Sweet and Sour 'Fish'

Sweet and Sour 'Fish' is a delightful vegan reinterpretation of a classic Chinese dish, featuring crispy marinated tofu that mimics the texture of fish, enveloped in a vibrant sweet and tangy sauce. This dish is complemented by colorful bell peppers and pineapple, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu - 250 grams
• Cornstarch - 3 tablespoons
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons (for frying)
• Red bell pepper - 1 (sliced)
• Green bell pepper - 1 (sliced)
• Pineapple chunks - 100 grams (canned or fresh)
• Onion - 1 small (sliced)
• Garlic - 2 cloves (minced)
• Ginger - 1 teaspoon (grated)
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons
• Brown sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Ketchup - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth - 100 ml
• Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon (for garnish)
• Spring onions - 1 (sliced, for garnish)

Steps

1. Press the tofu for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
2. In a bowl, coat the tofu cubes with cornstarch evenly.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cornstarch-coated tofu and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add sliced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
5. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and pineapple chunks, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and vegetable broth. Pour this mixture into the pan with the vegetables and stir well.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
8. Add the crispy tofu back into the pan, tossing gently to coat it in the sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.
9. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from tofu, supporting muscle health and repair.
• Contains antioxidants from bell peppers and pineapple, promoting overall health.

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