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Vietnamese Stuffed Tomatoes

Vietnamese Stuffed Tomatoes
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Vietnamese Stuffed Tomatoes are a vibrant and aromatic dish featuring firm, ripe tomatoes filled with a seasoned blend of ground meat and herbs, then gently simmered to tender perfection. This comforting and flavorful meal combines fresh vegetables and protein in a healthy and balanced way, offering a unique twist on traditional stuffed vegetables popular in Vietnamese home cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4–6 firm, ripe tomatoes
  • 300g ground pork or chicken (or alternative protein)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (cilantro, dill, or mint), chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or rice flour

Optional Ingredients & Variations

  • Chopped chili peppers or chili flakes (to taste for spice)
  • Crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms (for vegetarian option)
  • Minced shrimp or crab meat (for seafood twist)
  • Alternative herbs: Thai basil or coriander
  • Water or broth (for simmering, about 1 cup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes and carefully cut off the tops to create lids. Scoop out the juicy pulp and seeds, setting them aside for use in the cooking liquid.
  2. Make the Stuffing: In a bowl, mix ground pork (or chosen protein) with minced garlic, chopped shallots, green onions, fresh herbs, fish sauce, black pepper, sugar, and cornstarch or rice flour. Stir well to combine into a consistent mixture.
  3. Stuff the Tomatoes: Gently fill each hollowed tomato with the meat mixture, pressing lightly to pack it in while ensuring the tomato remains intact.
  4. Cook the Tomatoes: Arrange the stuffed tomatoes upright in a pot or deep pan. Combine the reserved tomato pulp with water or broth and pour it around the tomatoes. Cover the pot and simmer on low to medium heat until the tomatoes are tender and the stuffing is fully cooked, approximately 20-30 minutes.
  5. Serve Warm: Remove from heat and serve the stuffed tomatoes hot. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or chopped green onions for added aroma and freshness.

Notes

  • Choose firm tomatoes to prevent breakage during cooking.
  • Do not overstuff the tomatoes; leave some space for even cooking.
  • Simmer gently to meld flavors and avoid mushy tomatoes.
  • Use fresh herbs to enhance authentic Vietnamese flavors.
  • Reserve tomato pulp for a flavorful natural sauce base.
  • Stuffing can be prepared ahead and refrigerated.
  • Substitute rice flour for cornstarch for a gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: Vietnamese stuffed tomatoes, stuffed vegetables, ground pork recipe, Vietnamese home cooking, healthy stuffed tomatoes, gluten-free Vietnamese dish

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/vietnamese-stuffed-tomatoes/