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    Oh My Veggies » Vegetarian Recipes » Tofu and Tempeh Recipes

    Sweet and Sour Tofu

    Published: Feb 3, 2021 · by Nicole · Updated: Mar 24, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This sweet and sour tofu with bell peppers and a tangy orange sauce is a healthy, easy recipe. Ideal for a weeknight dinner alternative to takeout and a great way to make tofu taste good. Also gluten-free. 

    Vegan Sweet And Sour Tofu

    I’m not going to lie, I do love a good takeout (commonly referred to as takeaway here in the UK). I don’t have them that often, but they can be a great Friday or Saturday treat when I don’t feel like cooking.

    As I’ve said before, my approach to healthy eating is definitely not eating 100% typically healthy foods all the time. If I feel like having a takeaway, I’ll have one. Balance is much more sustainable than attempting to achieve perfection in the way you eat (which arguably doesn’t exist in the first place).

    Closeup of sweet and sour tofu in a bowl with rice

    That being said, I also love creating homemade versions of favourite takeaway dishes at home. It’s great that most places nowadays are willing to cater to vegans. However, homemade meals can often be not only tastier, but also cheaper. So, the dish that I’m bringing to the blog today is tofu with a takeout-inspired sauce.

    Bowl of sweet and sour tofu with rice

    About this sweet and sour tofu recipe

    This dish is seriously so good. If you ever want comfort food that requires minimal ingredients and preparation, you should give this a go for sure. I know that tofu has a bit of a reputation for being flavourless, but the way to ensure it tastes good is making some sort of flavourful sauce.

    Orange tofu with vegetables over rice

    Another trick coating the tofu in cornstarch (after, of course, pressing it well). This is easily done by putting the cornflour into a sandwich bag, adding the tofu cubes and shaking until well-coated.

    Crispy tofu with vegetables and rice in a bowl

    You then simply bake the tofu, which is a good alternative if you don't want to fry it. However, frying in a little bit of olive oil or sesame oil also works. This method gives the tofu a wonderful texture that goes really well with the sweet and sour orange sauce.

    For the vegetables, I used onion, carrots and bell peppers. Garnished with spring onions, this dish absolutely incredible served with noodles or rice of your choice. Give it a go, and you will see for yourself!

    What's to love about this sweet and sour tofu recipe?

    It's...

    Tofu and sweet and sour sauce with rice
    • Tangy, with plenty of umami flavours.
    • Flavourful.
    • Gluten-free.
    • Great for vegans and non-vegans alike.
    • Made with lots of vegetables.
    • Easy and beginner-friendly.
    • Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

    Ingredients you will need

    Tofu and vegetables in a frying pan
    • Extra firm tofu. You can also use firm tofu, but you will need to press it for longer.
    • Lemon juice. Lime juice works too.
    • Paprika and salt for marinading the tofu.
    • Cornstarch. Arrowroot powder works too.
    • Orange juice. This makes an incredible sauce!
    • Rice vinegar.
    • Tomato paste.
    • Sriracha. This adds a great hint of spice.
    • Tamari. You can use soy sauce if not avoiding gluten, or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
    • Sesame oil for cooking the vegetables.
    • Red onion.
    • Garlic.
    • Carrots and bell peppers. You can also use any other vegetables you have in the fridge.
    • Sesame seeds.
    Bowl of crispy tofu with rice and vegetables

    How to make sweet and sour tofu

    Make sure to press the tofu for at least 10 minutes before starting to make this recipe (it may need to be longer if not using extra firm tofu). This can be done using a tofu press, or by placing a paper towel on top of the tofu followed by a frying pan with heavy objects like books inside.

    Tofu and spices in a bowl
    Tofu with cornstarch in a ziplock bag

    In a mixing bowl, mix together the tofu, lemon juice, paprika and salt. Set aside for 10 minutes to marinade. You can also leave it to marinade overnight, or in the morning if you plan to make this for dinner.

    Tofu cubes on a baking tray
    Crispy tofu on a baking tray

    Around 10 minutes before the tofu is ready, preheat the oven to 180 degrees C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Add cornstarch to a ziplock bag, followed by the tofu. Shake to ensure that the tofu cubes are evenly coated. Then, transfer them to the baking tray and bake for 25 minutes.

    Ingredients for a sweet and sour sauce
    Sweet and sour sauce in a mixing bowl

    Prepare the sauce by whisking together the orange juice, rice vinegar, tomato paste, sriracha, and tamari. In a separate bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch.

    Heat a little bit of sesame oil in a wok or pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Now add the carrots and bell peppers, cooking for 5 minutes more.

    Carrots and bell peppers in a frying pan
    Tofu and vegetables in a pan with a sweet and sour sauce

    When the tofu is ready, add it to the wok/pan together with the sauce and cornstarch slurry. Stir for a few minutes, until the sauce thickens.

    Recipe tips for success

    Two bowls of orange tofu with rice and vegetables
    • Don't skip pressing the tofu! This is the key to achieving maximum flavour and the best texture.
    • This recipe is best consumed immediately, as the tofu won't be as crispy if you save it for later.
    • You can add other vegetables of your choice, such as Pak Choi, zucchini, etc - just make sure they don't have too high of a water content.

    Other recipes you might like

    • Buckwheat crepes with mushrooms
    • Creamy tofu pasta
    • Falafel salad with tahini dressing
    • Noodle soup with roasted chickpeas
    • Easy cheesy potatoes with Brussels sprouts
    Vegan Sweet And Sour Tofu

    Let me know in the comments - what's your favourite tofu recipe? If you give this sweet and sour tofu a go, be sure to tag me on Instagram (@ohmyveggies) so I can see your creations, and leave your feedback in the comments below together with a star rating!

    Vegan Sweet And Sour Tofu (Gluten-free)

    This sweet and sour tofu with bell peppers and a tangy orange sauce is a great homemade alternative to takeout. The tofu is crispy and chewy, while the sauce is bursting with flavour! Gluten-free and super easy to make.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Email Recipe
    Prep Time: 25 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Marinadig time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Vegan
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Keyword: carrot, earth of maria, high protein, peppers, sweet and sour sauce, Sweet and Sour Tofu, Takeout, to move, Tofu, weeknight dinner
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 264kcal
    Author: Oh My Veggies

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowl x 2
    • Conventional oven
    • Baking tray
    • Wok or pan

    Ingredients

    • 10 oz tofu extra firm, cubed and pressed (see recipe notes)
    • 1 lemon juice of
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ⅓ cup cornstarch
    • 1 tbsp sesame oil
    • 1 large red onion diced
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 medium orange bell pepper chopped
    • 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
    • 1 large carrot peeled and chopped into matchsticks
    • 3 tbsp sesame seeds

    For the sauce

    • ¾ cup orange juice
    • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
    • 2 tbsp tomato paste
    • ½ tbsp sriracha
    • 2 tbsp tamari
    • 2 tbsp cornstarch
    • ¼ cup water
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In a mixing bowl, mix together the tofu, lemon juice, paprika and salt. Set aside for at least 20 minutes to marinade.
    • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
    • Add cornstarch to a ziplock bag, followed by the tofu. Shake to ensure that the tofu cubes are evenly coated. Then, transfer them to the baking tray and bake for 25 minutes.
    • Prepare the sauce by whisking together the orange juice, rice vinegar, tomato paste, sriracha, and tamari. In a separate bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch.
    • Heat a little bit of sesame oil in a wok or pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Now add the carrot and bell peppers, cooking for 5 minutes more.
    • When the tofu is ready, add it to the wok/pan together with the sauce and cornstarch slurry. Stir for a few minutes, until the sauce thickens.
    • Stir in the sesame seeds and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    Make sure to press the tofu for at least 10 minutes before starting to make this recipe (it may need to be longer if not using extra firm tofu). This can be done using a tofu press, or by placing a paper towel on top of the tofu followed by a frying pan with heavy objects like books inside.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 11gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 923mgPotassium: 504mgFiber: 5gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 5378IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 186mgIron: 3mg
    Craving more veg-friendly recipes? Shop our collection of vegetarian and vegan cookbooks, including our new Vegan Thanksgiving and Vegan Christmas cookbooks!
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    Sweet and sour tofu vegan gluten-free oil-free Pinterest
    Vegan sweet and sour tofu
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    Earth of Maria, Gluten-free Vegan Recipes, Tofu and Tempeh Recipes, Vegan Dinner Recipes, Vegan Recipes, Vegan Weeknight Meals, Vegetarian Recipes Carrot, Cornstarch, garlic, lemon, Orange juice, Paprika, peppers, Red onion, Rice vinegar, Sesame oil, Sesame seeds, sriracha, Tamari, tofu, Tomato paste, vegetables

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    Nicole is a life long vegetarian and the author of the popular vegan cookbook, Weeknight One Pot Vegan Cooking. She loves sharing her recipes and showing the world just how easy and delicious meatless meals can be!
    Learn more here.

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