Sweet and Sour Tofu Recipe (Vegan) (2024)

FAQs

Why won t my tofu get crispy? ›

If your crispy tofu isn't getting crispy, it could be because there is too much moisture in the tofu. Another issue could be the oil isn't hot enough to fry the tofu. Or you forgot to add the corn flour. These three reasons can cause your tofu to be soggy or not crisp up as much as you'd like.

Pat each cube dry. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu and cook on all sides until golden brown, 2-4 minutes per side, then remove from the pan and set aside.

Blanch tofu for a fresher flavor

Some brands of tofu have a slightly sour taste that remains even after cooking. Blanching tofu in hot salted water brings out a fresher flavor while coaxing the tofu's inner moisture to the surface, making it easier to dry.

Is All Tofu Vegan? Although tofu in general is completely vegan friendly, we always recommend checking the ingredients list on the tofu you have. Sometimes, the odd brand of tofu may use a different method to create their tofu, some of which include animal byproducts in their process.

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

Substitutions: If you prefer not to cook with cornstarch, you can substitute in an equal volume of all-purpose flour or potato starch. Tofu: This recipe can also be made with medium-firm tofu, but you'll need to be a bit more gentle while pressing and coating it.

Restaurants understand the power of salt and use it liberally to ensure that tofu is well-seasoned. As masters of flavors, professional chefs know that tofu's porous nature allows it to absorb the flavors it's cooked with, and they use this to their advantage.

First, tossing cubed tofu with cornstarch will help you get a crispier exterior when baking or stir-frying. Pressing the block of tofu to eliminate excess moisture also helps. And you'll want to make sure you're using high enough heat.

If you're new to a plant-based diet you may think you don't like tofu, but chances are it's just been prepared wrong. In reality, plain tofu is not very flavorful at all (but that's the great thing about it!). Tofu, like chicken and these other mild-flavored meats, is a great vehicle for flavor.

Here's the thing: even though tofu might be labeled firm or extra-firm, it contains a lot of water. This excess water can cause the tofu to crumble when you cook it, and it will also have a hard time crisping up. But when you press tofu, you remove the excess moisture.

Why does my tofu taste like vinegar? ›

Taste: If the tofu tastes sour or off, it may have spoiled. Texture: If the tofu is unusually soft or crumbles easily, it may have spoiled.

Eat it raw: Tofu is completely safe to eat raw. Whether you press it or marinate it, you can use raw tofu in salads, smoothies, or have it as a protein-packed snack. Marinating: Since tofu has a bland flavor, marinating it is very popular.

"For the vast majority of people, it should be reasonable to incorporate tofu in their daily diet without any issues," Sun said. He and his family eat "probably three servings per week," Sun said. He likes using soft tofu in soups and firm tofu – frozen and cut up – in a traditional Chinese hot pot.

Tofu is dairy-free, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, and vegan, so it is popular with people who have specialized diets. Often used as a meat substitute, tofu is high in protein but low in fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. Tofu is extremely versatile.

Tofu is rich in nutrients, contains all essential amino acids and is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Its adaptability allows for use in diverse dishes, whether as a meat substitute in vegetarian meals, blended into smoothies, or grilled, baked or stir-fried for added protein in a range of recipes.

One good solution is to put the tofu, in its original whole block, on a plate or sheet pan. Tip it at a slight angle by propping up one side. Put a weight — a plate will be just fine — on the tofu. Leave it there for 15–30 minutes.

For the best results, I recommend pressing tofu for at least 30 minutes before cooking, though longer is great if you're able to plan ahead. In a pinch, even less time can make a big difference. I pressed the left block of tofu in the photo above for just 20 minutes. An unpressed block of tofu is on the right.

There are a few tricks to perfect tofu. First, tossing cubed tofu with cornstarch will help you get a crispier exterior when baking or stir-frying. Pressing the block of tofu to eliminate excess moisture also helps. And you'll want to make sure you're using high enough heat.

Tofu Recipes

The Best Crispy Tofu starts by asking you to press it for 30 minutes to eliminate as much water as possible. Less liquid equals more crispiness.