Sweet And Sour Tofu And Vegies
Sweet and sour tofu with vibrant vegetables offers a delightful combination of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The dish features crispy tofu, colorful bell peppers, onions, and carrots, all coated in a rich, glossy sauce. Perfect for those seeking a quick, flavorful vegetarian meal with Chinese-inspired flair.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp water ⓘ
- 2/3 cup pineapple chunks with juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp malt or molasses or 1 tsp honey ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp ginger ⓘ
- touch of pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, sliced thinly or chopped small ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water; add 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup water, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and pepper; set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add chopped onion and stir until a strong smell starts to go away.
- Add sliced carrot and stir briefly.
- Add tofu and cook until lightly browned.
- Add green pepper and salt; stir for one minute.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered until the sauce thickens and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 3 tsp. If you're out of cider vinegar, substitute with rice vinegar for a milder taste. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to enhance the dish. For a protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or tempeh. Serve with steamed rice or try it alongside Helen'S Fried Rice for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet And Sour Tofu And Vegies over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a satisfying meal. It pairs nicely with a side of sautéed greens or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside other Chinese recipes for a complete feast or enjoy it as a standalone dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce as needed. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Tofu And Vegies contains roughly 147 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 618mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize this dish with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just ensure that the vegetables you choose cook at a similar rate to the carrots for even doneness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. Most brands of tamari are gluten-free and will provide a similar flavor profile. Always check the labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
What can I serve with Sweet And Sour Tofu And Vegies?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also complement it with a side of crispy spring rolls or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. For a complete meal, consider adding a serving of Teriyaki Steak Marinade or Chinese Spareribs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).