Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet and sour is a classic dish that so many of us love, so why not try it out with tofu? A comfort meal that many of us enjoy having as a takeaway dish, I wanted to make a homemade version that is simple and, of course, vegan. So if you’re tempted to order a takeaway but are trying to keep costs down, or eat a little healthier, or cook from scratch more, then this can be a good option.

For this main ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 packet of firm tofu

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp cornflour

• 1 red pepper, chopped

• 1 green pepper, chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic sliced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 80g pineapple chunks or dried apricots cut into half (optional)

• Salt & black pepper

• Zest & juice of ½ a lemon

To create the perfect sweet and sour sauce we’ll be using:

Sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 heaped tbsp brown sugar

• 3 tbsp rice or cider vinegar

• 80ml water

To serve

• 300g jasmine rice, cooked according to the packet.

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• ¾ spring onions, chopped

• Handful of fresh coriander, chopped (optional)

If you’re serving with rice, then put this on to cook before you begin.

First you’ll want to make sure that the tofu has most of the moisture removed. You can do this with a tofu press, or alternatively by pressing beneath a plate and a heavy object on top, or by patting dry with a kitchen towel.

For perfect crispy and brown tofu, coat it with cornstarch in a bowl, and then season with salt and pepper. The cornstarch will create a layer around the tofu to ensure it doesn’t break apart, and reduces the overall moisture content. You can use this method for any of your tofu dishes.

Next we’ll add the tofu to a large frying pan with some oil, and cook until golden brown. Now set the tofu aside.

Then, throw in your veggies, and fry in the same pan until softened.

Meanwhile, prep your sauce by mixing the ingredients together in a bowl. Add these to the pan along with the pineapple chunks and cook until the sauce thickens up nicely.

Finally add the tofu back in and cook through. Serve up with jasmine rice, spring onion, coriander and sesame seeds, and enjoy! Also, a squeeze of lemon or lime would also be a fresh and delicious finishing touch!