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Pan Fried Tofu with Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 88 reviews

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Pan fried tofu is a delightful homestyle vegetarian dish featuring meaty tofu slices with a crispy cornstarch coating, pan-fried to golden perfection, and coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Served atop rice, it offers an easy, flavorful one-bowl meal perfect for family dinners. This recipe is adaptable for gluten-free diets by substituting tamari for soy sauce, making it a versatile option for different dietary needs.

Ingredients

Tofu

  • 1 block firm tofu (14 oz / 396 g), sliced into 1/2” (1 cm) thick pieces
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg, beaten

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Stir Fry

  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tofu: Gently pat the tofu dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place it on a tray or large plate. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures a crisp crust.
  2. Set up coating bowls: Place cornstarch in a small bowl and beaten egg in a separate bowl, ready for dipping the tofu slices before frying.
  3. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine water, soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch and set aside.
  4. Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of peanut or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  5. Coat and fry tofu: One piece at a time, dip each tofu slice first into the cornstarch, coating both sides, then into the beaten egg. Immediately place into the hot skillet. Fry each piece until both sides are golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer cooked tofu to a plate and add more oil to the pan as needed to cook remaining pieces.
  6. Cook the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Combine tofu and sauce: Return all the fried tofu pieces to the pan with the thickened sauce. Stir carefully to coat the tofu evenly without breaking pieces.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sliced green onion over the sauced tofu, then transfer to a serving plate. Serve hot as a main dish, ideally with steamed rice.

Notes

  • Firm or extra firm tofu is easier to handle and yields better texture with less breaking during frying.
  • Medium firm tofu provides a contrasting texture but requires more careful handling as it is more delicate.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
  • Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned pan to prevent sticking during frying.
  • Adjust oil quantity as needed when frying multiple batches to maintain the correct frying temperature.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Find it online: https://sophiasrecipe.com/pan-fried-tofu-with-sweet-and-sour-sauce-recipe/