Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors? Dive into the world of our Crispy Pineapple Tofu Bowl with Sweet and Spicy Orange Sauce! This delightful Asian-inspired recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome meal that can be whipped up in just 45 minutes. Imagine crispy tofu cubes that are bursting with flavor, paired with juicy pineapple and drizzled in a luscious orange sauce. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will impress your family and friends and leave them asking for seconds. Get ready to elevate your dinner game!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the tofu. Press the block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- In a medium bowl, toss the cubed tofu with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sriracha. Ensure the tofu is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the tofu is marinating, prepare the sweet and spicy orange sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
- In another bowl, place 1/4 cup of cornstarch. Once the tofu has marinated, remove the tofu from the marinade and toss it in the cornstarch until all pieces are evenly coated. This will help achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated tofu cubes to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Once the tofu is crispy, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- In the same skillet, add the pineapple chunks and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly caramelized and heated through.
- Next, pour the sweet and spicy orange sauce over the sautéed pineapple and stir to combine. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- To assemble the bowls, start with a base of cooked rice. Top with the crispy tofu and the caramelized pineapple in orange sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Crispy Pineapple Tofu Bowl with Sweet and Spicy Orange Sauce!
Tips
- Pressing Tofu: Don’t rush the pressing process! Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that perfect crispy texture. If you have time, press the tofu for longer to enhance its firmness.
- Marination Magic: Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 10 minutes to soak up the flavors of the soy sauce and sriracha. For an extra flavor boost, you can marinate it longer in the refrigerator.
- Cornstarch Coating: Ensure that the tofu cubes are thoroughly coated in cornstarch. This step is essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior when frying.
- Cooking in Batches: To avoid steaming the tofu, cook it in batches. Overcrowding the pan can trap steam and prevent the tofu from getting crispy.
- Caramelizing Pineapple: When sautéing the pineapple, let it sit for a moment before stirring to allow it to caramelize. This will enhance its natural sweetness and add a delicious depth of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the crispy tofu and pineapple over a bed of fluffy rice, and don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh, zesty finish!
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the orange sauce to your liking. Adding a dash of chili flakes can also elevate the heat for those who enjoy a spicier kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
