Crispy Sweet and Sour Baked Tofu

Craving a plant-based dish that’s equal parts crispy, tangy, and satisfying? This Crispy Sweet and Sour Baked Tofu is the perfect solution! Featuring golden, oven-baked tofu coated in a cornstarch crust for that irresistibly crunchy texture, this recipe delivers a bold burst of flavor with a homemade sweet and sour sauce made from rice vinegar, ketchup, pineapple juice, and aromatic garlic and ginger. With no frying required, it’s a healthier alternative that still feels indulgent. Ready in just 45 minutes and perfect for pairing with steamed rice or veggies, this vegan-friendly dish is topped with scallions and sesame seeds for a touch of freshness and crunch. Whether you're a tofu enthusiast or a skeptic, this recipe promises to transform your weeknight dinners with its unbeatable taste and texture.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon, minced ginger
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce)
• 2 stalks, chopped (optional, for garnish) scallions
• 1 teaspoon (optional, for garnish) sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and gently press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Use a tofu press if available for better results. Let it press for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 3

Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and toss them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Ensure the tofu is evenly coated.

Step 4

Place the tofu cubes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to ensure even baking. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 5

While the tofu bakes, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, and 1 cup of water.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of water to form a slurry, then slowly whisk it into the sauce until it thickens.

Step 7

Once the tofu is baked, transfer it to a large skillet or wok, then pour the sweet and sour sauce over the tofu. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if desired. Pair with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(848.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	980.0

Total Fat 47.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 782.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.7g	0%
Total Sugars 38.9g
Protein 64.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2790.5mg	0%
Iron 12.0mg	0%
Potassium 1186.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.4%

Protein: 25.7%

Carbs: 31.8%