VEGAN Sticky sweet and sour crispy tofu

2 lovely people in Cornwall suggested I try recreate sweet and sour tofu and I am SO glad they did because this is gorgeous. It feels like a treat but it is fresh, high protein and super speedy.

NB: I used an air fryer to make my tofu, but I’ve done the recipe below with and without the air fryer! If you are using an air fryer, 20 minutes on 200 and sprinkle the leftover crunchy breadcrumbs over the top at the end, trust me.

Ingredients:

If using an Air Fryer:

• 1 block extra firm tofu

• 2 slices stale bread of your choice (I used sourdough)

• 1/2tsp garlic salt

• 2tbsp olive oil

If not using an Air Fryer:

• Breaded tofu chunks

Sauce:

• 1/2 white onion

• 1/2 red pepper

• 1/2 green pepper

• 1 clove garlic

• Small punnet fresh pineapple (80g)

• 1tbsp tomato ketchup

• 1tbso red wine vinegar

• 1tsp balsamic vinegar

• 1tsp light soy sauce

• 1tsp sesame oil (for frying)

• 1 pouch microwave rice

Method:

If using an Air Fryer:

1. Cut your tofu into cubes.

2. Blitz your stale bread, garlic salt and paprika in a blender until it resembles breadcrumbs (if there are some chunky bits then that's good, these will go crunchy in the Air Fryer).

3. Coat your tofu in oil, cover it in the breadcrumbs, then coat it in oil again (top tip: it may not stick that well, but persevere and still add the breadcrumbs to make some crunchy bits)

4. Pop them in the Air fry for 20 minutes on 200 degrees. Take out and shake them after 10 minutes.

Now start making the sauce (see below).

If not using an Air Fryer:

• Pop your breaded tofu chunks in the oven and cook according to packet instructions.

Sauce:

1. Roughly chop your onion, peel and mince your garlic and chop your peppers into chunks.

2. Pop a frying pan over a medium-high heat and add 1tsp sesame oil. Throw your peppers, onions and garlic in. Fry them for about 6-8 minutes.

3. Add your pineapple, soy sauce, ketchup, balsamic vinegar and red wine vinegar along with about 50ml of water.

4. Allow it to reduce slightly for about 2 minutes (keep stirring it!)

5. Then, add your tofu back in and stir.

6. Throw your rice into the microwave, put it into a bowl and top with your sweet, sticky and sour tofu and any crispy breadcrumbs you have left. Enjoy!

Love, Soph x

I hope you love this recipe. Please let me know if you make it and tag me/send me any pictures of your creations! (@slaudus_eats) Feedback is always appreciated!