Sweet and Sour Crispy Tofu

Sweet and Sour Crispy Tofu is a classic vegetarian dish with a crispy texture and a sweet and sour flavor. It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy General Tso's chicken but also seek a healthy diet. Sweet and Sour Crispy Tofu combines the tangy and sweet sauce with a crispy outer layer, complementing the tender tofu. It provides a satisfying taste experience while retaining the advantages of vegetarian cuisine.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Category: Main-Course Recipes, Vegetarian Dishes
• Cuisine: Chinese Cuisine
• Cooking Method: Braising, Frying, Stir-Frying

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu (16 ounces / 453 g)
• 1/2 green bell pepper (sliced)
• 1/2 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 2 pineapple rings (cut into chunks)
• 5 tbsp (50g) cornstarch
• Vegetable oil for frying

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup (58g) ketchup
• 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
• 2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) light soy sauce
• 3 tbsp (36g) sugar
• 2 tsp (7g) cornstarch
• 1/3 cup (78g) water

Instructions

1. Drain the tofu block and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the tofu into small cubes.
2. In a small bowl, roll each tofu piece in the cornstarch, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
3. In a deep pan, add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about half an inch (1 cm). Carefully place the coated tofu pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5 minutes, or until the tofu turns golden brown and crispy. Flip the tofu and fry the other side until it reaches the same level of doneness.
4. Once the tofu is crispy and golden, remove it from the pan using a slotted spoon and place it on a plate. Set aside.
5. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well until the sugar dissolves.
6. Leave 1 tablespoon (15ml) of oil in the pan, then sauté the green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks for 2 minutes or until they start to soften. Add the sweet and sour sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, usually for about 2-3 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, add the crispy tofu to the pan. Gently toss the tofu in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
7. Transfer the crispy tofu with sweet and sour sauce to a serving plate. It goes well with steamed rice.