General Tso’s Tofu is a delightful vegan variation of the popular Chinese-American dish, General Tso’s Chicken. If you are interested in the history of the General Tso’s Chicken and how it compares to Orange Chicken and Sesame Chicken, check out my post.
This mouthwatering tofu creation offers a flavorful and protein-rich alternative for those who follow a plant-based diet. Bursting with savory and tangy flavors, General Tso’s Tofu has gained a significant following among both tofu enthusiasts and those seeking healthier dining options.
To create General Tso’s Tofu, you’ll need firm tofu, a flavorful sauce, and some veggies.
If you follow Weight Watchers, this recipe costs 3 points per serving!
Why You Should Try This General Tso’s Tofu Recipe
- Delicious flavor. General Tso’s Tofu is known for its bold and savory flavors. The combination of crispy tofu, tangy sauce, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
- Health benefits. Tofu is low in calories and contains no cholesterol. It is also a good source of iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients. By opting for General Tso’s Tofu instead of the traditional chicken version, you can enjoy a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
General Tso’s Tofu can be easily customized to accommodate various dietary restrictions or allergies. By making the dish at home, you have control over the ingredients and can substitute or omit any items that may cause allergies or sensitivities.
- Cooking creativity. Trying out new recipes and exploring different cuisines can be a fun and creative experience. General Tso’s Tofu allows you to experiment with flavors and textures, and you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences by adjusting the spice level or adding additional vegetables.
General Tso’s Tofu Recipe Overview
Prep time: 10 min
Cooking time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients in General Tso’s Tofu
- 1 (16-ounce) block of firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 tbsp vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp red chilli flakes
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Fresh chives, optional
How to Make General Tso’s Tofu (step by step)
- Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and coat them in cornstarch.
- Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over a medium-high flame and fry the tofu until golden and crispy.
- Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until aromatic.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisking until well blended.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the garlic and stir well. Return the tofu to the skillet and coat it with the sauce.
- Cook for a few more minutes until the tofu is heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh chives. Serve General Tso’s Tofu over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition facts:
Serving: 161g | Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 15.9g | Protein: 12.7g | Fat: 10.5g | Saturated Fat: 1.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6.5g | Sodium: 708mg | Potassium: 215mg | Fiber: 0.6g | Sugar: 9.4g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 209mg | Iron: 2.5mg
General Tso’s Tofu Variations/Substitutions
- Instead of deep-frying the tofu, you can bake it in the oven or air fry it for a healthier alternative.
- Substitute General Tso’s sauce with a tangy and citrusy orange sauce. Combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey or agave syrup, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a zesty twist.
- Replace the spicy sauce with a classic sweet and sour sauce made from vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Adjust the flavors to your liking.
- Add a variety of vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Stir-fry them along with the tofu for added flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a different protein source, you can substitute tofu with seitan, tempeh, or even cooked chickpeas for a unique twist.
- To make the dish gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat the tofu.
- Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds or almonds on top of the dish for added nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- Garnish the General Tso’s Tofu with chopped cilantro, green onions, or Thai basil for a burst of freshness.
- Pair General Tso’s Tofu with steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips and Tricks
- Opt for firm or extra-firm tofu, as it holds its shape better and has a great texture when fried. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles. Gently press the tofu between paper towels or kitchen towels to remove moisture. You can also wrap it in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for about 20 minutes to further remove moisture.
- Before frying, lightly dust the tofu pieces with cornstarch or all-purpose flour. This will create a crispy outer layer when fried. Shake off any excess coating to prevent clumping. Add the tofu pieces in small batches to prevent overcrowding the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Transfer the fried tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can thicken the sauce with a slurry (simply combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl). Gently toss the tofu until it’s well coated with the sauce. This ensures that each piece of tofu absorbs the flavors.
- Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions on top of General Tso’s Tofu for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level, sweetness, or tanginess of the sauce according to your preference. You can add more chili flakes for heat, agave or maple syrup for sweetness, or additional vinegar for tang.
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Vegan Pho: A Plant-Based Twist on a Vietnamese Classic
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General Tso’s Tofu
Ingredients
- 16 oz block of extra firm tofu, drained
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 tbsp vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- fresh chives, optional
Instructions
- Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and coat them in cornstarch.
- Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over a medium-high flame and fry the tofu until golden and crispy.
- Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until aromatic.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisking until well blended.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the garlic and stir well. Return the tofu to the skillet and coat it with the sauce.
- Cook for a few more minutes until the tofu is heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh chives. Serve General Tso’s Tofu over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
