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Sweet and Sour Tofu (Crispy, Tangy & Flavor-Packed Plant-Based Dish)
Isla Marie

Sweet and Sour Tofu

A vibrant plant-based dish featuring crispy tofu tossed in a glossy sweet and tangy sauce with colorful vegetables and pineapple. It’s perfectly balanced with crunch, sweetness, and acidity. Ideal for quick dinners or healthy takeout-style meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tofu:
  • 14 oz firm tofu pressed and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons oil
For the Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water slurry
For the Vegetables:
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 small onion chopped

Equipment

  • Skillet or wok
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step 1. Prepare Tofu
  1. Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
Step 2. Coat Tofu
  1. Toss tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Step 3. Cook Tofu
  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook tofu until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 4. Cook Vegetables
  1. In the same pan, sauté bell peppers and onion until slightly tender. Add pineapple chunks and cook briefly.
Step 5. Make Sauce
  1. In a bowl, mix ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar until combined.
Step 6. Combine and Simmer
  1. Pour sauce into the pan with vegetables and bring to a simmer.
Step 7. Thicken Sauce
  1. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce thickens.
Step 8. Add Tofu
  1. Return tofu to the pan and toss gently to coat with sauce.
Step 9. Serve
  1. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Video

Notes

  • Press tofu thoroughly for best crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying tofu.
  • Add sauce at the end to keep tofu crispy.
  • Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
  • Baking or air frying tofu is a healthier alternative.