding agents.
2. How long can I store the Ki Tofu?
Store leftover Ki Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal flavor and texture.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Ki Tofu a day or two in advance. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it perfect for busy Tet preparations. Just store it properly as mentioned above.
This Vegetarian Ham recipe provides a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional Tet ham, perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Impress your family and guests with this flavorful and surprisingly easy-to-make dish. Happy Tet!