Sweet and Sour Vegetable Recipe with Tofu & Brown Rice
Looking for a wholesome, vibrant, and quick weeknight dinner thatโs full of flavor and nutrition? Look no further than this Sweet and Sour Vegetable Recipe with Tofu & Brown Rice. This dish offers a delightful mix of tofu, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sweet and sour sauce, all served over fluffy brown rice. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its healthy and simple ingredients but also in its ease of preparation. In under 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying and delicious meal thatโs perfect for a busy weekday.
Cuisine: Asian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tofu | 250 grams, cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Onion | 1, thinly sliced |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 2, julienned |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, thinly sliced |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1, thinly sliced |
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 4, finely chopped with leaves |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece, thinly sliced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, finely chopped |
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Tamarind Paste | 1/4 cup |
| Paprika Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns (freshly ground) | 1 teaspoon |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 2 tablespoons |
| Basil Leaves | 5 leaves |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce
Begin by preparing the tangy, flavorful sauce that brings this dish to life. In a small bowl, combine the tamarind paste, soy sauce, paprika powder, ground black pepper, brown sugar, and basil leaves. Add 1 cup of water to the mixture and whisk it all together until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Set this mixture aside to use later. -
Cook the Aromatics
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the spring onions, ginger, and garlic. Stir fry for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and the aroma to develop. Once the onions have become tender, pour in the sauce mixture that you prepared earlier. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently while you prepare the vegetables. -
Fry the Tofu
In a wok or large skillet, heat another teaspoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and pan-fry them until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the tofu from the wok and set it aside. -
Cook the Vegetables
In the same wok, add the carrots, green bell peppers, and dry red chilli. Season with a pinch of salt and stir fry on high heat for about 3-4 minutes. The vegetables should be slightly tender but still crisp. This ensures they retain their flavor and texture in the final dish. -
Combine the Sauce and Vegetables
Once the vegetables are ready, pour the simmering sweet and sour sauce into the wok. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the sauce. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle boil, then add the crispy tofu to the wok. Stir everything together to combine and heat through. -
Serve the Dish
Turn off the heat and transfer the tofu and vegetable mixture to a serving bowl. Serve this delicious sweet and sour tofu vegetable stir-fry over freshly prepared, hot steamed brown rice.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with Vietnamese Style Vegetarian Spring Rolls served with a Peanut Dipping Sauce, which complements the tangy and savory flavors of the sweet and sour tofu and vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
This Sweet and Sour Vegetable Recipe with Tofu & Brown Rice is the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a healthy vegetarian dish, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Enjoy the satisfying combination of crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more!
