This vegan sweet and sour tofu is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The tofu is cooked in a sweet and sour sauce made with rice vinegar, brown sugar, and tomato paste, and is served with a side of rice and steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- steamed rice and steamed vegetables, for serving
Method
- In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and add to the bowl. Toss to coat.
- In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the tofu and cook until browned and crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- To the pan, add the vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, bell peppers, pineapple juice, and 1/4 cup of water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tofu back to the pan and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve with steamed rice and steamed vegetables.
Potential changes & improvements
There are many potential changes and improvements that can be made to this dish. For example, you could use a different type of tofu, such as firm or soft tofu. You could also use a different type of sugar, such as white sugar or honey. Additionally, you could add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, broccoli, or onions. Finally, you could change the type of rice that is served with the dish, such as brown rice or white rice.
What other food it works well with
This dish goes well with a variety of other foods. For example, it would be delicious served with a side of noodles or a salad. Additionally, it would be great served with a piece of fruit, such as a pineapple or an orange.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake that is often made when making this dish is using too much cornstarch. This can make the tofu too crispy and dry. Another common mistake is using too much oil, which can make the dish greasy. Finally, a common mistake is not cooking the tofu long enough, which can result in the tofu being undercooked.
Nutritional Information
This dish is high in protein and low in fat. Additionally, it is a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. It is also gluten-free and dairy-free.
Allergens
This dish contains soy. It may also contain traces of nuts, gluten, and dairy.