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Sweet and Sour Tofu

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WHAT’S IN IT

  • 1 block very firm tofu, drained and pressed

  • ½ medium red onion, chopped

  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped

  • ½ cup chopped pineapple

  • 1 T tamari or coconut aminos

  • ½ t garlic powder

  • ¼ t sea salt

  • ¼ t ground black pepper

  • 1/3 cup cornstarch

  • ¼ cup avocado oil

  • 1 green onion, chopped (optional)

  • 1 T sesame seeds

      The Sauce

  • ½ cup coconut sugar

  • ¼ cup ketchup (brand with no high fructose corn syrup)

  • ¼ cup rice or white vinegar

  • ¼ cup filtered water

  • 1 T tamari or coconut aminos

  • 1 t garlic powder

HOW TO MAKE IT

1.     Cut the pressed tofu into one-to-two-inch pieces.

2.     Place tofu and tamari in a medium bowl and toss to coat.

3.     Add the garlic powder, salt, pepper and cornstarch and toss until tofu is well covered.

4.     Heat a large pan or wok over medium high heat.

5.     Add the tofu in batches and toss until crisp (about 5-8 minutes). Remove the tofu.

6.     Lower heat to medium and add the onion, pepper and pineapple.

7.     Cook until the pineapples are lightly browned (about 5 minutes).

8.     In a separate bowl whisk together the sugar, ketchup, vinegar, water, soy sauce, and garlic powder.  Stir together until well combined.

9.     Pour the sauce over the veggies, add back in the tofu, and stir to combine.

10.  Increase heat to medium high and bring to a slight boil, then reduce to a simmer until the sauce has thickened (about 5 minutes).

11.  Remove from heat and top with green onion and sesame seeds. Serve on its own or over brown rice.

WHY IT’S HEALTHY

Bell peppers help to lower cholesterol levels and contain anti-cancer compounds that can help lower the risk of prostate, breast, lung, and colon cancer. Bell peppers are highly beneficial for the brain and can help to strengthen memory and reduce brain fog. Onions are the richest food source of quercetin which is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides.  They are also high in vitamin C, folate, biotin and calcium. Pineapple is a fantastic source of vitamin C and an excellent source the trace mineral manganese, which is an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. Sesame seeds contain substances shown to lower cholesterol, prevent high blood pressure, increase vitamin E supplies, and protect the liver from oxidative damage.

 

Recipe inspired by Jessica Hylton