Description
This Sweet and Sour Tofu recipe is a vibrant and flavorful vegan dish that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors. Crisp tofu pieces are fried to perfection and coated in a luscious sweet and sour sauce made with pineapple, bell pepper, and a touch of vinegar and ketchup. It’s a comforting takeout favorite that’s easy to prepare and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Coating
- 1 (16 ounce) block firm tofu (or extra firm tofu pressed and torn into 1 to 2 inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten free if needed, or liquid aminos or tamari)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup oil for frying
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1/2 medium red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped/cubed pineapple
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 1/3 cup sugar (cane sugar preferred, or brown/any granulated)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup vinegar (preferably rice or white vinegar)
- 1/4 cup water (or pineapple juice)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten free if needed, or liquid aminos or tamari)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Chopped scallions
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu: Press the tofu block to remove excess moisture, then tear it into 1 to 2 inch pieces. In a bowl, toss the tofu pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to marinate briefly.
- Coat the tofu: Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu pieces and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. This will help create a crispy texture when frying.
- Fry the tofu: Heat 1/4 cup oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu pieces in batches until golden and crispy on all sides, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Remove the tofu and drain on paper towels.
- Sauté vegetables and pineapple: In the same skillet, sauté chopped red onion, bell pepper, and pineapple cubes until slightly softened and aromatic, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, ketchup, vinegar, water (or pineapple juice), 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Pour the sauce into the skillet with vegetables and bring to a simmer.
- Combine tofu and sauce: Add the fried tofu back into the skillet and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly with the sweet and sour sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to let flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped scallions over the dish before serving hot. Enjoy as a main course with rice or noodles.
Notes
- This Sweet and Sour Tofu is a delicious vegan take on a classic comfort food, with crispy tofu and a tangy, sweet sauce.
- Use extra firm tofu and pressing it well ensures the best texture for frying.
- The sauce can be adjusted to taste – add more vinegar for tanginess or more sugar for sweetness.
- Great for meal prep as it reheats well and flavors deepen over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 372 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 793 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
