Sweet And Sour Tofu

Perfect fried tofu, pineapple, and vegetables are tossed together in a homemade sweet and sour sauce to make this Sweet and Sour Tofu! It’s ready in about 30 minutes.

 

Makes 4 SERVINGS

Equipment needed: Chopping board, knife, mixing bowl, whisk, paper towels, spatula, large non-stick pan

Total Time: 30minutes

 

Ingredients: 

FOR THE SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce, tamari for gluten free
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

FOR THE TOFU

  • 14.5 ounce block extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

THE REST

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, or canned if needed
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • few more tablespoons olive oil, for frying
  • cooked rice, for serving
  • Sesame seeds and green onions, for serving

 

Method: 

MAKE THE SAUCE

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, tomato puree, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic and cornstarch. Set aside.

FRY THE TOFU

  1. Press the tofu: Press the tofu by wrapping it in paper towels (or a clean dry tea towel). Place a plate or pan on top of the wrapped tofu, and put a couple of heavy books or cast iron pan on top of that. Let the tofu press for 30 minutes to an hour. I like to press a few blocks at a time on the weekend, then keep in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into 1 inch cubes and add to a large bowl. Drizzle the soy sauce on top and stir gently with a silicone spatula or small spoon. Be careful not to rip the tofu.
  3. Now sprinkle on the cornstarch and gently stir to coat the tofu.
  4. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil so it coats the pan.
  5. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches, depending on how big your pan is). Let the tofu brown on all sides, it should be a nice golden colour all over. Transfer to a plate nearby.

COOK THE VEGETABLES AND FINISH

  1. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan, if needed. Add the pineapple, bell peppers and onion and cook for about 2 minutes until crisp-tender.
  2. Whisk the sauce one more time before adding it to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly as it thickens. Now add the fried tofu back to the pan and stir, cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit.
  3. Serve immediately with cooked rice and green onions or sesame seeds. Enjoy!