Sweet and Sour Tofu

Sweet and Sour Tofu Recipe - Vegetarian Food from China and Laos

Region / culture: China, Laos | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sweet and sour tofu is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tanginess of vinegar and soy sauce. This vegetarian dish is a popular choice for those looking for a healthy and tasty meal option.

History

Sweet and sour tofu is a classic Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of sweet and sour flavors has long been a staple in Chinese cuisine, and tofu is often used as a protein source in vegetarian dishes. This dish has become popular in Western countries as well, thanks to its delicious taste and health benefits.

Ingredients

1 container of tofu (20 oz / 567 g)
1 can of pineapple chunks or tidbits (20 oz / 567 g)
0.25 cup of packed brown sugar
2 tbsp of cornstarch
0.25 cup of vinegar
1 tbsp of soy sauce
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
rice or chinese noodles

How to prepare

Drain the tofu in a colander and press it down with something heavy.
Let it sit in the sink while preparing the sauce.
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
Bring the mixture to a boil until it thickens and becomes clear.
Slice the tofu into cubes and add it to the sauce; let it marinate while the rice cooks or for 1 hour.
Slice the onion and pepper into thin strips.
Combine the tofu, sauce, pineapple chunks, onion, and pepper.
Heat the mixture until the vegetables soften, then serve it over rice or Chinese noodles.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added vegetables.
Use different types of vinegar such as rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a unique flavor.
Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking. This will help the tofu absorb the flavors of the sauce better.

- Marinating the tofu in the sauce for at least 1 hour will enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Be careful not to overcook the tofu, as it can become tough and rubbery.

- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sweet and sour tofu over rice or Chinese noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Pressing the tofu before cooking will help it absorb the flavors of the sauce better.

- Marinating the tofu in the sauce will enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Stir-frying the tofu and vegetables will help them cook evenly and retain their crunchiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tempeh or seitan instead of tofu for a different protein source.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar for a different sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the tofu in the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve sweet and sour tofu in a colorful bowl or plate for an eye-catching presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair sweet and sour tofu with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. Serve with a glass of white wine or green tea for a refreshing beverage option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

Calcium: 15% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Sweet and sour tofu is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for vegetarians looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

Sweet and sour tofu is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. With its flavorful sauce and tender tofu, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with rice or noodles for a satisfying and healthy meal option.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for sweet and sour tofu. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the bustling city of Hong Kong. My aunt was a skilled cook and always seemed to whip up the most delicious meals with ease.

One day, as I was helping her prepare dinner, she handed me a small piece of paper with a scribbled recipe on it. She told me it was a family secret for sweet and sour tofu that had been passed down for generations. I was intrigued and excited to learn the recipe, as I had always been a fan of tofu dishes.

My aunt patiently guided me through the steps, showing me how to marinate the tofu in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, and then fry it until golden brown. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final dish.

When we sat down to eat, the sweet and sour tofu was unlike anything I had ever tried before. The tofu was perfectly crispy on the outside, and the sauce was a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors. It was a revelation, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe for sweet and sour tofu, making small tweaks here and there to suit my own taste. I would often make it for family gatherings and special occasions, and it quickly became a favorite among my loved ones.

I remember the time when my own daughter, now a grown woman with a family of her own, asked me to teach her how to make the sweet and sour tofu. It was a proud moment for me, passing down a cherished family recipe to the next generation.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with different variations of the sweet and sour tofu recipe. I added extra vegetables for crunch, or a dash of chili for heat. Each time, the dish would turn out slightly different, but always delicious.

One day, while shopping at the local market, I ran into an old friend who was visiting from Thailand. She told me about a unique twist on the sweet and sour tofu recipe that she had learned during her travels. Intrigued, I asked her to share the recipe with me.

She explained that in Thailand, they often add pineapple to their sweet and sour tofu for a tropical twist. I was fascinated by the idea and couldn't wait to try it out for myself. I made a mental note to pick up some fresh pineapple on my way home.

That evening, I set to work in the kitchen, combining the traditional sweet and sour tofu recipe with the Thai-inspired addition of pineapple. The result was a revelation – the sweetness of the pineapple paired perfectly with the tangy sauce, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.

I served the pineapple sweet and sour tofu to my family that night, and they were blown away by the new twist on an old favorite. It quickly became a regular dish on our dinner table, a symbol of the fusion of flavors that I had picked up over the years.

As I look back on my journey with the sweet and sour tofu recipe, I am grateful for the memories and experiences that it has brought me. From my aunt's kitchen in Hong Kong to the bustling markets of Thailand, each new variation has added a layer of complexity and depth to the dish that I hold so dear.

I am proud to have learned this recipe from such a diverse array of sources, and to have shared it with my loved ones along the way. The sweet and sour tofu will always hold a special place in my heart, a symbol of the joy and passion that I have for cooking and sharing delicious food with those I care about.