Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors with this delectable Sweet and Sour Pineapple Tofu. Crispy tofu cubes are tossed in a vibrant pineapple sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both savory and satisfying.
Sweet and Sour Pineapple Tofu Recipe
4
servings20
minutes20
minutes350
kcalIngredients
- For the Crispy Tofu:
1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Sweet and Sour Pineapple Sauce:
1 cup pineapple juice (from fresh or canned pineapple)
1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 onion, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for stir-frying
Directions
- Prepare the Crispy Tofu:
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat each tofu cube in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Fry the Tofu:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the coated tofu cubes until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Place the crispy tofu on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare the Sweet and Sour Pineapple Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar.
- In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables:
- Add bell pepper and onion chunks to the pan and stir-fry until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine Sauce and Vegetables:
- Pour the pineapple sauce over the stir-fried vegetables.
- Add pineapple chunks to the sauce and vegetables mixture.
- Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and stir continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine Tofu and Sauce:
- Gently toss the crispy tofu cubes into the thickened sweet and sour pineapple sauce until each piece is well-coated.
- Serve:
- Serve the Sweet and Sour Pineapple Tofu over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips and Tricks for Sweet and Sour Pineapple Tofu Recipe:
- Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess:
- Taste the sauce before thickening and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more brown sugar or vinegar as needed.
- Variation with Vegetables:
- Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
- Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple:
- While fresh pineapple is ideal, canned pineapple chunks work well too. If using canned, use pineapple in juice, not syrup.
- Crispy Tofu Tips:
- Ensure the tofu is well-pressed to remove excess water before coating it in cornstarch for optimal crispiness.
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Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories350
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
14g
22%
- Saturated Fat 2g 10%
- Sodium 600mg 25%
- Total Carbohydrate
48g
16%
- Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
- Sugars 28g
- Protein 12g 24%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Sweet and Sour Pineapple Tofu:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: The tofu may lose some crispiness upon freezing, but you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Alterations:
- Gluten-Free Sweet and Sour Pineapple Tofu:
- Alteration: Replace soy sauce or tamari with gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos.
- How to Achieve It: Ensure the soy sauce or tamari used is labeled gluten-free. Additionally, confirm that the cornstarch used for coating and thickening is gluten-free certified.
- Oil-Free Sweet and Sour Pineapple Tofu:
- Alteration: Omit the vegetable oil used for frying and stir-frying.
- How to Achieve It: Instead of frying the tofu in oil, consider baking it for crispiness without added oil. For stir-frying vegetables, use vegetable broth or water to prevent sticking.
- Low-Sugar Sweet and Sour Pineapple Tofu:
- Alteration: Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce.
- How to Achieve It: Start by halving the amount of brown sugar in the recipe. Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness to your liking. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar.
Modifications:
- Spicy Pineapple Tofu for Heat Enthusiasts:
- Modification: Add spice by incorporating red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili.
- How to Achieve It: Include 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce during the simmering stage. Alternatively, sauté diced fresh chili with the vegetables for a more intense heat.
- Sesame-Ginger Pineapple Tofu for an Asian Twist:
- Modification: Enhance the flavors with sesame oil, grated ginger, and toasted sesame seeds.
- How to Achieve It: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sesame oil to the stir-fry. Grate a teaspoon of fresh ginger into the sauce for a burst of freshness. Toast sesame seeds and sprinkle them over the finished dish for added crunch and flavor.
Tips for Customization:
- Baked Tofu Chunks for an Alternative Texture:
- Customization: Bake the tofu instead of frying for a different texture.
- How to Achieve It: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tofu cubes on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice as a Low-Carb Base:
- Customization: Serve the Sweet and Sour Pineapple Tofu over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- How to Achieve It: Prepare quinoa or cauliflower rice according to your preference and serve the saucy tofu and vegetables over it.
- Cashew or Almond Garnish for Extra Crunch:
- Customization: Garnish the dish with chopped roasted cashews or almonds.
- How to Achieve It: Toast a handful of cashews or almonds in a dry pan until golden. Sprinkle them over the finished dish before serving.
- Fresh Herbs for Brightness:
- Customization: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- How to Achieve It: Chop a handful of fresh cilantro or parsley and sprinkle it over the dish just before serving.
- Pineapple Salsa Topping for a Refreshing Twist:
- Customization: Prepare a pineapple salsa with diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
- How to Achieve It: Mix diced pineapple, finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve a spoonful on top of each portion for a refreshing element.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
While extra-firm tofu is recommended for better crispiness, firm tofu can be used; just press it well to remove excess moisture.
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as substitutes for rice vinegar.
Absolutely, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure the cornstarch used is gluten-free.
Certainly! Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
Yes, you can use other high-heat oils like canola oil or peanut oil for frying.
The tofu is best enjoyed crispy, so it’s recommended to make the sauce ahead and fry the tofu just before serving.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar as alternatives.
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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