To prepare a delicious Vegan Sweet and Sour Tofu, follow this simple recipe that combines crispy tofu with a tangy sauce and colorful vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

• 400 g firm tofu (or extra-firm)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp oil (such as avocado or vegetable oil)
• Optional: 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for marinating

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 4 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp sugar (brown sugar, cane sugar, or maple syrup)
• 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 tsp minced ginger (optional)
• 2 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• ½ cup water

For the Vegetables:

• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 1 can (250g) pineapple chunks (or ½ fresh pineapple)

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu:

• Press the tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into bite-sized cubes.
• Optionally, marinate the tofu in soy sauce for about 10 minutes.
• Coat the tofu cubes with cornstarch.

Fry the Tofu:

• Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the coated tofu and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

• In the same pan, add sliced onions and sauté until translucent (about 1-2 minutes).
• Add chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks; stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes until softened.

Make the Sauce:

• In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and water until well combined.
• Pour this mixture into the pan with vegetables and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens.

Combine:

• Add the fried tofu back into the pan and gently mix to coat it in the sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.

Serve:

• Serve your Sweet and Sour Tofu warm over rice or noodles. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped scallions.

Here are some alternatives and tips for making Vegan Sweet and Sour Tofu:

Vegan Alternatives to Traditional Sweet and Sour Sauce

1. Apple Cider Vinegar or Rice Vinegar: Use either for the tangy base.
2. Sweeteners: Replace sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
3. Ketchup: Essential for sweetness and color; consider using homemade or low-sugar versions.
4. Pineapple Juice: Adds natural sweetness; can be substituted with orange juice for a different taste.
5. Thickening Agents: Use cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or potato starch to achieve the desired consistency[1][2][3].

Alternative Proteins

Instead of tofu, you can use:

• Tempeh: Offers a firmer texture and nutty flavor, great for absorbing sauces.
• Seitan: Provides a chewy texture that mimics meat, suitable for those who are not gluten-sensitive.
• Chickpeas or Lentils: For a protein-packed option that adds heartiness to the dish.

Making the Dish Without Oil

To prepare this dish oil-free:

• Baking or Air-Frying Tofu: Coat tofu with cornstarch and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes until crispy.
• Water Sautéing: Instead of frying vegetables in oil, use water or vegetable broth to sauté them until tender.

Best Vegetables for Sweet and Sour Tofu

Consider pairing the dish with:

• Bell Peppers: Add sweetness and color.
• Onions: Provide a savory base flavor.
• Pineapple Chunks: Enhance sweetness and texture.
• Carrots: For crunch and color.
• Snap Peas or Broccoli: For added nutrition and a fresh bite.

Gluten-Free Options for the Sauce

To ensure the sauce is gluten-free:

• Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, both of which are gluten-free options.
• Ensure that any thickening agents like cornstarch are labeled gluten-free.

These adjustments will help you create a delicious vegan sweet and sour tofu dish tailored to your dietary preferences!

This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and texture, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Enjoy your homemade vegan sweet and sour tofu!