Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu

Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the tangy sweetness of mango with the savory goodness of tofu. This dish is perfect for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal that is also easy to prepare.

History

The origins of Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu can be traced back to traditional Asian cuisine, where the combination of sweet and sour flavors is a popular cooking technique. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic flavors, making it a favorite among those who enjoy vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) firm tofu, cubed
0.25 cup lemon juice
0.25 cup tamari sauce
3 tbsp water
1 cup pureed mango
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
4 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp vegetable oil
8 diced scallions
1 julienned green bell pepper
1 julienned red bell pepper
1 lb (454 g) sliced mushrooms
1 cup toasted cashews
rice for 6

How to prepare

In a blender, combine lemon juice, tamari, water, mango puree, honey, ginger, and garlic. Blend until well mixed.
Place cubed tofu in a bowl and pour the marinade over it. Stir gently to coat the tofu. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add scallions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for a few minutes.
Add the marinated tofu and its marinade to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and continue stir-frying until the mixture is hot and bubbling.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in cashews. Serve the stir-fry over rice.

Variations

Substitute the tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different texture and flavor.
Add pineapple chunks or bell peppers for extra sweetness and crunch.
Use different nuts such as peanuts or almonds instead of cashews for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the tofu before marinating it to remove excess water and allow it to absorb the flavors better.

- Use fresh mango for the puree to get the best flavor, but you can also use frozen mango if fresh is not available.

- Toasting the cashews before adding them to the stir-fry will enhance their nutty flavor and add a nice crunch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu over a bed of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the main cooking technique used in this recipe, which helps to retain the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients while creating a delicious and colorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use soy sauce instead of tamari if you don't have it on hand.

- Substitute agave nectar or maple syrup for honey to make the dish vegan.

- Replace the mango puree with pineapple or peach puree for a different twist on the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the tofu in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This will allow the flavors to develop even more and make meal prep easier.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu in a colorful bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and sliced vegetables for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for added nutrients and a balanced meal. A glass of chilled white wine or a fruity iced tea would also complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 45g

Dietary Fiber: 6g

Sugar: 18g

Fats

Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 22g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 25%

Vitamin C: 120%

Calcium: 20%

Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains soy and tree nuts (cashews)

Summary

Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins, making it a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Summary

Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a perfect balance of sweet and sour notes, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lily in her quaint little village. Lily was known for her delicious and innovative recipes, and I always looked forward to our cooking adventures together.

On this particular day, Lily had a surprise in store for me. She had recently acquired a ripe mango from the local market and was eager to experiment with a new tofu dish. As we gathered the ingredients in her cozy kitchen, she explained to me that the combination of sweet mango and tangy vinegar would create a unique and flavorful dish that would tantalize the taste buds.

I watched in awe as Lily expertly diced the tofu and mango, and combined them with a medley of colorful vegetables and aromatic spices. The kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, mingling together to create a symphony of flavors.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu. The texture of the tofu was perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, while the sweet mango provided a burst of freshness that was balanced by the tangy vinegar. It was a culinary masterpiece, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I have adapted and perfected the recipe for Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its unique and delicious flavors. It has become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of that fateful day when Lily first introduced me to this delightful dish.

I often think back to that warm summer day in Lily's kitchen, where I learned not just a recipe, but a lesson in the power of creativity and experimentation in the culinary arts. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions, but about using your imagination and intuition to create something truly special.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. Each bite of this delicious dish is a reminder of the friendship and joy that cooking has brought into my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pass on this recipe to future generations.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a flavorful and unique dish to impress your guests, look no further than my recipe for Sweet and Sour Mango Tofu. It is a true testament to the power of friendship, creativity, and the joy of cooking.