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Sweet & Sour Tofu

Easy Sweet & Sour Tofu Recipe That’s Bursting with Flavor

This Sweet & Sour Tofu recipe offers a vibrant, plant-based alternative to takeout, highlighting crispy tofu in a tangy-sweet glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Tofu
  • 1 block extra-firm tofu choose extra-firm for the best texture
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch to coat tofu
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
For the Sweet & Sour Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated or powder)
Optional Veggie Add-ins
  • 1 cup bell peppers
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1/4 cup green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Bowl
  • Paper Towels
  • Heavy skillet

Method
 

Steps to Make Sweet & Sour Tofu
  1. Press tofu: Place extra-firm tofu between paper towels and press with a heavy skillet for 15 minutes to remove moisture.
  2. Coat tofu: Toss pressed cubes in cornstarch until evenly dusted, shaking off excess.
  3. Pan-fry tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, frying cubes 3–4 minutes per side.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a bowl, whisk rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth.
  5. Simmer sauce: Pour glaze into the hot skillet, cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  6. Toss tofu: Add crispy tofu cubes back into the sauce, gently folding each piece to coat evenly.
  7. Serve up: Transfer to a warm platter, garnish with green onions and optional pineapple chunks, and enjoy immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 700mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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