If you're craving a dish that tantalizes your taste buds and brings a burst of flavor to your table, look no further than Sweet Sour Tofu Chicken! This delightful fusion of crispy tofu, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe combines the best of Chinese cuisine with a sweet and tangy twist that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Press the tofu block between paper towels to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch to create the sweet and sour sauce. Whisk until sugar and cornstarch are completely dissolved.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add tofu cubes to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add pineapple chunks and continue cooking for another minute.
- Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce into the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Return the fried tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure tofu is heated through and well-coated.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Pressing Tofu: Make sure to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture; this step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture when frying.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature before frying. If it’s too hot, the tofu will burn; if it’s too cool, it will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Cornstarch Coating: For an extra crunch, consider dusting the tofu cubes with a light coating of cornstarch before frying. This helps create a deliciously crispy exterior.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas to the stir-fry for added color and nutrition.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding it to the skillet, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t skip the garnish! Chopped green onions or sesame seeds not only add visual appeal but also enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Sweet Sour Tofu Chicken over steamed rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
