Sweet And Sour Tofu

Sweet and Sour Tofu has quickly become one of our favorite dishes to make at home. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory, featuring crispy tofu tossed in a vibrant sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and colorful bell peppers. The first time we recreated this dish, we were amazed at how quick and easy it was—and honestly, it turned out better than takeout.

Now, it’s our go-to for weeknight dinners when we want something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether we’re serving it with steamed rice or enjoying it on its own, Sweet and Sour Tofu never disappoints!

Table of Contents

• About Sweet And Sour Tofu
• Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Tofu
• What Is In Sweet and Sour Tofu?
• Key Ingredients
• How To Make Sweet And Sour Tofu
• Have It Your Way!
• Nutritional Facts about Sweet and Sour Tofu
• Other Recipes You’ll Love
• Sweet And Sour Tofu Recipe

About Sweet And Sour Tofu

Sweet and Sour Tofu is inspired by the classic Chinese dish Sweet and Sour Pork. This vegan version offers a plant-based alternative while retaining the iconic flavors.

Sweet and Sour dishes have a long history in Chinese cuisine, symbolizing the balance of yin and yang. The dish has been adapted worldwide, and this vegan version caters to modern dietary preferences without compromising on taste.

Sweet and Sour Tofu combines the crispiness of fried tofu with a tangy and sweet sauce, making it a delightful dish for all palates. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with various vegetables and served with rice or noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Tofu

• Balanced Flavors: The perfect combination of sweet, sour, and savory.
• Crispy Texture: Lightly fried tofu adds a satisfying crunch.
• Vegan-Friendly: A plant-based dish suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
• Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile: Can be served with rice, noodles, or as a standalone dish.

What Is In Sweet and Sour Tofu?

This mouthwatering dish includes a variety of ingredients:

• Tofu: Lightly fried for a crispy texture.
• Bell Peppers: Adds color and sweetness.
• Orange Juice: Provides a tangy and sweet flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances the savory taste.
• Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the tanginess with sweetness.
• Garlic and Ginger: Adds depth and aroma.
• Cornstarch: Used to coat the tofu and thicken the sauce.
• Sesame Seeds: For garnish and added crunch.

Key Ingredients

• Tofu: The main protein source, providing a firm and crispy base.
• Bell Peppers: Adds color and a sweet crunch.
• Orange Juice: Infuses the dish with sweetness and tang.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor.
• Vinegar: Essential for the tangy aspect of the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a caramelized sweetness.
• Garlic and Ginger: For aromatic depth and flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps achieve the desired sauce consistency.
• Sesame Seeds: For garnish and added crunch.

How To Make Sweet And Sour Tofu

1. Lightly coat the Tofu cubes with corn starch, and fry in a pan with 2 Tbsp. of oil until all sides of the cubes are golden and crispy. This step can also be done in the air fryer.

2. In a cup make the Sweet and Sour sauce by combining Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Soy Sauce, and Apple Cider Vinegar. Whisk thoroughly.

3. In a Wok over medium-high heat, heat up 1 tbsp. of Oil, and add Garlic and Ginger. Sauté for 1 minute. Then add the Onions, and Bell Peppers, allow them to brown slightly while maintaining most of their crispiness. Add the fried Tofu along with the Sweet and Sour Sauce. Mix well. Then add the corn starch slurry (2 Tbsp. Corn Starch + 2 Tbsp. of cold water). Stir and allow the sauce to thicken, should only take 30 seconds.

4. Transfer to a bowl, and enjoy with some steamed rice.

Have It Your Way!

• Add More Veggies: Include broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition.
• Adjust Sweetness: Increase or decrease the amount of sugar to suit your taste.
• Spicy Kick: Add a touch of chili flakes or sriracha for some heat.
• Different Proteins: Substitute tofu with tempeh or seitan for variety.
• Serving Options: Enjoy with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.

Nutritional Facts about Sweet and Sour Tofu

• Rich in Protein: Tofu provides a high-quality plant-based protein.
• Low in Fat: Minimal oil used for frying tofu.
• Packed with Vitamins: Bell peppers and pineapple provide essential vitamins.
• Antioxidant-Rich: Garlic and ginger offer numerous health benefits.
• Balanced Meal: A good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu
• Gochujang Tofu
• Black Pepper Tofu
• Thai Basil Braised Tofu
• Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu

Sweet And Sour Tofu Recipe

Sweet And Sour Tofu

Berry Berry Life

Sweet and Sour Tofu is a delicious vegan dish that balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. This recipe combines crispy tofu with a vibrant sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, and bell peppers, creating a perfect harmony of tastes. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Chinese

Servings 2

Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 16 oz Extra Firm Tofu 1 inch cubes, pressed and drained of liquid
• ▢ 1 Onion 1″ x 1″ pieces
• ▢ 2 Bell Pepper any color, 1″x1″ pieces
• ▢ 1 Tbsp Ginger grated
• ▢ 1 Tbsp Garlic minced
• ▢ 3 Tbsp Brown Sugar
• ▢ 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• ▢ 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
• ▢ 1 Tbsp Ketchup
• ▢ 3 tbsp Corn Starch frying Tofu and for slurry
• ▢ Salt to taste
• ▢ Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

• HexClad 12in Wok
• Tofuture Tofu Press

Instructions

 

• Lightly coat the Tofu cubes with corn starch, and fry in a pan with 2 Tbsp of oil until all sides of the cubes are golden and crispy. This step can also be done in the air fryer.
• In a cup make the Sweet and Sour sauce by combining Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Soy Sauce, and Apple Cider Vinegar. Whisk thoroughly.
• In a Wok over medium-high heat, heat up 1 tbsp of Oil, and add Garlic and Ginger. Saute for 1 minute. Then add the Onions, and Bell Peppers, allow them to brown slightly while maintaining most of their crispiness. Add the fried Tofu along with the Sweet and Sour Sauce. Mix well. Then add the corn starch slurry (2 Tbsp Corn Starch + 2 Tbsp of cold water). Stir and allow the sauce to thicken, should only take 30 seconds.
• Transfer to a bowl, and enjoy with some steamed rice.

Notes

• Pressing Tofu: Ensure to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture.
• Frying Tofu: Fry tofu on medium heat to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more or less cornstarch.
• Fresh Pineapple: Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor, but canned works well too.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 390kcal

Keyword Asian, Chinese, Healthy Bowl, Sweet And Sour, Tofu, Vegan

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