This homemade Sweet and Sour Tofu version is similar to the one I used to get from one of my favorite restaurants. This version is prepared from simple ingredients.

You should also try my Tofu Broccoli Skillet, Sesame Tofu Recipe, and General Tso’s Tofu.

Tofu is very bland so when I prepare it, I tend to season the tofu and leave it to marinade a bit to soak up some of the flavors.

What Is Sweet And Sour Tofu?

Sweet and sour tofu is a blend of sweet flavors with tart.

Pineapple juice, cane sugar, lemon juice combined to make an incredibly flavorful sauce that is poured over marinated pan-fried tofu and peppers.

What Kind Of Tofu Is Best?

I use superfirm tofu because it doesn’t break easily, you don’t need to press it but extra-firm tofu will also work. You can purchase it at a Trader Joe’s near you.

What Is Sweet And Sour Tofu Made Of?

The sauce gives the tofu its flavor, the simplicity of this sauce means you can whip it up easily.

Pineapple Juice – pineapple juice gives your sauce an amazing flavor, use any store-bought pineapple juice for this recipe. You can make double and keep half refrigerated for making a quick dish later.

Brown Sugar – I used Florida Crystal’s organic cane sugar but you can substitute with coconut sugar.

Lemon Juice – most recipes use vinegar for the tart/sour flavor but I love to use fresh lemon juice.

Tomato Paste – gives great color to your sauce.

Bragg’s Liquid Aminos – Adds a salty, savory flavor to your tofu recipe. It is a substitute for soy sauce that is gluten-free and flavorful. Substitute with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Cornstarch – mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, bring your sauce to a simmer and add this cornstarch mixture to thicken your sauce.

The Tofu – when you purchase tofu that is in a carton with water, keep fresh by placing your tofu in a container with a fitting lid. Add filtered water, store in the refrigerator for a week. Change the water daily

Cornstarch – cornstarch makes tofu crispy when it is pan-fried, you can substitute with tapioca starch.

Nutritional Yeast Flakes – gives the tofu a flavor boost, you can omit if you don’t have this ingredient, your recipe will taste just as good.

Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika – adds flavor and the paprika adds color to the tofu.

Salt – I used Himalayan Pink Salt, sea salt is great.

Bell Pepper – colorful bell peppers give a lovely color.

Garlic – adds a nice flavor balance with the sweet, salty, and sour

How To Make Your Sweet And Sour Tofu Recipe?

Prepare the sauce and set it aside.
Drain and wrap tofu in a paper towel or clean a dish towel if you are using extra-firm tofu. Place on a plate and put a cast iron pan on the top. Let it press for about 20 minutes to release the water. Skip this step if you are using super firm tofu.
Cut tofu into 1/2 inch cubes.
In a zip-log bag, or container with a lid add nutritional yeast flakes, onion, powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt cornstarch. Add tofu cubes, close bag, and shake to coat tofu cubes. If you want tofu with a chewier texture then freeze tofu before preparing it.
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add tofu cubes and pan-fry until golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. You can also bake tofu cubes on a prepared baking sheet at 400 degrees F. for about 25-30 minutes turning halfway.
Add bell pepper and garlic, saute stirring for one minute.
Add sweet and sour sauce, bring to a boil, stir in the cornstarch slurry and stir until thick and bubbly. Garnish with green onion and serve immediately.

Other Vegan Asian Inspired Recipes To Prepare

Serving Suggestions

It is deliciously served with Jasmine Brown Rice, Quinoa, Green Beans, or Vegetable Lo Mein.

If you enjoyed this post and would love to see more, join me on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter!

Get discounted copies of my cookbook here.

Also please leave a star rating ;-)

Need some encouragement on your Healthier Steps journey?

Join our Facebook groups, sharing lots of delicious vegan and gluten-free recipes, health tips, etc., from our members. Please join us and invite your friends to Gluten-Free and Vegan For Beginners and Vegan Recipes With Love.

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Healthier Steps.