Sweet and Sour Tofu is a delightful vegan twist on the classic Chinese dish that traditionally features pork or chicken. This vibrant and colorful meal combines crispy tofu with a mix of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, all tossed in a tangy and sweet sauce that perfectly coats each ingredient. The tofu, a perfect sponge for flavors, is pan-fried until golden and then simmered briefly in the sauce to absorb the delicious combination of sweet, sour, and savory. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
For the sauce:
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
Directions:
- Prepare the Tofu:
- Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.
- Fry the Tofu:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the bell peppers and onion for about 3-4 minutes until just tender. Add the garlic, ginger, and pineapple chunks, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, ketchup, water, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Pour this mixture into the pan with the vegetables and bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture. Continue to cook, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Combine Tofu and Vegetables:
- Return the tofu to the pan. Gently toss everything together to coat the tofu and vegetables in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the tofu absorbs the flavors.
- Serve:
- Serve the sweet and sour tofu hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
This Sweet and Sour Tofu recipe is a fantastic option for those seeking a delicious plant-based meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests, encapsulating a beloved classic with a healthful, contemporary twist.
