Sweet & sour tofu

This Sweet & Sour Tofu is a comforting, plant-based delight that balances tangy lemon notes with the rich umami of tamari and a touch of honey sweetness. The firm tofu absorbs the marinade deeply, creating tender cubes coated in a glossy, aromatic sauce. Fresh scallions, crisp bell peppers, and earthy mushrooms add wonderful texture and color, while toasted cashews provide a satisfying crunch. It’s a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that feels both rustic and refined. Perfect served over steamed rice, this dish brings a burst of fresh, zesty flavor to your table without overwhelming complexity. Ideal for vegetarians or anyone seeking a lighter, yet deeply satisfying main course.

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Description

This Sweet & Sour Tofu is a comforting, plant-based delight that balances tangy lemon notes with the rich umami of tamari and a touch of honey sweetness. The firm tofu absorbs the marinade deeply, creating tender cubes coated in a glossy, aromatic sauce. Fresh scallions, crisp bell peppers, and earthy mushrooms add wonderful texture and color, while toasted cashews provide a satisfying crunch. It’s a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that feels both rustic and refined. Perfect served over steamed rice, this dish brings a burst of fresh, zesty flavor to your table without overwhelming complexity. Ideal for vegetarians or anyone seeking a lighter, yet deeply satisfying main course.

Ingredients

1 lb. tofu
1/4 c. lemon juice
1/4 c. tamari sauce
6 T. water
1/4 c. tomato paste
2 T. honey
1 tsp. ginger
4 cloves of garlic
8 scallions, minced
1 green & 1 red bell pepper, sliced in strips
1 lb. mushrooms
1 c. toasted cashews

Directions

1
Cut tofu into small cubes; set aside.
2
Combine lemon juice, tamari, water, tomato paste, honey, ginger, and garlic; mix until well blended.
3
Add tofu to this marinade, stir gently, and let marinate for several hours (or overnight).
4
Stir-fry scallions, bell peppers, and mushrooms in 2 tsp. of oil.
5
After several minutes, add tofu with all the marinade.
6
Lower heat, continue to stir-fry until everything is hot and bubbly.
7
Remove from heat and stir in cashews.
8
Serve over rice.

Note

For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

To save time, you can skip the overnight marinade and let the tofu sit for at least 30 minutes.

Use firm or extra-firm tofu for best results so it holds its shape during cooking.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.

Keywords: sweet & sour tofu, vegetarian stir fry, vegan tofu recipe, quick dinner, lemon tamari sauce, healthy main course, plant based meal, cashew stir fry, easy weeknight dinner, gluten free option, soy free tofu, asian inspired, tomato paste sauce, garlic ginger flavor, nutty texture, budget friendly meal, one pan dinner, family friendly recipe, protein rich dinner

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/sweet-sour-tofu/