📖 Instructions

1. First, lets prepare the tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water. This is a crucial step to ensure it gets nice and crispy when stir-fried. Wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top (like a cast-iron skillet or a stack of books) for at least 30 minutes. The dryer the better!
2. While the tofu is pressing, let's make the sweet and sour sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar (or honey), cornstarch, ginger, and garlic. Set it aside for now. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Mmm, a little spice never hurts!
3. Now, chop the pineapple into bite-sized chunks. If you're using fresh pineapple, be sure to remove the core. Also, chop any other vegetables you want to add to the stir-fry, like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli. Preparing everything in advance will make the cooking process much smoother.
4. Cut the pressed tofu into cubes. In a large bowl, toss the tofu with a tablespoon of cornstarch. This will help it crisp up beautifully when cooked. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
5. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works well). Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped vegetables (if using) to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. Keep them moving so they don't burn.
7. Pour the sweet and sour sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. This should only take a minute or two. The cornstarch in the sauce will work its magic to create that glossy, delicious glaze.
8. Add the crispy tofu and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9. Serve the Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry with Pineapple over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy this sweet, tangy, and satisfying dish! Serve hot and fresh.