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This flavorful candy and bitter tofu full of a lot of yummy greens is the proper family-friendly meal. Aromatic garlic, candy pineapple, crunchy bell pepper, hearty broccoli, crispy tofu items and brown rice are tossed in a home made candy and bitter sauce, making this straightforward recipe style even higher than takeout!

Candy and bitter tofu loaded with veggies and a scrumptious tangy sauce over brown rice — what might be extra satisfying? It’s a more healthy model of candy and bitter rooster or candy and bitter pork out of your favourite Chinese language restaurant with all the taste however not one of the guilt.

I really like recreating wholesome, vegan or vegetarian variations of our favourite takeout meals at house, and this recipe is not any exception! This vegan candy and bitter tofu recipe is tremendous simple to make, so colourful and satisfying, and has grow to be a staple at my home and one my entire household enjoys.

Usually, candy and bitter recipes are full of sugar — in spite of everything, that’s the place the “candy” comes from. However I discovered a approach to recreate that traditional taste with manner much less sugar than the normal model!

Utilizing tofu as an alternative of meat is one other wholesome vegan-friendly swap, and pan-frying it with a little bit of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil) offers it nice texture with out the added fats of deep-frying.

The tangy-sweet taste of this home made candy and bitter tofu pairs completely with brown rice, and I assure it would go away your total household wanting extra!

👩🏽‍🍳 Why You’ll Love This Candy And Bitter Tofu

• Packed With Veggies: Getting veggies into choosy eaters is difficult, even when these choosy eaters are adults! The thick candy and bitter sauce coats the superbly cooked veggies and makes them extra palatable on this simple recipe. You’ll undoubtedly need to add this recipe into your meal plan rotation!
• Loaded With Plant-Based mostly Protein: On the lookout for a good way to get extra protein into your loved ones? Tofu has loads of protein, however brown rice and veggies have protein too, making this recipe for candy and bitter tofu one you’ll need to make time and again.
• Easy And Cheap: This candy and bitter tofu recipe consists of cheap substances like tofu, veggies, and brown rice. You could even have all of the sauce substances stocked in your pantry proper now, making this a budget-friendly dish.
• Versatile: Swap out the veggies for no matter you may have readily available, serve over noodles or white rice as an alternative of brown, or change the protein to one thing like tempeh or a store-bought meat different. Considered one of my favourite issues about this recipe is how customizable it’s!

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🥘 Components

This tofu candy and bitter recipe comprises healthful easy substances so you possibly can be ok with cooking it for your loved ones. If that is your first time making an attempt tofu, I guess you’ll find it irresistible and begin on the lookout for extra tofu recipes after this!

• Tofu: I like to recommend additional agency tofu as a result of it has the perfect meaty texture. If yow will discover tremendous agency tofu that comes vacuum-sealed (as an alternative of packed in a bath of water), you don’t even must press it! I don’t suggest silken tofu or mushy tofu on this recipe.
• Onion, Garlic And Ginger: These aromatics add tons of taste to this candy and bitter tofu! You need to use a crimson or yellow onion.
• Veggies: I used crimson bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, and bok choy — however you should use any veggies you may have readily available!
• Pineapple: Optionally available, however I really like the feel of it on this stir fry and it provides to the candy and bitter really feel of this recipe!
• Olive Oil, Salt To Style: Important for any dish!
• Inexperienced Onions: For garnish and crunch. You may also use toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful crunchy and nutty taste.
• Sauce Components: You’ll want lemon juice, soy sauce, some kind of sweetener (honey, agave, maple syrup, brown sugar or coconut sugar), candy chili sauce, cornstarch and water.
• Brown Rice: I exploit about 1/4 cup of cooked brown rice per serving — it’s a terrific accompaniment to this dish!

🍲 Ingredient Substitutions

• Tofu: If you happen to can’t discover additional agency tofu by you or don’t prefer it, tempeh or a store-bought meat different will work effectively on this candy and bitter sauce tofu recipe. I like to recommend steaming tempeh earlier than utilizing it. If you happen to bought a meat different, put together in accordance with package deal instructions and add to the stir fry close to the tip of the cooking course of.
• Onion, Garlic, And Ginger: If you happen to’re desirous to skip a couple of steps, you should use garlic powder, onion powder, and floor ginger for those who want. The flavour can be barely totally different however it would nonetheless style good. Add these to the sauce substances for those who select to make this substitution.
• Pineapple: Be happy to go away this out, however I like to recommend you embody it for those who can! Recent pineapple is finest to create the candy and tangy pineapple sauce, but when it’s good to use canned pineapple chunks, simply get the type packed in pineapple juice, not syrup.
• Olive Oil: Vegetable oil additionally works. I don’t suggest utilizing sesame oil instead of the olive oil, however you possibly can undoubtedly add a small quantity (a few teaspoon) to the sauce if you need a nuttier taste.
• Lemon Juice: Acid in some kind is crucial to the bitter taste a part of candy and bitter sauce. Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar work effectively instead of lemon juice. White vinegar is usually a little too bitter for this dish.
• Soy Sauce: I used common soy sauce on this recipe, however lowered sodium soy sauce works effectively too. Alternatively, coconut aminos are a terrific decrease sodium choice however understand that they’ve a barely candy taste that may have an effect on the sauce. If you need a stronger soy sauce taste, attempt darkish soy sauce.
• Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder is a good substitute for cornstarch. Rice flour or tapioca starch additionally work.
• Brown Rice: If you happen to don’t love brown rice, white rice and even quinoa will work tremendous too.

🔪 How To Make Candy And Bitter Tofu

There’s a couple of totally different elements to this scrumptious simple candy and bitter tofu recipe, however there’s a variety of methods to save lots of time. Preserve studying for my favourite ideas and methods!

How To Put together Tofu

Drain The Water: Take away the tofu from the package deal and drain the water. Then, it’s good to take away as a lot of the water as doable in order that the tofu cooks up good and agency (soggy tofu isn’t good).

Press The Tofu: That’s why I like to recommend shopping for additional agency tofu to start out, so that you’ll have already got among the work accomplished for you. To take away the water, you possibly can both let the block of tofu relaxation on a plate on a paper towel, press it with two heavy pans and paper towels, or use a tofu press. Typically I put the tofu between two small chopping boards and put a heavy weight on high of the tofu (like a kettlebell!) to assist encourage the water to empty.

Save Time: Don’t need to press tofu? Vacuum-packed additional agency tofu (generally labeled tremendous agency tofu or excessive protein tofu) will prevent on prep time as a result of it’s pre-pressed and the surplus water is already eliminated!

How To Make Tofu Crispy

Reduce The Tofu: Reduce the tofu in half, and if wanted, place every half in 2 clear paper towels one after the other and gently press/squeeze to take away extra saved liquid (with out breaking apart the tofu). Upon getting eliminated the water, lower the tofu into ½-inch cubes.

Add To A Massive Skillet: Add the pressed tofu to the massive pan (give a bit of respiration room in between every tofu dice) and pan fry on medium warmth with half a tablespoon of olive oil and a pair sprays of olive oil cooking spray on high of the tofu.

Prepare dinner The Tofu: Combine and switch steadily (each 2-3 minutes) till all of the water is burned off and the tofu is flippantly golden brown on most sides (make certain to not burn the tofu). I like to recommend not doing the rest whereas the tofu cooks simply because it does prepare dinner shortly (additionally be sure that your range is ready to medium warmth, not medium-high warmth). If you happen to discover that the tofu is sticking to the pan, add a bit of extra olive oil cooking spray. Put aside your crispy tofu cubes.

How To Stir Fry The Veggies

Prepare dinner The Garlic and Ginger: In a big non-stick frying pan or (or a big wok), warmth 1 ½ tablespoons of oil on medium warmth. Add the contemporary garlic and ginger and fry for about 10-15 seconds till aromatic.

Prepare dinner The Veggies: Add the onions, mushrooms, bell pepper, and broccoli and toss to mix. Combine steadily and sauté till all of the greens are cooked and tender, but nonetheless stay crispy. Notice that every one the water launched from cooking the mushrooms ought to burn off whereas sautéing the greens. You probably have an excessive amount of water, you possibly can let it prepare dinner off a bit or you possibly can drain the water, utilizing tongs to maintain the veggies within the pan. Within the meantime, put together the candy and bitter sauce.

To Put together The Sauce

Combine All Components: Whisk all of the sauce substances in a small bowl till all of the cornstarch has dissolved. Add roughly candy chili sauce relying in your desire of spice. Style the sauce previous to including it to the dish to ensure you have the correct amount of sweetness and saltiness.

Closing Steps

Add The Cooked Tofu and Sauce: As soon as the greens are tender and crispy, flip the warmth right down to medium-low. Add the pan-fried tofu to the greens. Slowly add the sauce and toss with the greens and tofu. After a few minute, add the pineapple chunks and chopped bok choy.

Prepare dinner On Medium Low, Then Serve: Combine slowly on medium-low warmth till the sauce begins to thicken and coat the greens and tofu. Be certain to not burn off all of the sauce (this could solely take 5-10 minutes). If for some cause you may have an excessive amount of liquid, you possibly can sprinkle in a tiny bit extra cornstarch (attempt ¼ to ½ teaspoon as little goes a great distance). Flip off the warmth and add the chopped inexperienced onions. Toss as soon as extra and serve sizzling on a contemporary mattress of rice.

💭 Professional Ideas

• Use Totally different Veggies: Be happy to substitute in numerous veggies primarily based in your tastes and what you may have readily available. Simply watch the prepare dinner time, as firmer veggies might want to prepare dinner longer and softer veggies (like zucchini or squash) will prepare dinner a lot quicker!
• Reduce Veggies Constantly: Attempt to lower your veggies in comparable sized items in order that they prepare dinner evenly.
• Press Extra Water From Tofu: You’ll want to get out all the additional moisture from the tofu. It is going to crisp up higher when the surplus moisture has been eliminated.
• Pay Consideration Whereas Cooking Tofu: I like to recommend babysitting the pan of tofu whereas it cooks. You’ll need to flip the tofu typically to maintain it from burning, so maintain. I particularly suggest staying by the pan if that is your first time cooking tofu.
• Don’t Overcook It: It’s essential to not overcook the sauce, tofu, and veggies collectively. The sauce will scale back and burn off shortly for those who don’t control it. Stir steadily!
• Strive Freezing Your Tofu In Advance: Freeze your tofu (within the unopened package deal) in a single day (or longer, as much as 3 months) and thaw within the fridge absolutely. Drain and press as instructed. This technique of freezing the tofu and thawing it may change the feel of the tofu, making it meatier and chewier (and helps it crisp up much more). You’ll be able to freeze and thaw it twice for much more of a chewy and meaty texture for those who like.
• Add Extra Sweetener If You Desire: Whereas every part is cooking down, rigorously style a little bit of the sauce. Not candy sufficient for you? Add a splash extra and stir effectively.

📖 Variations 

• Candy And Bitter Tempeh: Steam your tempeh block for 10 minutes, then lower into ½-inch cubes. Pan fry as directed (the identical because the tofu) till flippantly golden brown. Proceed with the recipe or serve immediately on high of cooked veggies.
• Candy And Bitter Veggies: If you happen to simply need the veggies, you possibly can skip the entire tofu part and simply observe the remainder of the recipe to make a candy and bitter stir fry.
• Candy And Bitter Cauliflower: Equally, you possibly can make cauliflower the star of the dish as an alternative of tofu. Cauliflower simply takes on the flavors of the opposite substances, and you’ll pan fry or roast it (much like tofu) to offer it that meaty texture.
• Candy And Bitter Sauce With Tomato: Many candy and bitter sauces include a tomato taste. Some people accomplish this with tomato paste, tomato puree, or tomato sauce. I like my home made sauce with out that, however you’re welcome to attempt including a bit of and tasting till you get a sauce you like.

🍽 Serving Strategies

Serve this simple candy and bitter tofu as a wholesome and hearty foremost. Listed here are a couple of of my favourite pairings:

• With Rice: This candy and bitter tofu recipe is paired with brown rice, however white rice can also be scrumptious right here and could also be most popular by children or choosy eaters. You can additionally attempt it with fried rice like my tofu fried rice for a enjoyable Chinese language meals night time.
• With Noodles: Strive rice noodles, buckwheat/soba noodles, or your favourite noodles with this dish.
• With Cauliflower Rice Or Zucchini Noodles: If you happen to’re watching your carbs, attempt cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles for simple wholesome consuming. For extra protein, serve it with my stress cooker quinoa.
• A Fancy Presentation: Need to impress your folks? Serve the candy and bitter tofu in two hollowed out pineapple halves (lower the pineapple in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh). Drizzle on additional candy and bitter sauce and high with finely sliced inexperienced onions and toasted sesame seeds.
• For Youngsters: Most youngsters love every part about this candy and bitter tofu. With the items of pineapple, the tangy sauce, and the general sweetness within the dish, it’s fairly irresistible. Every now and then, you should have a kiddo that isn’t an enormous fan, nevertheless it’s normally as a result of she or he doesn’t like a variety of greens. In that case, I like to recommend both chopping up the veggies tremendous small in order that they don’t actually discover it, or serving them the tofu + brown rice and giving them a style of the veggies on the aspect. You’ll be able to at all times make the sauce in a small saucepan to simply add sauce for the adults.

🙌 Dietary Diversifications

• Gluten-Free Possibility: To make this recipe gluten-free, use licensed gluten-free tofu and substitute gluten-free tamari for the soy sauce. 
• Vegan Possibility: To make sure this scrumptious recipe is vegan-friendly, use agave or coconut sugar as an alternative of honey.

🫙 Storage Instructions

Right here is how one can retailer and maintain this candy and bitter tofu:

• Refrigerating: Enable the candy and bitter tofu to chill to room temperature, then place in an hermetic container (a big bowl with plastic wrap works) and retailer within the fridge for as much as 5 days. I don’t suggest freezing this recipe because the tofu will change texture as soon as frozen and reheated.
• Reheating: You’ll be able to reheat this tofu dish within the microwave or on the stovetop in a skillet. Use medium warmth on the stovetop and heat till it’s sizzling. Then function you usually would. 

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