Craving a dish that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your soul? Look no further than this Vegan Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork! This delightful twist on a classic favorite swaps out meat for crispy tofu, delivering a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. With vibrant bell peppers, juicy pineapple chunks, and a luscious sweet and sour sauce, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a heart-healthy option that everyone will love. Ready to impress your family and friends with a stunning plant-based meal? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Rice for serving
Instructions
- Drain the firm tofu block and press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are uniformly sized for even cooking.
- Prepare the vegetables by dicing the bell pepper into bite-sized pieces and chopping the onion into medium-sized chunks. Set aside the pineapple chunks.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1-2 inches deep for proper frying.
- Carefully add the tofu cubes to the hot oil, frying them until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and sauté the chopped onions and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but remain slightly crisp.
- Add the pineapple chunks to the vegetable mixture and stir-fry for an additional minute.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the vegetables and pineapple, stirring to coat evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.
- Gently fold in the crispy tofu cubes, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce without breaking them.
- Serve hot over steamed white rice, garnishing with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Press the Tofu: For the best texture, make sure to press the tofu thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible. This will help it achieve that perfect crispy exterior when frying.
- Uniform Cubes: Cut the tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. This way, every piece will be golden brown and delicious!
- Hot Oil is Key: When frying the tofu, make sure the oil is hot enough. If it’s not, the tofu may absorb too much oil and become soggy instead of crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the tofu in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or carrots to the stir-fry for added color and nutrition.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it right away over steamed rice for the ultimate experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
