Fried Tofu with Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce

Crispy, golden-brown tofu meets a tangy homemade sweet and sour dipping sauce in this irresistible recipe for Fried Tofu with Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce. Perfectly fried cubes of firm tofu, coated in a delicate cornstarch crust, are served alongside a vibrant sauce made with soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and a touch of brown sugar, balanced with a hint of garlic and red chili flakes for subtle heat. This plant-based appetizer is quick and easy to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish, and is ideal for serving as a snack, side dish, or party platter. With its restaurant-quality flavor and enticing texture, this recipe will convert even tofu skeptics and is guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g firm tofu
• 120 g cornstarch
• 500 ml vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
• 120 ml water
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)

Directions

Step 1

Drain the tofu and press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2

Place the cubed tofu in a mixing bowl, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Lightly toss to coat evenly.

Step 3

Add the cornstarch to the bowl and gently toss the tofu until each piece is well-coated in a thin layer of cornstarch.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).

Step 5

Carefully add the tofu pieces to the oil in small batches, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6

Remove the fried tofu with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining tofu.

Step 7

To make the sweet and sour dipping sauce, mince the garlic and combine it in a small saucepan with soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, red chili flakes, and water. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to simmer.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.

Step 10

Add the slurry to the saucepan while stirring continuously. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and transfer to a dipping bowl.

Step 11

Serve the fried tofu hot alongside the sweet and sour dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1290.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4668.3

Total Fat 460.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 284.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1423.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 139.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.4g	0%
Total Sugars 17.1g
Protein 46.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 645.7mg	0%
Iron 6.8mg	0%
Potassium 743.7mg	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: 84.8%

Protein: 3.8%

Carbs: 11.4%