Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Tofu

This Tofu stir fry has a lot going for it. If you take it step by step, it’s easy to make. You can load it with as many vegetables as you like. It works well for lunch or dinner.
You can also change this Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Tofu up in so many ways. Instead of Tofu you can add crispy fried egg and voila!!

The ingredients you will need to make the Sweet and Sour Tofu:

Tofu – make sure its Firm but not Extra Firm
Onion – Red or White onion would work well. Shallots would work as well.
Red bell Pepper – I like using Red Bell Pepper for the color but feel free to use green or Yellow if you fancy that.
Scallions – Regular onion in place of scallion works too but the color and crunch of scallions works better.
Ginger – Provides the taste and certain unique compounds in Ginger are shown to provide many health benefits.
Oil such as Canola for shallow frying Tofu
Wheat flour – You could use all purpose flour but Wheat flour is healthier option as also the taste is slightly nuttier.
Olive Oil for the dressing
Soy Sauce – low sodium
Lemon juice of 1 large lemon
Maple syrup – Feel free to use Honey instead but the taste will change slightly.
Salt and Black pepper
Corn Starch and Water – helps thicken the sauce and binds all the ingredients together.

Step by step instruction:

Make the Prep.

Cut the Tofu in equal size small pieces. Coat the pieces with Wheat flour and set aside.
Cut Onion, Red Bell Pepper and Scallions in small pieces and set aside.
Grate Ginger and keep aside. I prefer to peel the skin off of Ginger but it’s optional.

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, add all the ingredients for the Sauce and mix well. Keep aside.

Make the Crispy Tofu

In a Sauté pan, heat some Canola Oil or any other high temperature oil such as Grapeseed oil.
Add the Tofu pieces and brown on both sides. About 3 minutes on each side. Do not turn immediately otherwise they will stick to the pan.
You may have to work in batches. Finish shallow frying the Tofu and keep aside.

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Make the Veggies

Remove excess oil from the same pan keeping only about one teaspoon in.
Add Onion and sauté for 2 minutes.
Add Red Bell Pepper and Sauté for another couple of minutes.
Add Scallions and sauté for another minute.

Add the Sauce

Add the prepared sauce and mix well.

Add the Tofu

Add the Tofu and let the mixture simmer for couple of minutes.
Make sure Tofu and the vegetables are well coated in the sauce.

Final Steps:

Mix Corn starch with 3 Tbsp. of water.
Add the Cornstarch mixture to the saute pan with Tofu and all the vegetables.
Mix well to cover all the veggies and Tofu but do not overmix otherwise Tofu will start crumbling.
Let simmer for 2 minutes and take off the heat.
Serve garnished with some more Scallions and Cilantro.

How to serve Sweet and Sour Tofu:

Serve garnished with some more Scallions and Cilantro.
Serve with some jasmine rice. Brown rice or quinoa will make it healthier option.

Recipe Variations:

If you like tiny bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or ⅛th teaspoon of Red chili powder.

Change up the vegetables. You can add Green Pepper or any other Peppers if you do not have Red Bell Pepper

Storing and Making ahead tips:

Store in an airtight container for two days. Tofu and veggies may get little mushy but still tasty.
You can make the sauce separately ahead of time and store it for up to 3 days in advance.
You can also stir fry the Tofu separately and refrigerate it for up to a day in advance.

Some delicious recipes to try next:

Easy Tawa Paneer with Turmeric and Coconut

Delicious Cauliflower soup

Vegetarian Bolognese

Persian Love Cake

Cardamom Panna Cotta

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