Sweet and Sour Tofu
Crispy fried tofu cubes tossed in a vibrant, tangy sweet and sour sauce with colorful bell peppers and pineapple. A delicious vegetarian take on the Chinese-American classic that's better than takeout and ready in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Coat the Tofu (5 minutes)
- b.Ensure your tofu is well-pressed to remove as much water as possible. This is the key to crispy tofu. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- c.In a large bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and toss gently with your hands or a spatula until each piece is evenly and lightly coated.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Tofu (10-12 minutes)
- b.In a large skillet or wok, heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a wooden chopstick inserted into it sizzles immediately.
- c.Carefully add half of the coated tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crisp.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried tofu to a wire rack to drain. This keeps the bottom from getting soggy. Repeat with the remaining tofu cubes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Mix the Sweet and Sour Sauce (2 minutes)
- b.While the tofu fries, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-fry Vegetables and Sauce (6-8 minutes)
- b.Carefully pour out the hot frying oil from the skillet. Wipe it clean or use a new one. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- e.Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the vegetables and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Thicken Sauce and Combine (3 minutes)
- b.In a small cup, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry.
- c.Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken in about 1-2 minutes.
- d.Turn off the heat. Gently fold in the crispy tofu and pineapple chunks, tossing just enough to coat everything in the glossy sauce.
- e.Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For ultra-crispy tofu, use a tofu press or place the tofu block between two plates with a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan when frying tofu. Frying in batches ensures each piece has enough space to get crispy.
- 3Draining the fried tofu on a wire rack instead of paper towels prevents the bottom from steaming and becoming soft.
- 4Add the crispy tofu to the sauce at the very last moment before serving to maintain its crunch.
- 5For a healthier version, toss the coated tofu with 2 tablespoons of oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This recipe works well with crispy seitan, tempeh, or even store-bought vegetarian 'chicken' nuggets.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or snow peas. Add harder vegetables like carrots with the onions.
Make it SpicyMake it Spicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger, or a swirl of sriracha into the sauce for a spicy kick.
Sweetener OptionsSweetener Options
You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein
Tofu is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. It's a fantastic plant-based alternative to meat for muscle building, repair, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Bell peppers are loaded with Vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Pineapple also provides Vitamin C and manganese, which is important for bone health and metabolism.
Contains Beneficial Isoflavones
As a soy product, tofu is rich in isoflavones, which are plant compounds that may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases and support heart health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Sweet and Sour Tofu contains approximately 480-550 calories, largely depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying. Using an air fryer can significantly reduce the calorie count.