Make better-than-takeout candy and bitter tofu with tremendous crispy pan-fried tofu, bell peppers, and onion in a easy, flavor-packed vegan candy and bitter sauce! It comes collectively in beneath Half-hour, optionally gluten-free, and meal prep pleasant!

Fast and Straightforward Recipe for Candy and Bitter Tofu

Making more healthy, selfmade, plant-based variations of takeout favorites has develop into one in all our favourite strategies for saving cash whereas satisfying takeout cravings. We’ve already shared recipes for teriyaki tofu stir-fry, Thai basil tofu, and tofu pad Thai. Now, it’s the flip of this candy and bitter tofu.

Just like the takeout model, this candy and bitter tofu recipe is loaded with candy and bitter, umami-rich taste and vibrant colour – combining tofu, onion, and bell pepper for heaps of texture and taste. Nonetheless, not like takeout, the tofu will all the time be tremendous crispy, the sauce sizzling, and the flavors and add-ins are 100% customizable to your liking and dietary necessities.

You may simply make it gluten-free or refined sugar-free, add pineapple, swap out the veggies, and extra. Better of all, it’s so easy to make with pantry-friendly substances and only one skillet in beneath Half-hour for a satisfying, protein-dense fakeout meal.

On the lookout for extra easy fakeout meal inspiration? Take a look at our tofu sushi, moo shu greens, and vegetable-fried brown rice.

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The Components and Substitutes

The Tofu and Stir-fry Veg

Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu (pressed) or super-firm tofu (no must press) – we favor to make use of the latter when doable.

Cornstarch: To coat the tofu for an excellent crispy shell.

Oil: Use any high-heat cooking oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.

Greens: This candy and bitter stir fry makes use of a reasonably conventional mixture of onion (yellow, white,) and pink (or orange) and inexperienced bell peppers.

The Vegan Candy and Bitter Sauce

Brown sugar: This produces essentially the most conventional taste. Nonetheless, you can use unrefined coconut sugar, maple syrup, or perhaps a sugar-free brown sugar various.

Rice vinegar: Or apple cider vinegar so as to add the tangy, bitter taste. White vinegar additionally works however isn’t as candy.

Garlic: We favor contemporary garlic, although garlic powder works in a pinch.

Ketchup: For candy, tangy, wealthy taste – use common or no-sugar ketchup. Nonetheless, it’s doable to make use of tomato puree as a substitute and regulate the opposite substances accordingly.

Soy sauce: Common or decreased sodium for umami-rich saltiness. For a gluten-free choice, use tamari or coconut aminos.

Cornstarch: To thicken the candy and bitter vegan sauce. Arrowroot flour additionally works.

To garnish: We love the addition of sliced inexperienced onions (scallions) and sesame seeds.

What Might I Add to Vegan Candy and Bitter Tofu?

Pineapple: Add about ½ cup of chopped/cubed pineapple for conventional candy and bitter tofu with pineapple.

Ginger: Add 1-2 teaspoons of minced ginger for zingy depth.

Shaoxing wine: (or dry sherry) add a splash for depth.

Different greens: This recipe for candy and bitter tofu is a superb ‘filter the fridge’ dish. E.g., cauliflower or broccoli florets, snap peas, sliced carrot, child corn, mushrooms, inexperienced beans, bean sprouts, and so forth.

Water chestnuts: For crisp crunch.

Nuts: Cashews or peanuts add a scrumptious crunch and further plant-based protein.

Crimson pepper flakes/sriracha: So as to add some spice to the dish.

Toasted sesame oil: Just a little added in the direction of the top provides a wealthy, toasty, nutty taste.

Find out how to Make Candy and Bitter Sauce Tofu

First, in case you haven’t already, drain and chop the tofu into ½-inch cubes (if utilizing extra-firm tofu, press it, too). Additionally, peel and chop the onions into 1-inch chunks and chop the bell peppers into 1-inch chunks (or tear it into 1-2-inch chunks for even crisper edges).

Then, toss it into a big bowl with the cornstarch till effectively coated and put aside.

In the meantime, warmth the oil in a big, lidded skillet over medium-high warmth. As soon as sizzling, add the tofu to the pan in a single layer, not touching, and pan-fry till all sides are crispy and golden (3-4 minutes per facet). Then, take away it from the pan and set it apart.

Don’t transfer it an excessive amount of. As an alternative, go away it to sear on all sides earlier than flipping.

In the meantime, in a small bowl, mix all of the sauce substances and blend effectively till well-mixed/totally dissolved.

When you’ve got a frother, this could make the method go quicker.  

In the identical pan, add the bell peppers and onion and sauté for 3 minutes.

Then, add the tofu again to the pan, pour within the sauce, and scale back the warmth to a simmer.

Cowl and cook dinner the candy and bitter tofu for two minutes, stirring often to forestall burning. As soon as thickened, style and regulate any of the substances (e.g., vinegar for tang, sugar dissolved into sizzling water for sweetness, and so forth.). Combine effectively, and serve!

FAQs

Professional Recipe Ideas

Tweak to style: E.g., add kind of sugar, change it to a sugar various, add kind of vinegar/lime, and so forth.

For the crispiest tofu: Pan-fry it in a single layer with area between (in batches if essential) and permit it to fry, untouched, till the underside is golden brown and crisp, then flip and repeat on all sides. Don’t transfer it round an excessive amount of, or it gained’t correctly sear.

To regulate the consistency: For a thinner sauce, add just a little water. For a thicker one, add further cornstarch in a slurry (to keep away from lumps).

To serve over saucy noodles: Make 50-100% extra sauce to toss with the noodles (or grain of your selection).

Alter the sweetness: Alter it to private style and dietary desire.

Serving Recommendations

Grains/noodles: Take pleasure in candy and bitter tofu stir-fry over steamed or stir-fried rice, quinoa, or noodles.

Spring rolls: Crispy or comfortable (like our tofu mango spring rolls), crispy vegetable wontons, or vegan egg rolls/ crispy rice paper rolls.

Aspect salads: E.g., Asian slaw, cucumber salad, and so forth.

Veggies: Added to the stir-fry or steamed on the facet. E.g., broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrot, bell peppers, bok choy, inexperienced beans, edamame, and so forth.

When you’re serving this at a cocktail party, you may also like serving it out of hollowed-out pineapple halves (including the pineapple to the dish).

Storage Directions

Depart any leftover candy and bitter tofu to chill and retailer them in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 5 days. Simply notice that the tofu will soften over time (however nonetheless style nice).

We don’t advocate freezing it, although, because the tofu and vegetable texture will change rather a lot.

You may then reheat it on the stovetop or in a microwave (in 30-second increments). Add a splash of water if essential.

Extra Straightforward Tofu Recipes

Photographs by Alfonso Revilla