This vegan sweet and sour tofu recipe reminds me so much of of the sweet and sour pork dish I used to eat in Chinese restaurants growing up. This of course is cruelty-free and made with really simple ingredients!
It's perfect when paired with some steamed rice and is just really good and satisfying. Plus, who doesn't love a thick sauce right? Because I surely do.
I pan fried the tofu to create the crisp crust before coating them in the sauce.
Check out the full recipe below!
Also, I really enjoy seeing all your recreations so if you make my recipes, let me know or tag me on my Instagram @thefoodietakesflight. Enjoy!
Are you looking for more delicious, vegan recipes? Check out my latest Vegan Kitchen eBook, that has over 95 recipes (and a whole section for Asian recipes!) that are packed with flavour and made with simple and easily accessible ingredients! Also, two trees (instead of 1!) will be planted for every download of my eBook through non-profit organisation One Tree Planted.🌲
Vegan Sweet and Sour Tofu
Serves 2-3
Ingredients
2 blocks extra firm tofu (around 240g each), sliced into 1 inch cubes
1 heaping tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt (for the tofu)
2 tbsp canola oil, for pan-frying
½ cup bell pepper, sliced into squares
1 onion, sliced into squares
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt, to taste
Sweet and Sour Sauce
4 tbsp tomato ketchup*
1 cup water
1/2 tbsp Sriracha, optional (just for the added spice!)
4 tbsp sugar (I used coconut sugar), adjust according to desired sweetness
3 tbsp distilled white vinegar
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch diluted in 3 tbsp water
*Please note that some ketchup brands may be less sweet/sweeter so feel free to adjust the sweetness from the sugar depending on your desired taste.
Steps
Dry the tofu. I wrap the tofu in towels and place a plate on top of it until excess liquid is absorbed by the towels. You can also opt to use a tofu press. Once dry, cut into cubes.
Sprinkle the salt on the tofu cubes then add the cornstarch. Coat the tofu well.
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients for the sauce except the cornstarch and water.
In a pan, heat around 1 1/2 tbsp of oil and then fry the tofu cubes until crisp and golden. You will need to turn around the tofu cubes to get them crisp on all sides.
Take out the tofu from the pan. Add some oil then sauté the onion and bell peppers until tender.
Add in the sauce mix into the pan. Once it boils, lower heat and pour in the cornstarch mixture. Mix until thick.
Add in the cooked tofu and mix well. Leave to cook for 2-3 minutes. Season with some salt, to taste. Turn off heat then garnish with some cilantro and sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy while hot!
