Mango Tofu
If you’ve never tried pairing sweet and juicy mango with crispy bites of tofu, this sweet and saucy Mango Tofu will change the way you think about cooking with fruit! A perfect 30-minute meal that’s protein rich. Tropical vibes included.
Jump to RecipeWatch how to make Mango Tofu on my YouTube channel, plus another awesome recipe, Gochujang Tofu!
Ingredients & Inspiration
I know there are people out there who feel strongly about not mixing fruit with savoury dishes… and to them I say you need to expand your culinary horizons. Mango Tofu offers a comparable experience to Chinese takeout dishes like Orange Chicken, or Sweet and Sour Pork, but 100% plant-based and made with mangoes. So, same same, right?
Sweet, savoury, tangy, and a little bit spicy, this Mango Tofu will totally blow up your perception of tofu being bland and boring!
Here’s what you need to make this EPIC tofu recipe:
- extra firm tofu: offers the ‘meatiest’ texture and crisps up beautifully in the air fryer
- ripe, juicy mangoes: the tropical superstar of the show
- maple syrup or agave: to balance out the saltiness
- soy sauce or tamari: for salty and umami flavour
- lime juice and zest: for a bright, citrusy punch
- raw ginger: for spice and warm, subtle heat
- garlic: ’cause it’s life-giving
- green onions: fresh and flavourful
- red chili flakes: for a kiss of spice
- cornstarch: this will help the tofu crisp up in the air fryer
- a touch of oil: for air frying
- sesame seeds: a roasty, crunchy garnish
How to Make Mango Tofu
The recipe for Mango Tofu is essentially a 2-part series: air fry the tofu and whip up the mango sauce on the stove.
- Add the tofu to a large bowl and toss with the oil. Then add the cornstarch and toss once more to combine. Spread tofu into an even layer and air fry at 400°F for 22 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile make the mango sauce: Cut the mango into chunks and set aside in a bowl. Whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice and zest, water, chili flakes and cornstarch until well combined.
- In a large skillet warm the oil over medium heat and sauté the ginger, garlic and the white parts of the green onions for 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant and softened. Then add in the mango chunks and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it’s reached your desired thickness. Fold in the crispy air fried tofu and toss until completely coated in the mango sauce. Turn heat to low and let the tofu heat through for 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, sprinkle with remaining green parts of the green onions, sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve over rice with steamed veggies of choice and enjoy!
This Tofu Tangoes with Mangoes
Mango lovers, prepare yourself for your new favourite way to cook with mangoes! Mango Tofu is a saucy, sweet dream that will make weeknight meals feel like a tropical breeze. It’s totally meal prep-friendly, so feel free to double or triple this recipe to keep in your fridge for up to 5 days!
If you enjoyed this recipe you might also like my Sesame Ginger Tofu, Hawaiian BBQ Tofu, or my Gochujang Tofu!
Lastly, if you made any of these recipes and decide to share them on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @SteamyVegan and use hashtag #SteamyVegan! I seriously love seeing what you’re cooking up! Plus make sure to check me out on YouTube — I have HUNDREDS of videos to give you limitless plant-based inspiration!
Mango Tofu
Ingredients
Method
- Add the tofu to a large bowl and toss with the oil. Then add the cornstarch and toss once more to combine. Spread tofu into an even layer and air fry at 400F for 22 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile make the mango sauce: Cut the mango into chunks and set aside in a bowl. Whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice and zest, water, chili flakes and cornstarch until well combined.
- In a large skillet warm the oil over medium heat and sauté the ginger, garlic and the white parts of the green onions for 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant and softened. Then add in the mango chunks and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it’s reached your desired thickness. Fold in the crispy air fried tofu and toss until completely coated in the mango sauce. Turn heat to low and let the tofu heat through for 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, sprinkle with remaining green parts of the green onions, sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve over rice with steamed veggies of choice and enjoy!
