Description
This Sweet and Sour Tofu features crispy tofu cubes in a vibrant sauce with fresh vegetables and pineapple, making it a perfect quick weeknight dinner or an impressive plant-based meal for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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- Drain the tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
- Toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté the diced onion for about 2 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced red and green bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir in pineapple chunks and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the sauce, stirring until thickened.
- Gently fold the crispy tofu back into the skillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb some sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the sweet and sour tofu over steamed rice or quinoa.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
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Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to keep it moist.
- Avoid freezing the dish to maintain the texture of the tofu and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes