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Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers

A colorful and flavorful vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu tossed with bell peppers in a tangy homemade sweet and sour sauce, served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • 2 cups cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 2 scallions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into cubes.
  2. Toss tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Fry tofu until golden and crispy on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  4. Add remaining oil to the skillet. Stir-fry onion and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
  5. Add garlic and pineapple, cooking for another minute.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Pour sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
  7. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
  8. Return tofu to the skillet and toss until coated in the sauce.
  9. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, bake tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes instead of pan-frying.
  • You can add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for more vegetables.
  • Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet and sour tofu, tofu stir fry, vegan tofu recipe, bell pepper stir fry, Asian tofu dish