Crispy Baked Sweet and Sour Tofu Delight
Discover the perfect blend of crispy and tangy with this delectable baked Sweet and Sour Tofu Delight. Inspired by a memorable dining experience in Toronto, this dish captures the essence of Southern Fried Tofu without the extra grease. By baking instead of frying, we've created a healthier version that still satisfies your cravings for a crunchy exterior and a vibrant, sticky sauce. Ideal for family dinners or a cozy night in, this recipe is both kid-friendly and adult-approved, making it a delicious addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures with every delightful bite!
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Firm tofu
1 (425 g, pressed and sliced)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Wheat germ
1/4 (cup)
Fine breadcrumbs
1 (tablespoon)
Flour
1 (tablespoon)
Seasoned rice vinegar
3 1/2 (tablespoons)
Water
1/4 (cup)
Sugar
2 1/2 (tablespoons)
Light soy sauce
1 (tablespoon)
Molasses
1 (teaspoon)
Ginger powder
1/4 (teaspoon)
Salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Cornstarch
1 (tablespoon mixed with 1 1/2 tbsp water)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the tofu from its package. Place the block between layers of paper towels or a clean tea towel, then set a moderately heavy book on top to press out excess moisture. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
2
After pressing, slice the tofu into 9 equal pieces. Then, cut each slice in half to create 18 bite-sized rectangles.
3
In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix it with a splash of water. Set this mixture aside.
4
In another bowl, combine the wheat germ, fine breadcrumbs, and flour to form the crumb mixture. Set aside.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray or a light layer of oil.
6
Take each piece of tofu and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Next, gently press the tofu into the crumb mixture to ensure each piece is well covered. Arrange the coated tofu pieces evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
7
Bake the tofu in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through to achieve an even crisp.
8
While the tofu is baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the seasoned rice vinegar, water, sugar, light soy sauce, molasses, ginger powder, and salt. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves.
9
Once it comes to a gentle simmer, add the cornstarch and water mixture. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens to a sticky consistency, then remove from heat and set aside.
10
After the tofu has finished baking, remove it from the oven. Pour the thickened sauce over the crispy tofu and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly. If preferred, use a spoon to drizzle the sauce over the tofu.
11
Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and serve warm, enjoying the delightful flavors both as a main dish or a delectable side!
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein source in this recipe?
The main protein source is 425 grams of firm tofu.
How many calories are in a serving of this tofu dish?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The tofu should be baked at 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake the tofu?
The tofu takes 30 minutes to bake, flipping halfway through.
How do I prepare the tofu before coating it?
You should press the tofu for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture and then slice it into 18 bite-sized rectangles.
What is in the crumb mixture?
The coating consists of wheat germ, fine breadcrumbs, and flour.
What ingredients make up the sweet and sour sauce?
The sauce is made from seasoned rice vinegar, water, sugar, light soy sauce, molasses, ginger powder, salt, and cornstarch.
How do I thicken the sweet and sour sauce?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1.5 tablespoons of water and whisk it into the simmering sauce mixture.
Is this recipe fried or baked?
This is a healthier baked version of sweet and sour tofu, inspired by Southern Fried Tofu.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provide 6.25g of protein per serving.
What are the fat and carbohydrate counts?
The dish contains 2.5g of fat and 15g of carbohydrates.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
While the recipe calls for an egg, you can use a vegan egg substitute to make it fully vegan.
What garnish is suggested for this dish?
A sprinkle of sesame seeds is recommended to finish the dish.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for seasoned rice vinegar.
How many pieces of tofu should I have after slicing?
You should have 18 bite-sized rectangles.
What gives the sauce its dark color and depth?
A teaspoon of molasses is used to add depth and color to the sauce.
How much fiber is in one serving?
There is 1.25g of fiber per serving.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 13 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a kid-friendly and family-friendly recipe.
How do I ensure the tofu is evenly crispy?
By flipping the tofu pieces halfway through the 30-minute baking time.
What type of soy sauce is required?
The recipe calls for light soy sauce.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as either a main dish or a side dish.
How long should I press the tofu?
The tofu should be pressed for about 30 minutes.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
Combine the vinegar, water, sugar, soy sauce, molasses, ginger, and salt in a saucepan and whisk over medium heat.
Is there a gluten-free option?
The tags indicate a gluten-free option is possible, likely by substituting the flour and breadcrumbs with GF alternatives.
What texture does the wheat germ provide?
The wheat germ combined with breadcrumbs creates a crunchy exterior for the tofu.
How do I apply the sauce to the tofu?
You can either pour the thickened sauce over the tofu and toss gently or drizzle it over with a spoon.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
It was inspired by a memorable dining experience in Toronto.
What equipment is needed to bake the tofu?
A large baking sheet greased with cooking spray or a light layer of oil.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size is not listed, but the recipe utilizes 425g of tofu cut into 18 pieces.