Go Back
+ servings
Close up of a bowl of sweet and sour tofu stir fry with rice and sesame seeds.
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Sweet and Sour Tofu

This vegan sweet and sour tofu features crispy tofu with stir fried bell peppers and onions in a sticky, sweet and sour sauce.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Deryn Macey

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

  • 400 g block extra-firm tofu pressed and cubed
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tbsp oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp ketchup 30g
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar 30g
  • ¼ cup soy or tamari 75g/ 60ml
  • ¼ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar or maple syrup (35g)
  • ¼- ½ tsp chili flakes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (12g)
  • 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with ½ cup cold water

For the Veggie Stir Fry:

  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 small red onion chopped (130g/1 cup)
  • 4 green onions thinly sliced, reserve some for topping
  • 2 tbsp toasted white or black sesame seeds for topping
  • cooked rice of choice for serving

Instructions

  • Press Tofu: Cut tofu in half lengthwise, so you have two thinner rectangles, then wrap in clean kitchen towels. Place on a dinner plate or cutting board. Weigh tofu down with a heavy object like a cast iron skillet, or large pot for at least 20 minutes. Alternatively, use a tofu press.
  • Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, chili flakes, garlic and cornstarch-water mixture, until combined.
  • Coat Tofu: When you're ready, cube the tofu into 1/2-inch pieces and add to a large bowl with the cornstarch, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Toss to coat until all pieces are covered in cornstarch.
  • Cook Tofu: In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 ½  tbsp oil over medium-high heat.  When the pan is hot, add the tofu (depending on the size of your pan, you may have to do this in batches).  Cook for 6-8 mins, flipping pieces occasionally, until golden-brown and crisp on all sides. Transfer tofu to a plate and set aside. 
  • Cook Veggies: To the same pan, add 2 tsp oil. Add peppers and onions.  Cook for 5-7 min, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
  • Finish Stir Fry: Give the sauce another stir then pour over the veggies and cook for 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add tofu and bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 min, stirring continuously, until sauce is thickened and the tofu is well coated. Remove from heat.
  • Serve: Serve sweet and sour tofu over your favorite brown or white rice. Sprinkle with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. 

Video

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a pan or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition facts do not include rice for serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 of recipe | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 655mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 18g