Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Introducing my Sweet & Sour Tofu. As you’ve probably guessed by now, we LOVE tofu in our house. It’s a firm staple (and for good reason!). This is a dish I’ve been eating for years, but finally got round to perfecting for a blog recipe. The tofu is beautifully crispy, the sauce is perfectly sweet & sour.

So here it is! Without further ado, my sweet & sour tofu recipe.

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Here’s How To Make My Sweet & Sour Tofu Recipe

If you’re going to make my sweet & sour tofu, you’re going to need the following ingredients:

For the tofu:

  1. 250g block firm tofu: Tofu is a good source of plant-based protein, calcium, and iron. It’s relatively low in calories and can be part of a healthy vegan diet.
  2. 3 tbsp cornflour: Cornflour is used to coat the tofu, giving it a crispy texture when cooked. It primarily provides carbohydrates and acts as a thickening agent in the sauce.
  3. 1 tbsp oil of choice: The oil is used for frying the tofu. The choice of oil can impact the overall nutritional profile; for a healthier option, consider using olive oil or a vegetable oil with a high smoke point.

For the vegetables:

  1. 1 tbsp sesame oil: Sesame oil adds flavor and richness to the dish. It’s a source of healthy fats and is commonly used in Asian cuisine.
  2. 2 cloves garlic minced: Garlic adds flavor and potential health benefits, including immune support and cardiovascular benefits.
  3. 1/2 an onion diced: Onions are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They add flavor and texture to the dish.
  4. 1 medium broccoli chopped into small florets: Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
  5. 1 bell pepper sliced into strips: Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and provide color and flavor to the dish.
  6. 1/2 cup mushrooms sliced: Mushrooms are a source of umami flavor and can contribute to the overall taste and texture.

For the sauce:

  1. 5 tbsp sugar of choice: The sugar is used to sweeten the sauce.
  2. 1/2 cup pineapple juice: Pineapple juice adds sweetness and tanginess to the sauce, it’s also a source of vitamin C.
  3. 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides acidity and a tangy flavor to the sauce.
  4. 3.5 tbsp soy sauce (dark): Soy sauce is a common seasoning in Asian cuisine. It adds saltiness and a savory flavor to the dish. You can replace this with tamari for a gluten free option.
  5. 3 tbsp tomato puree: Tomato puree adds depth and a tomato flavor to the sauce, it’s a source of vitamins and lycopene.
  6. 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 3 tbsp cold water: Cornflour is used as a thickening agent for the sauce.

To serve:

  • Rice: Rice provides carbohydrates and serves as a base for the dish.
  • Spring onions: Spring onions add a fresh and mild onion flavor as a garnish.
  • Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds are often used for garnish and add a nutty flavor and texture.
sweet & sour tofu
Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Georgina Burgess
5 from 1 vote
Course Dinner, Lunch
Servings 2 people

Ingredients
  

For the tofu:

  • 1 250g block firm tofu drained and pressed
  • 3 tbsp cornflour
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 tbsp oil of choice

For the vegetables

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 an onion diced
  • 1 medium broccoli chopped into small florets
  • 1 bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms sliced

For the sauce

  • 5 tbsp sugar of choice
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3.5 tbsp soy sauce Use tamari for gluten free option
  • 3 tbsp tomato puree
  • 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 3 tbsp cold water

To serve

  • Rice
  • Spring onions sliced
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Cube or tear the tofu into equal chunks, then place in a bowl with the cornflour and salt. Stir or shake so that all the tofu is covered. 
  • Heat up a frying pan with the oil over a medium-high heat and then add in the tofu. Fry until the sides are all golden brown and crispy, then remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Heat the pan with a little oil and add in the vegetables, stir fry for a few minutes, until they’re almost cooked but still crunchy.
  • In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients apart from the cornflour slurry. Turn the pan heat down to medium and add the sauce to the pan with the vegetables and stir to let it heat through. 
  • Stir in the cornflour slurry and turn the heat up to medium-high and stir until the sauce becomes thick. 
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the pan-fried tofu until it’s coated. Serve over rice, sprinkle over sesame seeds and spring onions and enjoy!
Sweet & Sour Tofu

What Nationality is Sweet & Sour?

Sweet and sour flavors are commonly associated with Chinese cuisine.

Sweet and sour dishes are a hallmark of Chinese culinary traditions and are characterized by the combination of contrasting tastes (typically achieved through the use of sugar or a sweetener (for sweetness) and vinegar (for sourness)).

While sweet and sour flavors are strongly associated with Chinese cuisine, variations of sweet and sour dishes can be found in other Asian cuisines and have also been adapted and popularized in many Western countries (including the United Kingdom and United States).

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1 Comment

  1. 5 stars
    This recipe was a hit. The first recipe I tried on this site was the panko tofu.
    I used cornmeal/ flour instead of cornstarch. Now, I know better.

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