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–+ servings

Sweet & Sour Tofu with Corn Dinner Recipe

This vibrant and tangy dinner recipe features crispy tofu paired with sweet corn and juicy tomatoes, brought together with a flavorful sweet and sour sauce.
It's a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a balance of freshness, spice, and texture.
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Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian-Inspired, Fusion
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Microplane or grater for garlic and ginger
  • 12-inch skillet or frying pan

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce:

  • 4 large garlic cloves grated or minced
  • 2 small jalapeño or serrano chiles or 1 Thai bird chile, seeds and veins removed (adjust heat level)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice plus more to taste
  • 1 ½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Asian fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 2 tablespoons peanut or grapeseed oil plus more as needed
  • 1 package 14–16 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained, patted dry, and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Fine sea salt for sprinkling
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels from 2–3 ears or frozen corn (not thawed)
  • 3 scallions white and green parts, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved

For Serving:

  • Toasted sesame seeds see notes below
  • Fresh cilantro or basil

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Sauce: Combine the grated garlic, chiles, soy sauce, fresh ginger, lime juice, sesame oil, fish sauce, and honey in a small mixing bowl. Stir well to ensure all the flavors are blended together.
  • Cook the Tofu: Preheat a large skillet (12-inch) over high heat for about 5 minutes until very hot. Pour in the peanut or grapeseed oil and let it heat up for about 30 seconds. Carefully place the tofu cubes in the skillet and let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip the tofu and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once golden on all sides, transfer the tofu to a plate, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, and set aside.
  • Cook the Vegetables: Add the corn, scallions, and cherry tomatoes to the same skillet. If needed, drizzle in a bit more oil to prevent sticking. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 1–2 minutes, just until they begin to soften. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stir everything together, and let it cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
  • Finish and Serve: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat it evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top, and garnish with fresh cilantro or basil. Serve immediately for a vibrant, flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Toasting Sesame Seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Add sesame seeds and stir until fragrant, 1–2 minutes. Cool before serving.
  • Adjust the heat by omitting or reducing the chiles if desired.
  • This recipe works well as a side or can be paired with rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
Keyword corn and tofu stir-fry, dinner recipe, healthy dinner recipes with tofu, quick vegetarian dinner ideas, sweet and sour tofu recipe, tofu dinner recipe
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