A classic dish gets a vegan twist with this Sweet and Sour Tofu recipe. Packed with the tangy, umami flavors of soy and rice vinegar, balanced by the sweetness of pineapple and brown sugar, this dish is a feast for the senses. The tofu is fried to perfection, ensuring a crispy texture that pairs well with the soft, succulent vegetables.
This recipe is Budget, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Dairy-Free, and High-Protein, with the main ingredients being tofu and vegetables.
Perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike, this Sweet and Sour Tofu dish is an excellent choice for dinner parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Sweet and Sour Tofu Recipe
Before serving, make sure to garnish with freshly sliced spring onions to add a splash of color and a hint of freshness. The key to nailing this dish is balancing the sweet and sour elements in the sauce, so don’t shy away from tweaking the flavors to suit your preference.
Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Tofu and Vegetables
- Coat tofu cubes in cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and stir fry the tofu until crispy.
- Sauté bell pepper and onion slices until they soften.
Assembling the Dish
- Add pineapple chunks to the pan.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables and tofu.
- Add cornstarch-water mix to thicken the sauce.
- Stir all the ingredients well to combine.
Final Steps
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced spring onions.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Sweet and Sour Tofu
Equipment
- Large frying pan or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
- 3 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Vegetable stock or Salt and pepper to taste
- Spring onions sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Prepare the Tofu and Vegetables: Coat tofu cubes in cornstarch. Fry in vegetable oil until crispy. Sauté bell pepper and onion slices until soft.
- Assemble the Dish: Add pineapple chunks and sauce to the pan. Stir well and add cornstarch-water mix to thicken the sauce.
- Cook and Garnish: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Garnish with sliced spring onions.
- Serve: Enjoy your Sweet and Sour Tofu over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
You can also add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for more texture and nutrients.
If you don’t have pineapple, mango chunks can serve as a delicious alternative.
For a spicy kick, add some red chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha.