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Lemon Tofu Chinese Style Sweet and Sour Tofu

Bring a ray of refreshing sunshine to your dining table or lunch box with this vibrant, uplifting, and flavorful lemon tofu! The air-fried tofu puffs are lavishly coated in a sweet, sour, and sticky sauce. The entire dish is gluten-free and high in complete protein!

Tofu is an excellent source of complete protein, which contains all the essential amino acids that our body needs and can't produce itself. It's also rice in many minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, and in vitamins B1, B2, and B6. Some studies also suggest that tofu may help lower the risk of heart disease, improve bone health, and reduce the risk of certain cancers. I can go on and on about my love for tofu for days, literally, and I will fight any pseudo "science" claims that soy is "bad" for you.

There are endless ways you can prepare tofu, it is an excellent "blank canvas" because of its mild flavor and tender texture. This lemon sauce is reminiscent of lemon chicken, it packs such a punch of flavors, the classic combo of sweet and sour, with a hint of umami and savory.

This recipe is super beginner friendly and comes together quickly, pair it with some steamy white rice and toss some veggies on the side you'll get a quick and easy meal that's way better than takeout!


INGREDIENTS:

16 oz. extra firm tofu

2 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch

2 scallion, chopped

3 - 4 garlic cloves, minced

White sesame

Avocado oil for cooking


For the Sauce -

1/2 lemon, juiced

Zest from 1 lemon

2 teaspoon maple syrup

1 tablespoon soy sauce (use Tamari sauce for Gluten-Free)

1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 tablespoon coconut amino

3/4 arrowroot powder or cornstarch

2 tablespoon water


TO MAKE:

- Drain the tofu and pat dry, cut it into 1/2 inch slices, then into cubes or cut out any shapes you like! I used a small flower cookie cutter; 

- Toss the tofu cubes in the arrowroot powder until fully coated on all sides;

- Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket or rack and spray with avocado oil;

- Air fry at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping the tofu cubes halfway through, until golden and crispy;

- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by mixing together all the sauce ingredients;

- In a nonstick pan, heat a small drizzle of oil and saute the scallion and garlic for 1 minute or so till aromatic;

- Once the tofu is done, transfer them into the pan, slowly pour in the sauce; 

- Immediately lower the heat so the sauce doesn't burn, stir and coat all the tofu cubes and let the sauce thicken to your preferred consistency;

- Serve immediately, garnished with some fresh chopped scallion greens, white sesame, and more lemon zest, enjoy! 


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