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Crispy Vegan Sweet and Sour Tofu Recipe

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This vegan Sweet and Sour Tofu recipe features crispy pan-fried tofu pieces tossed in a tangy and flavorful sweet and sour sauce with vibrant bell peppers, pineapple, and red onions. It's a delightful balance of textures and flavors, perfect for a wholesome, plant-based meal ready in 40 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Tofu

  • 1 (16 ounce) block firm tofu or extra firm tofu, pressed and torn into 1 to 2 inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten free if needed, or liquid aminos or tamari)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup oil for frying

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 1/2 medium red onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped/cubed pineapple
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped

Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 1/3 cup sugar (cane sugar preferred, but brown or granulated sugar can be used; 1/4 cup sugar can substitute)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup vinegar (preferably rice or white vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup water or pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten free if needed, or liquid aminos or tamari)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish

  • 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Chopped scallion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then tear it into 1 to 2 inch pieces. Place the tofu pieces in a medium-sized bowl and add soy sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. Season the Tofu: Add garlic powder, sea salt, ground black pepper, and cornstarch to the tofu. Toss thoroughly so that every piece is well-coated with the seasonings and cornstarch. This will help achieve a crispy texture when fried.
  3. Fry the Tofu Until Crispy: Heat a pan or wok over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the tofu pieces in batches if needed. Toss them frequently, frying until they are crisp and golden on all sides, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
  4. Sauté Vegetables and Pineapple: Lower the heat to medium-high in the same pan and add the chopped red onions, pineapple, and bell peppers. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the pineapple begins to brown slightly, approximately 5 minutes.
  5. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, ketchup, vinegar, water (or pineapple juice), soy sauce, and garlic powder until fully combined and smooth.
  6. Combine Sauce and Vegetables: Pour the sweet and sour sauce mixture over the sautéed vegetables in the pan. Bring it to a slight boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  7. Add Tofu Back to the Pan: Return the crispy tofu pieces to the pan and gently stir them into the sauce and vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more sugar or soy sauce if preferred. Remove from heat.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped scallions over the top for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful vegan sweet and sour tofu.

Notes

  • Pressing tofu is essential to achieve crispiness by removing excess moisture.
  • Using gluten-free tamari or liquid aminos makes this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
  • You can swap sugar types as preferred: cane, brown, or white sugar.
  • If preferred, pineapple juice can be used instead of water to enhance the pineapple flavor in the sauce.
  • Frying the tofu in batches prevents overcrowding and helps ensure even crisping.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar and soy sauce in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/crispy-vegan-sweet-and-sour-tofu-recipe/