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Sweet and Sour Tofu Recipe

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3.9 from 33 reviews

  • Author: Mary & Susan
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant and delicious Sweet and Sour Tofu recipe featuring crispy pan-fried tofu tossed in a tangy, flavorful sauce with bell peppers, pineapple, and onions. Ready in just 30 minutes, this vegetarian dish balances sweet, sour, and savory notes perfectly, making it a great meal served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Tofu

  • 400 g firm tofu
  • 1 tbsp corn starch (for coating tofu)
  • 1 tbsp oil (for frying)

Vegetables & Fruit

  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (or 2 halves of different colors), chopped
  • 1 can (250 g) pineapple chunks or 1/2 fresh pineapple, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp minced ginger (optional)

Sauce

  • 4 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp corn starch
  • 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste

Garnish

  • Roasted sesame seeds
  • Scallions (for stirring in at the end)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tofu: Squeeze all excess water out of the tofu to ensure it crisps up nicely when frying. Chop the tofu into bite-sized pieces, then toss the pieces thoroughly in 1 tablespoon of corn starch to coat them evenly.
  2. Chop the vegetables and pineapple: Finely chop the yellow onion, bell pepper(s), and pineapple into bite-sized chunks, setting them aside for stir-frying later.
  3. Fry the tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the coated tofu pieces and fry until all sides turn golden brown and crispy. Once fried, transfer the tofu onto a plate and set aside.
  4. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons corn starch, 2 tablespoons ketchup or tomato paste, 2 cloves finely minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon minced ginger (if using). Mix well until smooth.
  5. Stir-fry the vegetables: Return to the pan and add the chopped yellow onions. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until they become translucent. Next, add the bell peppers and pineapple chunks, continuing to stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
  6. Add the sauce and tofu: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and simmer, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Then, add the fried tofu pieces back into the pan and gently toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce.
  7. Finish cooking: Add chopped scallions and stir-fry the mixture for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
  8. Garnish and serve: Transfer the sweet and sour tofu to a serving dish, garnish with roasted sesame seeds, and serve warm alongside rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu well before frying ensures it becomes crispy rather than soggy.
  • Adjust sugar and vinegar amounts in the sauce to suit your preferred balance of sweetness and tanginess.
  • You can substitute ketchup with tomato paste but ketchup adds a slightly sweeter flavor.
  • If you prefer a vegan soy sauce, use tamari or a gluten-free alternative.
  • For extra crunch, you can add chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts as garnish.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheat nicely in a pan.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Find it online: https://mysimpledish.com/sweet-and-sour-tofu-recipe/