Sweet & Sour Tofu Recipe

March 1, 2025

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that absorbs flavors beautifully, making it an excellent choice for a variety of dishes. One of the most popular ways to prepare tofu is by coating it in a delicious sweet and sour sauce, a dish inspired by classic Chinese takeout flavors. This recipe combines crispy tofu with a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet sauce, along with colorful vegetables for a wholesome meal.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about making Sweet & Sour Tofu at home, from selecting the right tofu to perfecting the balance of flavors in the sauce. Whether you’re a tofu lover or just getting started with plant-based meals, this dish will surely satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet & Sour Tofu Recipe

Crispy yet tender tofu – Achieving the perfect crunch without deep frying.

Balanced sweet & sour sauce – A mix of tangy vinegar, natural sweetness, and a savory umami taste.
Loaded with vegetables – Bell peppers, onions, and pineapple for texture and color.
Quick & easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.

Customizable – Adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, or add proteins for variety.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe includes three key components: tofu, sauce, and vegetables. Here’s everything you need:

For the Crispy Tofu:

1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed)

3 tablespoons cornstarch (for crispiness)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons neutral oil (for pan-frying)

For the Sweet & Sour Sauce:

¼ cup ketchup

3 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup)

1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon sesame oil (for extra flavor)

1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
1 teaspoon minced garlic

For the Stir-Fry Vegetables:

1 cup red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, sliced
½ cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Press the tofu: Drain excess liquid by wrapping the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object (like a plate or book) on top for 15 minutes.
Cube the tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Coat the tofu: In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the tofu cubes until evenly coated.

Pan-fry until crispy: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu cubes for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sweet & Sour Sauce

Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
Prepare cornstarch slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a separate bowl.

Cook the sauce: In a saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds.
Simmer & thicken: Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat the pan: In the same pan used for the tofu, add 1 tablespoon of oil.

Sauté the veggies: Add the red and green bell peppers, along with the red onion. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Add pineapple: Toss in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 1 minute to release their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Combine tofu & sauce: Return the crispy tofu to the pan with the vegetables.

Pour in the sauce: Gently toss everything together until the tofu and vegetables are well coated.
Simmer for 1–2 minutes: Allow the flavors to meld together before removing from heat.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Serve over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Tips for the Best Sweet & Sour Tofu

Use extra-firm tofu – Softer varieties will break apart easily.
Press the tofu well – This helps absorb flavors and get a crispier texture.

Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry tofu in batches for even crispiness.
Balance the sauce – Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess as needed.
Customize with veggies – Add carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition.

Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Classic pairing: Serve with jasmine or brown rice for a filling meal.
Low-carb option: Enjoy over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Meal prep: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan for the best texture.

FAQs About Sweet & Sour Tofu

1. Can I bake or air-fry the tofu instead of pan-frying?

Yes! For a healthier option:

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket midway.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.

3. What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as alternatives.

4. Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Try swapping tofu with tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas for variation.

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the tofu soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet & Sour Tofu recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys vibrant, tangy flavors with a crispy texture. It’s easy to make, fully customizable, and a fantastic way to enjoy plant-based meals without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!