Sweet and Sour Tofu

Three words are all you need to know about this ravishing recipe—tangy, textured, and super tasty! Wait, that’s four. Oh, well, you get the point. This crispy sweet and sour tofu recipe is totally worth a try, even if you’re a little intimidated by tofu.

If you’re attracted to a thick, flavorful sauce, you’re going to fall in love with this delicious dish. You get all the allure of an asian-inspired, take-out dinner without the expense or animal products. Pressing the tofu (or freezing it the night before) can really help to get the best final finish to the surface of your triangles.

What do you say? Are you ready to give it a try? Come on, we’ll do it together!

How To Serve Up Your Crispy Sweet and Sour Tofu

Tofu is so terrific, don’t you think? It’s as flexible as you want it to be, not only with texture, but with flavor, too. It seems like you can serve up some tofu with any side at all and it would still be scrumptious and satisfying. Here are a few favorite serving suggestions.

• Rice Is Always Nice – Our first choice for a savory side would be good ol’ whole grains, specifically rice. This crispy tofu with sweet and sour sauce recipe is totally perfect for topping a scoop of steaming rice.
• Well-Seasoned Salad Salute – You’ll love the addition of tantalizing tofu triangles atop your sultry salad greens. The combination of cool, crisp leaves and a warm, sweet sauce can be heavenly. Check out our salad guide for ways to create the most perfect pairing of vibrant vegetables!
• Oodles of Nosh-Worthy Noodles – Noodles are another ingredient that goes wonderfully with most meals. You can use rice noodles, soba noodles, vermicelli noodles, or even kelp noodles—pretty much anything you like! The marvelous mixture of crusty, pan-fried tofu and luxurious, lengthy pasta ribbons is addictive.
• A Side of Green Beans – Our popular Chinese green beans pair perfectly with this tofu!
• Don’t Toil Over Your Oil – If you’re a little worried that your sesame oil will smoke, no worries. Instead, use your favorite vegetable oil to fry your tofu and then add a teaspoon or two to the finished dish to get that signature toasted sesame flavor.
• If Spice Is Your Vice – When it comes to asian-inspired dishes, you may have a hankering for some extra heat. Feel free to add whichever vegan hot sauce you love in whatever amounts you wish. This crispy sweet and sour tofu will take whatever you top it with—guaranteed!

Star Ingredients

Extra-Firm Tofu (10-ounce block): Choose an extra-firm tofu block, around 10 ounces, ensuring it’s thoroughly drained and pressed to remove excess moisture. Cutting it into triangular pieces allows for better absorption of flavors and a satisfying texture upon cooking. Tofu serves as the centerpiece of this dish, offering a hearty, protein-rich base.

High-Heat Oil (Toasted Sesame Oil): Harness the rich, nutty essence of toasted sesame oil. As an oil with a high-heat point, it’s perfect for frying and sautéing.

Aromatic Blend (Onion, Garlic, Ginger): The foundation of the sauce begins with a flavorful trio: onions, garlic, and ginger. One medium onion, finely chopped, infuses a savory sweetness. Mince a clove of garlic to release its pungent aroma, complemented by the warmth of grated ginger, approximately a 1-inch piece. Together, they form a fragrant base that enhances the overall complexity of the dish.

Sweet and Sour Sauce (Tamari or Soy Sauce, Maple Syrup, Rice Vinegar, Lemon Juice): The sauce marries sweet, salty, and tangy notes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Start with tamari or soy sauce for its rich umami depth. Balance the saltiness with maple syrup (or sugar), providing a natural sweetness. Introduce rice vinegar for a bright, acidic kick, complemented by the juice of half a lemon for freshness. This combination results in a sauce that tantalizes the taste buds with its nuanced profile.

Thickening Agent (Cornstarch): Achieve the desired consistency of the sauce by incorporating 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This thickening agent transforms the liquid components into a luscious coating, ensuring that it adheres perfectly to the crispy tofu and coats every bite with its irresistible flavor.

Garnish (Scallions and Sesame Seeds): Elevate the visual appeal and freshness of the dish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds as a garnish.

How To Cut Tofu Into Triangles

Friends, we can describe to you how to cut tofu into triangles (and we will), but sometimes a quick video is your best bet. This video shows how to cut tofu in four different ways, just in case you don’t like triangles. You can also do it this way:

1. Cut the tofu block vertically into 2 thick slices.
2. Then, cut through the center of these so that you have 4 thick blocks.
3. Turn each block on its end and cut through it diagonally – making two long triangular shapes.
4. Slice each of the two long triangular shapes into 1/4″ thick slices. Repeat for the other 3 blocks.

Alternatively, you can rip the tofu into chunks that resemble pieces of chicken, so the finished dish will look very similar to sweet and sour chicken.

Simple Storage

This recipe is best eaten the same day, but you can store any leftover tofu in a covered container in the fridge for a few days. If there’s any remaining sauce, try to store that in a mason jar so that you can use it to help heat up your tofu another day. Not recommended for freezing.

To make cooking quicker, you can prep the sauce and cut the tofu into triangles the day before. Keep each in a separate, sealed container until ready to use. Check out our Tofu Guide for the Tentative Cook for more tips on tofu!

If you try this vegan Crispy Tofu with Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe, let us know what you think by leaving a comment and rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for even more vegan recipe inspiration.

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Crispy Tofu With Sweet and Sour Sauce

With so many ways to prepare and enjoy tofu, you’re not going to want to skip out on this delicious recipe for crispy tofu with a sweet and sour sauce. Comforting, chewy, and delightful when enjoyed with a side of rice, served atop a salad, or thrown into a noodle soup—this recipe is perfect any time of day or year!

Course Side

Cuisine asian

Keyword air-fried tofu recipe, asian tofu recipe, crispy tofu, sweet and sour sauce

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 107kcal

Author Maria Gureeva

Ingredients

• 1 10-ounce block extra-firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into triangles (283 grams)
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (10 ml)
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 medium carrot peeled and chopped into matchsticks
• 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce (45 ml)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30 ml)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (30 ml)
• Juice of ½ of a lemon
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (16 grams)
• ¼ cup water (60 ml)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 grams)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (18 grams)
• Chopped scallions for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the tofu triangles on the lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until a light brown color.
• Meanwhile, heat the sesame oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and carrot, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onion is translucent.
• Make the sauce by stirring together the tamari (or soy sauce), maple syrup, rice vinegar, lemon juice and tomato paste. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water and the cornstarch.
• When the baked tofu is done, add it to the frying pan and fry it for 5 minutes, rotating each triangle frequently. Then, Pour the sauce into the frying pan and stir well to coat all the tofu triangles. Allow to simmer lightly for 2 to 3 minutes, then pour in the cornstarch slurry and continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
• During the last minute of cooking, stir in the sesame seeds, garnish with scallions and serve with a side of your choice.

Notes

It’s important to get as much water as possible out of the tofu. Depending on the brand you use, pressing may be necessary. You can also freeze it overnight to get a firmer and chewier texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2610IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

We want to thank our amazing recipe testers Annie Sparks & Aston Martin for helping us perfect this recipe!

This vegan Crispy Tofu With Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe was reprinted with permission from the Earthy Vegan Eats by Maria Gureeva (Page Street Publishing, April 6, 2021). Photography by Maria Gureeva.

The post Sweet and Sour Tofu appeared first on World of Vegan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some plant-based foods that you might like?

A plant-based diet is gaining popularity due to its potential health and environmental benefits. Common plant-based foods include those that are derived from fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and other nutrients. Beans and pulses like chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans are excellent sources of plant protein. Flaxseed oil, olive, avocado and other healthy fats are just a few of the plant-based options. Many ready-to-eat meals can be found now, which can help reduce grocery costs. A plant-based diet may not be more expensive than others depending on the type and quantity of food you buy.

How Can a Plant-Based Diet Boost Your Health?

There are many health benefits to a plant-based diet. Eating more plant-based foods and fewer animal products has been linked to a lower risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Plant-based foods are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. They can also help prevent inflammation and oxidative harm. A high intake of fruits, vegetables and legumes has been proven to have many benefits. The dietary fiber helps feed the gut bacteria and improves digestion. Plant-based meal plans are usually low in saturated fats, which may help improve cholesterol levels in the blood. Studies have shown that eating a plant-based diet may help to reduce anxiety and depression. Long-term satisfaction can be achieved by consuming a mixture of plant-based proteins as well as healthy fats like avocados and nuts.

Are plant-based diets more expensive than other diets?

Plant-based diets can be less expensive than other diets. It is possible to eat a balanced, plant-based diet and not spend a lot of money on it. This depends on what you eat. Grains, beans, eggs and nuts can all be very affordable and offer a great source of protein at a lower cost. You can also reduce food costs by planning your meals and buying bulk. In addition to individual ingredients, there are many readymade plant-based meals you can use that will further reduce your grocery expenses.

What are some great sources of protein in a plant-based diet.

The following are great sources for protein from a plant-based food diet: legumes such chickpeas, beans, and chickpeas. Also, soy products such as tofu, tempeh, and grains like quinoa, teff, nuts like almonds, walnuts and cashews. Seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli. These plant-based proteins are rich in fiber and essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. You can balance your nutrient needs by adding omega-3 fats to plant-based foods like flaxseeds. chia, walnuts, and hemp seeds.

Can children follow a plant-based diet?

Because of their many health benefits, plant-based diets are growing in popularity among adults. However, parents may wonder if a plant-based diet is safe for their children. A well-planned diet that meets all of their nutritional needs can be a safe option for children.

All the nutrients that children require to grow and develop can be found in plant-based diets. However, children need to be able to get sufficient iron, calcium (vitamin D), vitamin B12, and protein. For growth and development, protein is vital. Good plant-based sources of protein include beans and lentils, tofu and nuts. Fortified cereals, leafy leaves, and beans all provide iron which is vital for healthy blood cell. Fortified plant milk, calcium set tofu, leafy greens, and fortified plant milk all contain calcium, which is essential for strong bones. Vitamin D is important for bone health and can be obtained from fortified plant milk and sunlight exposure. Finally, vitamin B12, essential for healthy nerves and blood cells, is typically only found in animal products. Children who eat a plant-based diet might need to take a vitamin B12 supplement.

Children who are on a plant-based diet must consume enough calories for their energy needs. Whole foods should include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. To meet their energy requirements, children may need to eat less or eat more often.

To make sure your child's nutrition is adequate, parents should consult a registered or licensed dietitian. They can guide you in meal planning, supplementation and appropriate portion sizes.

Children can follow a plant-based diet that meets all their nutritional requirements. Parents can provide their children with a healthy and nutritious plant-based diet with proper planning and guidance from a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

Statistics

• Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)
• A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)

External Links

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• Weight Loss


• Plant-Based Diets, Omega-3 Fatty A Acids

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• ScienceDirect: Plant-Based Diets to Improve Personal, Population and Planetary Health

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• What is a Plant-Based Diet? Why should you Try It? - Harvard Health

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• Diabetes

How To

How do I meal prep for a plant based diet?

Preparing vegan meals from plants allows you to cook your meals quickly and efficiently. Although it does require some planning and preparation this can be a time-saver while encouraging healthy eating habits. It's easier to adhere to a healthy diet when meals are prepared in advance. You can also save time by not having to prepare meals from scratch every day.

The key to successful plant-based meal prepping is prioritizing variety and emphasizing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. To get more nutrition, choose different ingredients every week. Choose spinach for greens; purple carrots to orange/reds; brown rice for complex carbohydrates. Each meal should aim to provide a balance between fiber, protein and fats depending on each person's individual needs.

A multi-cooker or slow cooker can be used to maximize meal prep efficiency. You can freeze portions of cooked meals in one batch, and pre-cut vegetables to make it easy to add them to recipes.

Preparing meals for a plant-based diet is easy with a few simple steps. Make a grocery shopping list with the recipes that you are going to be making. For fresh produce and quality ingredients, it is a good idea to shop at your local farmer's market or health food store if you can. Next, you need to make sure that you allow enough time to prepare your food. These alternatives mean less effort and maximum savings. Proper storage equipment can also help food stay fresh until they are needed.

Plant-based meal prep allows you to eat well, no matter how busy your life may be. Individuals can achieve their nutritional goals by taking the guesswork away from healthy eating.

Resources:

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[TAG50] Watch the full video here: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VEGAN AND PLANT-BASED 🤔 Media links. My Amazon recommendations: Social Media

[TAG51] One of the most powerful steps you can take to improve your health is to move to a plant-based diet. We have everything you need to know to get started here

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[TAG56] Hint: Your energy levels, gut microbiome, and environmental impact all win big.