Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers

This vibrant sweet and sour tofu stir-fry features crispy tofu cubes, colorful bell peppers, and onions tossed in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce. It’s a quick plant-based meal that’s full of flavor, texture, and nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy tofu with a sticky, flavorful glaze

• Completely plant-based and protein-rich

• Beautifully colorful and packed with vegetables

• Quick to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights

• Customizable to suit any spice or sweetness level

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed)

• Cornstarch (for coating tofu)

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange, chopped)

• Onion (cut into chunks)

• Garlic (minced)

• Ginger (minced, optional)

• Pineapple chunks (optional, for authentic sweetness)

For the sweet and sour sauce:

• Ketchup

• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• Soy sauce

• Brown sugar or maple syrup

• Water

• Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water, for thickening)

• Optional: chili flakes or sriracha for heat

Directions

1. Press tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1-inch cubes.

2. Toss tofu cubes in cornstarch until fully coated.

3. Heat oil in a skillet or wok. Fry tofu until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same pan, sauté garlic (and ginger if using) until fragrant.

5. Add bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients except the cornstarch slurry.

7. Pour sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.

8. Add tofu back to the pan and toss everything until well coated and heated through.

9. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 3–4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes

Variations

• Add broccoli, snow peas, or carrots for extra vegetables

• Use pineapple juice instead of water for added fruitiness

• Swap tofu for tempeh or soy curls

• Make it spicy by adding chili paste or fresh red chilies

• Serve with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps

Storage / Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: use a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

How do I make the tofu crispy?

Use extra-firm tofu, press it thoroughly, and coat in cornstarch before pan-frying in hot oil.

Can I bake or air-fry the tofu instead?

Yes. Bake at 200 °C (400 °F) for 25–30 minutes or air-fry at 190 °C (375 °F) for 15–20 minutes.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Can I add fruit to this recipe?

Pineapple chunks are a classic addition and work beautifully in this sauce.

What rice pairs well with this?

Jasmine rice, brown rice, or even coconut rice makes a great pairing.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep. Store sauce, tofu, and vegetables separately for the best texture.

Can I use a store-bought sweet and sour sauce?

Yes, though homemade allows better control of sweetness and spice.

How spicy is the dish?

Not spicy by default. Add chili flakes or sriracha if desired.

Can I freeze it?

It’s not ideal for freezing, as tofu and vegetables can become soggy after thawing.

Can I use another protein?

Absolutely. You can use tempeh, soy curls, or even chickpeas.

Conclusion

Sweet and sour tofu stir-fry is a deliciously balanced, quick-to-make dish perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks. With its crisp tofu, colorful vegetables, and tangy sauce, it’s a flavorful meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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