Make this sweet and sour tofu in under 30 minutes. Crispy tofu and a sticky sweet & sour sauce mimic the classic Chinese takeout dish in this vegetarian friendly meal.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Additional Time15 minutesmins
Total Time35 minutesmins
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Chinese sweet and sour tofu, crispy sweet and sour tofu, sweet and sour tofu, sweet and sour tofu recipe
14-ounceblock extra firm tofu - drainedpressed & torn into 1" pieces
1tablespoonsoy sauce
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
salt and pepper
2tablespoonscornmeal
1/4cuparrowroot
1redorange or yellow bell pepper, chopped
1/2medium red onionchopped
2-3tablespoonsavocado oil for pan-frying
chopped scallions for garnish
sesame seeds for garnish
SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE
2tablespoonsketchup
1tablespoonsoy sauce
1tablespoonrice vinegar
1 1/2tablespoonshoney
1/2teaspoonminced ginger
1/2teaspoonminced garlic
2teaspoonsarrowroot powder
1/4cupwater
Instructions
Make sweet and sour sauce by combining all ingredients except water and arrowroot powder in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Combine 1 tablespoon of water with the arrowroot powder in a separate bowl and stir until arrowroot dissolves. Add the water and arrowroot mixture to the sauce bowl. Whisk until everything is well combined. Set aside.
Toss the torn or cubed tofu pieces with the soy sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Add the cornmeal and arrowroot powder and toss together until every piece of tofu is well coated with the mixture.
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil to the pan.
Once hot, place the tofu in the pan and cook until golden and crispy on the bottom. Flip each piece and cook until the other side is golden and crispy as well. Transfer tofu to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add peppers and onions to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour the sweet and sour sauce into the skillet and add the tofu back to the pan.
Stir until everything is coated in the sauce and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 1 minute.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
SUBSTITION OPTIONS:-use cornstarch or tapioca starch in place of arrowroot powder.-use maple syrup in place of honey for a vegan sweet and sour sauce.-use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.