General Tso Tofu
If you’re craving a delicious, satisfying meal that’s both hearty and healthy, look no further than General Tso Tofu. This dish is a delightful vegetarian twist on the classic General Tso’s Chicken. With crispy tofu tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, accompanied by vibrant veggies, it’s a dish that will impress even the most skeptical of eaters. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
General Tso Tofu is not just for vegetarians; it captivates everyone it encounters. The crispy tofu paired with the rich sauce offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of the sweetness from the honey (or agave) and the heat from the chili-garlic sauce creates an irresistible balance. Plus, the bright colors from the broccoli and bell pepper make it visually appealing, which is always a bonus at the dinner table!
What Goes Into General Tso Tofu
To get started with General Tso Tofu, gather the following ingredients:
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu, frozen for at least 3 hours if time allows
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (gluten-free if needed, or substitute tamari)
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili-garlic sauce (Sambal Oelek)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (swap light agave nectar to make vegan)
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil (divided)
- 12 ounces broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (about 1 small head)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
- 5 large green onions (or 7 small green onions), white parts (bulbs) removed and cut into 1 ½-inch pieces (about 1 bunch)
- Prepared brown rice for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional for serving)
Prep & Cook Tools
To make your cooking experience smooth, here are some handy tools you’ll need:
- Tofu press or heavy weight (for pressing the tofu)
- Large skillet or wok (for frying and sautéing)
- Mixing bowls (for marinating and mixing sauces)
- Spatula or wooden spoon (for stirring)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accuracy in ingredients)
General Tso Tofu in Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
Start by pressing the tofu. Wrap the frozen tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top to squeeze out excess moisture. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
Step 2: Marinate the Tofu
In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons chili-garlic sauce, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon honey (or agave nectar). Add the cubed tofu to the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Step 3: Coat the Tofu
After marinating, sprinkle 5 tablespoons of cornstarch over the tofu, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This will help achieve that crispy texture when frying.
Step 4: Fry the Tofu
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of canola or grapeseed oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup water, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 1 to 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Set aside.
Step 6: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Add the green onions and cook for an additional minute.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Return the crispy tofu to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir gently to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to heat through.
Step 8: Serve
Serve your General Tso Tofu over prepared brown rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy this flavorful dish with family and friends!
Customize for Your Needs
Feel free to make this dish your own! Here are some ideas for customization:
- Swap out the vegetables: Use snap peas, bell peppers, or even baby corn for variety.
- Adjust the heat: If you like it spicier, add more chili-garlic sauce or fresh chili peppers.
- Add nuts: Toss in some cashews or peanuts for an extra crunch.
- Make it a one-pot meal: Add cooked quinoa or rice directly into the skillet for a complete dish.
If You’re Curious
General Tso Tofu is not only a delicious meal but also a great source of protein, especially when using tofu. Tofu is made from soybeans, which are known for their health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and improving heart health. This dish is great for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld together!
Best Ways to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the tofu and vegetables.
Reader Questions
Can I use non-vegan ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, you can use honey for sweetness, but to keep it vegan, substitute it with light agave nectar or maple syrup.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If you’re out of hoisin sauce, you can create a quick substitute by mixing soy sauce with a bit of sugar, rice vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
Is there a substitute for tofu?
If you’re not a fan of tofu, you can try using tempeh or seitan for a similar texture and protein content.
More from the Kitchen
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and whip up some General Tso Tofu! It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests on the weekend. With its crispy tofu and vibrant veggies, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
General Tso Tofu
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by pressing the tofu. Wrap the frozen tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top to squeeze out excess moisture. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons chili-garlic sauce, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon honey (or agave nectar). Add the cubed tofu to the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- After marinating, sprinkle 5 tablespoons of cornstarch over the tofu, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This will help achieve that crispy texture when frying.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of canola or grapeseed oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup water, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 1 to 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Add the green onions and cook for an additional minute.
- Return the crispy tofu to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir gently to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to heat through.
- Serve your General Tso Tofu over prepared brown rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy this flavorful dish with family and friends!
Notes
- Feel free to swap out vegetables like snap peas or baby corn for variety.
- Add more chili-garlic sauce if you prefer extra heat.
- For added crunch, toss in some cashews or peanuts.
- To save time, consider adding cooked quinoa or rice directly into the skillet.
