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Sweet and Sour Tofu Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 68 reviews

This Sweet and Sour Tofu recipe features crispy baked tofu triangles coated in a tangy and flavorful homemade sweet and sour sauce. The dish combines baked tofu with sautéed vegetables, a savory sauce made from soy sauce, maple syrup, and rice vinegar, topped with sesame seeds and fresh scallions. Perfect as a vegetarian main dish that pairs well with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu

  • 1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into triangles
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • Chopped scallions, for garnish

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped into matchsticks

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat and bake tofu: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the tofu triangles evenly spaced on the sheet and bake them for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a light brown and develop a firmer texture.
  2. Sauté vegetables: While the tofu is baking, heat 2 teaspoons of sesame oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and carrot matchsticks. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, releasing their aroma and flavor.
  3. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and tomato paste. In another small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch to create a slurry that will later thicken the sauce.
  4. Cook tofu with sauce: Once the tofu is baked, transfer it to the frying pan with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 5 minutes, turning each tofu triangle frequently to ensure even cooking and a light browned exterior. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce into the pan and stir well to coat all the tofu and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to meld flavors. Then add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
  5. Finish and serve: Remove the pan from heat, stir in the sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve the sweet and sour tofu hot with a side of rice, noodles, or your favorite grains for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu well before baking ensures it becomes crispy and absorbs the sauce better.
  • Adjust the sweetness and sourness by varying the amount of maple syrup and vinegar to your preference.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of soy sauce when sautéing the vegetables.
  • This dish is vegan and gluten-free if using gluten-free soy sauce.
  • If you don’t have an oven, the tofu can also be pan-fried until golden brown before adding to the sauce.

Keywords: tofu recipe, sweet and sour tofu, vegan tofu dish, baked tofu, Asian tofu recipe, vegetarian main, plant-based protein, gluten-free tofu dish

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/sweet-and-sour-tofu-recipe/