General Tso’s Tofu is a vegetarian twist on the popular Chinese takeout dish, General Tso’s Chicken. Made with crispy tofu and a sweet and spicy sauce, this recipe is easy, delicious and healthier than the traditional version.
Ingredients
- 500g firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish and coat each tofu cube in the cornstarch.
- In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and place it on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
- In the same wok or skillet, add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes and water. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the tofu back to the pan and stir until it is coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tofu is heated through.
- Serve with rice and steamed broccoli, and garnish with chopped scallions.
This recipe yields 4 servings and can be prepared in just 40 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 370 calories.
Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute the hoisin sauce with a vegan version or omit it altogether.
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots or snap peas to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking to make the dish more or less spicy.
- Use a different type of protein such as seitan or tempeh instead of tofu.
General Tso’s Tofu is a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional General Tso’s Chicken. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal at home.
FAQ
Can I use chicken instead of tofu for General Tso’s Chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken instead of tofu. Simply cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch in the recipe?
Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch instead of cornstarch. However, the texture and taste may be slightly different.
Can I make General Tso’s Tofu ahead of time?
Yes, you can make General Tso’s Tofu ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop.
Can I freeze General Tso’s Tofu?
Yes, you can freeze General Tso’s Tofu for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely and store it in an airtight container before freezing. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
What type of tofu should I use for General Tso’s Tofu?
We recommend using firm or extra-firm tofu for General Tso’s Tofu. Silken tofu will not hold up as well in the sauce.
Can I use a different type of vinegar in the recipe?
Yes, you can use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar. However, the taste may be slightly different.
Can I add vegetables to General Tso’s Tofu?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to General Tso’s Tofu. Simply sauté the vegetables in the pan before adding the tofu and sauce.
How spicy is General Tso’s Tofu?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or less red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to the sauce. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying the tofu?
Yes, you can use any type of oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
How can I make General Tso’s Tofu gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free. Also, make sure the cornstarch you use is labeled as gluten-free.
