Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry

Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe - Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry is a delicious and colorful dish that combines the flavors of sweet pineapple juice, tangy apple juice concentrate, and savory tofu with a variety of fresh vegetables. This stir-fry is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

History

The origins of Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry can be traced back to traditional Chinese cuisine, where sweet and sour flavors are commonly used in stir-fry dishes. This recipe has been adapted over the years to include a variety of vegetables and tofu, making it a versatile and nutritious option for vegetarians and vegans.

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cauliflower florets
1 cup sliced carrots
1 tbsp cornstarch
0.5 cup pineapple juice
1 tbsp dark brown sugar
0.25 cup apple juice concentrate
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp peanut oil
1 tbsp finely chopped peeled ginger root
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and cut lengthwise into thin strips
16 oz (454 g) firm or extra firm regular tofu, pan-crisped
1 large tomato, cut into 16 wedges
1 cup canned straw mushrooms, drained
0.33 cup preserved pineapple, cut into 0.5 inch pieces (see note)
1 tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper

How to prepare

In a large pot of boiling water, cook the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots for 3 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the pot using a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into ice water. Drain well and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and 2 tbsp of pineapple juice. In another small bowl, combine the brown sugar, apple juice concentrate, and the remaining pineapple juice with the rice vinegar. Place both bowls within easy reach while stir-frying.
Heat the peanut oil in a wok. Add the ginger, garlic, and jalapeño. Stir-fry until the garlic and ginger become fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the drained vegetables and stir-fry for 3 minutes.
Add the tofu, tomato, mushrooms, and pineapple. Stir the fruit juice mixture again to blend and gradually add it to the wok while continuing to stir and toss the vegetables.
Once all the ingredients in the wok are mixed together and the liquid starts bubbling, stir the cornstarch mixture again. Add this mixture to the wok, stirring constantly as the liquid thickens and coats the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a platter and serve immediately with rice. If there are leftovers, bring them to room temperature before serving instead of reheating.

Variations

Add bell peppers, snap peas, or water chestnuts for additional crunch and color.
Use pineapple chunks instead of preserved pineapple for a sweeter flavor.
Substitute tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are just tender, as overcooking can result in a mushy texture.

- Pan-crisping the tofu before adding it to the stir-fry helps to give it a crispy exterior and a chewy interior.

- Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Serve the stir-fry immediately after cooking to ensure the vegetables retain their crispness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added flavor and freshness.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the main cooking technique used in this recipe, which involves quickly cooking ingredients in a hot wok or skillet over high heat. This method helps to retain the color, texture, and nutrients of the vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of dark brown sugar.

- Replace peanut oil with vegetable oil or sesame oil.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and tofu ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry in a large serving bowl or on individual plates, garnished with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture. Add a wedge of lime or lemon for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this stir-fry with a side of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal. A side of stir-fried bok choy or Chinese broccoli would also complement the flavors of this dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

The Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the inclusion of vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and pineapple. The carbohydrates in this dish provide energy and essential nutrients for the body.

Fats

The main source of fat in this recipe comes from the peanut oil used for stir-frying. Tofu also contains some healthy fats, making this dish a good source of essential fatty acids.

Proteins

Tofu is a rich source of plant-based protein, making this stir-fry a nutritious option for vegetarians and vegans. The protein in this dish helps to support muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

The Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used. Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and tomatoes are all rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy (tofu) and peanuts (peanut oil), which are common allergens. It is important to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, the Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry is a nutritious and balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple juice, the tanginess of apple juice concentrate, and the savoriness of tofu and vegetables. This stir-fry is a versatile and satisfying option for a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, I stumbled upon a faded piece of paper tucked between the pages. It was a handwritten recipe for a dish I had never tried before - Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry.

Growing up, tofu was not a common ingredient in our household. My family was more accustomed to cooking with meat and vegetables, so the idea of using tofu in a stir-fry was completely foreign to me. But something about the recipe intrigued me. The combination of sweet and sour flavors, mixed with the crispiness of the tofu, sounded like a delicious and unique dish that I just had to try.

I decided to give the recipe a shot, even though I had never cooked with tofu before. I gathered all the ingredients I needed - tofu, bell peppers, pineapple, onions, and a variety of sauces and seasonings. I followed the instructions carefully, chopping and marinating the tofu, sautéing the vegetables, and finally combining everything in a sweet and tangy sauce.

As the dish started to come together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. The colors and aromas of the stir-fry filled my kitchen, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. When I finally took my first bite, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The sweetness of the pineapple, the tanginess of the sauce, and the crispiness of the tofu all combined to create a dish that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I shared it with my family and friends, who were equally impressed by the unique and delicious flavors of the Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry. They couldn't believe that I had created such a mouthwatering dish using ingredients that were so unfamiliar to me.

Over the years, I have continued to make the Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry for special occasions and family gatherings. It has become a beloved recipe in our family, passed down from generation to generation. I have made a few tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it even more delicious.

I have also shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its incredible flavors and textures. Some have even asked me to teach them how to make it, so that they can enjoy this unique and tasty dish in their own homes.

As I look back on that rainy afternoon when I first discovered the recipe for Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry, I can't help but feel grateful for the sense of curiosity that led me to try something new and different. It opened up a whole new world of flavors and ingredients that I had never explored before, and it has brought so much joy and satisfaction to my cooking.

I am proud to have learned this recipe and to have shared it with so many people. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and discovering new recipes and flavors is what keeps me inspired and excited in the kitchen. The Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry will always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the endless possibilities that can come from a little bit of curiosity and a willingness to try something new.