Sweet and Sour Tofu

Gluten-free option, Nut-free

The crispy tofu pairs perfectly with the sticky sweet and sour sauce. Serve this saucy dish over our Perfect White Rice.

Sweet and sour tofu is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the crispy goodness of tofu with a delectable sweet and tangy sauce. This dish is a vegan twist on the classic sweet and sour chicken, offering a healthier and cruelty-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy protein-rich tofu in a scrumptious and satisfying manner.

The key to making sweet and sour tofu is achieving the perfect balance between crispy tofu cubes and a luscious sauce. By coating tofu cubes in cornstarch and pan-frying them, you create a satisfyingly crunchy exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the tender tofu inside. The crispy texture pairs harmoniously with the bold and vibrant flavors of the sweet and sour sauce.

The star of the dish is the sweet and sour sauce, which brings an explosion of flavors to every bite. Combining the richness of maple syrup or agave with the depth of soy sauce and the zing of rice vinegar creates a well-rounded and tantalizing taste profile. Adding in minced garlic, ginger, and chili garlic sauce provides layers of complexity and a hint of heat, enhancing the overall experience.

Sweet and sour tofu can be served in various ways. It’s fantastic as a main course when paired with steamed rice or noodles, allowing you to create a balanced and satisfying meal. The dish also makes a great appetizer or party snack, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. You can customize the level of spiciness and sweetness to your preference, making it adaptable to different taste preferences.

Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, sweet and sour tofu is a delightful way to indulge in a cruelty-free and scrumptious dish. The recipe showcases the versatility of tofu, which absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s rich in taste and nutrients.

Sweet and sour tofu is a culinary masterpiece that brings together the crispiness of tofu and the boldness of a sweet and tangy sauce. Its inviting flavors and textures make it a hit among both vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a delightful appetizer, sweet and sour tofu is bound to leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus inactive time to press tofu

COOK TIME: about 20 minutes

YIELD: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

FOR CRISPY TOFU 

• 1 (14- to 16-oz [396- to 453-g]) block firm or extra-firm tofu
• ⅓ cup (40 g) cornstarch
• ¼ cup (60 ml) canola oil

FOR SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE 

• 2 tsp (5 g) cornstarch
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) water
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup or agave
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) pure (untoasted) sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced, or 1 tsp jarred minced garlic
• 1 (½” [1.3-cm]) piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced (can substitute for ¼ tsp ground ginger if needed)
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce

FOR SERVING 

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onion

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. PREPARE CRISPY TOFU 
   • Drain the tofu and slice lengthwise into four long, equal slices.
   • Press the tofu slices to remove excess moisture.
   • Cut each tofu slice into ½- to 1-inch (1.3- to 2.5-cm) cubes, resulting in 40 to 50 cubes.
   • Place the tofu cubes in a large bowl and add cornstarch. Gently shake the bowl to coat all the pieces with cornstarch. Alternatively, you can coat each piece separately.
2. COOK CRISPY TOFU 
   • In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat.
   • Carefully transfer the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes to the pan, leaving excess cornstarch behind in the bowl.
   • Cook the tofu, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the tofu pieces are crispy on all sides. Set aside.
3. PREPARE SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE 
   • In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water. Set aside.
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, unseasoned rice vinegar, and pure sesame oil.
   • Add minced garlic, minced ginger, and chili garlic sauce to the skillet. Whisk again to combine.
   • Increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil while whisking constantly.
   • Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and continue whisking.
   • Lower the heat to low, letting the sauce simmer until it thickens and becomes sticky, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. COMBINE CRISPY TOFU AND SAUCE 
   • Once the sauce has thickened, add the crispy tofu to the skillet.
   • Mix the tofu thoroughly to ensure it’s completely coated with the sweet and sour sauce.
5. SERVE
   • Transfer the sweet and sour tofu to a serving dish.
   • Top the dish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
   • Garnish with chopped green onion to enhance freshness.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Crispy Sweet and Sour Tofu!