General Tso's Tofu is my vegan take on the classic General Tso's Chicken. It features crispy tofu that's fried until golden and then coated in a tangy, sweet General Tso's sauce. I love how it perfectly balances the flavors—sweet, sour, and just the right kick of spice—making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a delicious meat-free meal.
What You’ll Find On This Page
It pairs wonderfully with all kinds of rice—whether you prefer white, basmati, or brown, jasmine—or even with noodles, making it a flexible option for either lunch or dinner.
Using extra firm tofu and a combination of spices, I aim to recreate the rich, sticky sweetness typically associated with General Tso's Chicken. This tofu version is a tasty alternative that fits well at any meal, perfect for gatherings or simple family meals. It’s always a hit!
Explore More Chinese Recipes!
- Szechuan Chicken
- Szechuan Shrimp
- Kung Pao Shrimp
- Schezwan Fried Rice
- Fried Rice
- Chicken Stir Fry
- Vegetable Stir Fry
Ingredients Overview
To make General Tso's Tofu, you'll need some ingredients that are usually available at most Asian grocery stores. Here’s what to look for:
- Extra Firm Tofu: Choose firm or extra firm tofu for the best texture. Make sure to drain and press out all the water from the tofu to ensure it absorbs the marinade well.
- Spice Powders: Garlic, ginger, and pepper powders form the base of my spice mix for this dish. If you like things a bit spicier, feel free to add chili or paprika powder to taste.
- Flour: A blend of cornstarch and all-purpose flour makes the perfect coating for the tofu. This combination helps to seal in the spices and gives the tofu a nice crunch when fried.
- General Tso's Sauce: The sauce is crucial for that authentic flavor. You’ll need Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and vegetable broth as the main ingredients. I’ll include more specifics on additional ingredients for the sauce in the recipe card below.
How to Make General Tso's Tofu at Home?
Join me as we make General Tso's Tofu with a helpful step-by-step video and photos. We'll start by marinating and frying the tofu for crispiness, then prepare the signature sauce, and finally assemble the dish to create the perfect vegan General Tso's Tofu. Let’s dive in!
Discover More Tofu Recipes:
General Tso's Tofu
Ingredients
For Marinating Tofu
- 1 lb Tofu, extra firm
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Ginger Powder
- ½ tsp Pepper Powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tsp Corn Starch
- 2 tsp All Purpose Flour
For Frying Tofu
- 2 tbsp Oil, neutral cooking oil
For Making General Tso's Sauce
- 2 tbsp. Sesame Oil
- 2 tbsp Ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 7 Dry Red Chili
- 1½ tbsp White Sugar
- 1½ tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Hoisin Sauce
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce, low sodium
- 1½ tbsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 tsp Rice Vinegar
- ½ cup Vegetable Broth
For Cornstarch Slurry
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 3 tbsp Water
For Garnishing
- White Sesame Seeds
- Cilantro, optional
- Spring Onions, optional
Instructions
Marinating Tofu
- In a bowl, combine the cut tofu with garlic, ginger, pepper powder, salt, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly to ensure the tofu is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Frying the Tofu
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the marinated tofu pieces in the pan one at a time, ensuring they don't touch to prevent sticking.
- Fry the tofu, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides, usually about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Once the tofu is golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the pieces from the oil and set them on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps to drain any excess oil and keeps the tofu crispy for when you mix it into the sauce.
Making General Tso's Tofu
- Start by preparing the General Tso's Sauce. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat until it shimmers, then add ginger, garlic, and dry red chili. Sauté until aromatic, releasing their fragrant oils and flavors.
- Add both white and brown sugar, stirring continuously until the sugars caramelize, creating a rich and complex base for the sauce. This step adds depth of flavor and sweetness to balance the heat.
- Pour in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Stir everything together well, allowing the ingredients to meld and create a balanced flavor profile.
- Next, pour in vegetable broth and let the sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and intensify. This simmering step helps to blend the flavors seamlessly and develop a rich, savory sauce.
- To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water as specified in the ingredients list), stirring until the sauce reaches a smooth and velvety consistency. This ensures the sauce coats the tofu evenly, creating a luscious texture.
- Add the fried tofu pieces to the sauce, gently tossing them to ensure they are fully coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Finish by sprinkling white sesame seeds over the dish, adding a nutty aroma and a crunchy texture. Give it one final stir to incorporate the sesame seeds evenly. Your savory and delicious General Tso's Tofu is now ready to be savored and enjoyed!
Serving
- Enjoy this Vegan-Friendly General Tso's Tofu alongside white rice, fried rice, noodles, or your favorite dishes for a satisfying and flavorful lunch or dinner experience.
Save This Recipe!
We'll email you the post link so you can come back later!
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Crispy and Pressed Tofu: To achieve that perfectly crunchy texture, begin by thoroughly draining all the water from the tofu. Next, press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to extract as much moisture as possible. You can use a tofu press or simply place the tofu between paper towels and weigh it down with a heavy object, like a skillet or cans of food. These steps are essential because the drier the tofu, the better it fries up, ensuring the crispiness you want in your cooked dish.
- Homemade Sauce: Making the General Tso's Sauce from scratch ensures a perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and sticky flavors. For a vegan-friendly dish, make sure to use vegan-friendly soy and hoisin sauces. This homemade approach really elevates the overall taste of the dish.
- Sauce Consistency: When preparing the sauce, adjust the thickness to your liking by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry you add. If you prefer a thicker sauce that coats the tofu well, add a bit more slurry towards the end of cooking.
- Adjust the Taste Level: Depending on your preference, you can customize the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of red chili, or by removing the seeds to lower the heat. Additionally, adjust the sweetness to your taste by altering the amount of brown or white sugar. This way, you can tailor the dish to perfectly suit your flavor preferences.
- Frying Methods: In this recipe, I've pan-fried the tofu, but feel free to air fry or bake it for similar results. Each method will still yield delicious tofu.
- Serving Temperature: Tofu can lose its crispiness if left in the sauce for too long. To maintain the texture, toss the tofu in the sauce just before serving. This keeps the outside crispy and the inside succulent.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking for more? Dive into the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine with our collection, from spicy stir-fries to hearty curries. We have something for every taste. Explore our variety of vegetable sides and discover more Chinese and Asian recipes with us!
Serving Storage Suggestions
- Serving: General Tso's Tofu pairs wonderfully with a variety of rice options such as white, basmati, brown, jasmine or even fried rice. It also complements noodles or other side dishes well. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any meal plan.
- Storage: I recommend enjoying General Tso's Tofu warm, right after it’s cooked for the best flavor. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just make sure to use an airtight container to keep the dish fresh and tasty.
Leave a Review