General Tso's Tofu offers a delightful vegan twist to the classic General Tso's Chicken, featuring crisp, fried tofu stir-fried in a flavorful General Tso's Sauce. This dish strikes a perfect balance between sweet, sour, and spicy, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a meatless meal option. It pairs exceptionally well with a variety of rice - white, basmati, or brown - and noodles, fitting seamlessly into lunch or dinner menus.
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This authentic Chinese recipe modifies the traditional chicken version, utilizing extra firm tofu and a blend of spices in a rich, sweet, and sticky sauce. While General Tso's Chicken is a global favorite, this tofu variant stands out as a vegan-friendly alternative. Its versatility shines through when served over your favorite rice, noodles, or as part of a larger spread for parties, gatherings, or everyday meals.
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Ingredients Overview
To prepare General Tso's Tofu, you'll need ingredients commonly found in most Asian grocery stores. Let's see what they are!
- Extra Firm Tofu: Opt for firm or extra firm tofu. It's crucial to drain and press out all the water from the tofu before marinating.
- Spice Powders: Garlic, ginger, and pepper powders are my go-to spices for this recipe. Feel free to add chili or paprika powder if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Flour: A mix of cornstarch and all-purpose flour creates an ideal coating for the tofu. This helps to lock in the spices during frying.
- General Tso's Sauce: The key components include Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Additional ingredients for the sauce are detailed in the recipe card.
How to make General Tso's Tofu?
Join me in making General Tso's Tofu, guided by photos and a detailed video. We'll start by marinating and frying the tofu, then prepare the signature sauce, and assemble the dish to create the perfect vegan General Tso's Tofu.
Discover Tofu and Other Vegan Delights:
General Tso's Tofu
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Tofu, extra firm
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Ginger Powder
- ½ tsp Pepper Powder
- Salt, as needed
- 2 tsp Corn Starch
- 2 tsp All Purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp Oil
To make Tso Sauce
- 1 tsp Ginger, minced
- 2 tsp Garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp White Sugar
- 2 tsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 4 Red Chili, dry
- ½ cup Vegetable Broth
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce, low sodium
- 2 tsp Hoisin Sauce
- 2 tbsp. Sesame Oil
- 3 tsp Corn Starch Slurry, 1 tsp corn starch diluted in 3 tsp water
Instructions
To Marinate Tofu
- In a bowl, combine the cut tofu with garlic, ginger, pepper powder, salt, corn starch, and all-purpose flour, mixing thoroughly to ensure the tofu is evenly coated with the seasonings.
To Fry the Tofu
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and carefully place the marinated tofu pieces in it, one by one.
- Fry the tofu pieces until they turn golden brown on both sides.
- Once fried, remove the tofu from the oil and set aside for later use.
To Make General Tso's Tofu
- Start by preparing the General Tso Sauce. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, then add ginger, garlic, and dry red chili. Sauté until aromatic.
- Add both white and brown sugar. Stir continuously until the sugars caramelize, creating a rich base for the sauce.
- Pour in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Stir everything together well.
- Pour in vegetable broth and let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- To thicken the sauce, add a corn starch slurry, stirring until the sauce reaches a smooth consistency.
- Add the fried tofu pieces to the sauce, gently tossing them to ensure they are fully coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Finish off by sprinkling sesame seeds over the dish and giving it one last stir. Your savory and delicious General Tso's Tofu is now ready to be savored and enjoyed!
To Serve
- Enjoy this Vegan-Friendly General Tso's Tofu alongside white rice, fried rice, noodles, or your favorite dishes for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Crispy Tofu: For perfectly crunchy tofu, ensure to drain all the water thoroughly before marinating it with spices and flour. This step is key for achieving that desirable crispiness when fried.
- Frying Methods: While I've pan-fried the tofu in this recipe, feel free to air fry or bake it for similar results. Each method will still yield delicious tofu.
- Homemade Sauce: Crafting the General Tso's Sauce from scratch ensures a perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and sticky flavors. For a vegan-friendly dish, opt for vegan-friendly soy and hoisin sauces. This homemade approach elevates the overall taste of the dish.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
Explore the world of Chinese cuisine through our collection of chicken dishes, blending time-honored flavors with contemporary cooking methods. From spicy stir-fries to hearty curries, our assortment caters to every palate. Experience the true spirit of Asian culinary traditions in each dish.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
- Best Served Warm: General Tso's Tofu is most delightful when enjoyed warm, right after it's prepared.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Use a closed airtight container to maintain the dish's freshness.
- Serving Ideas: This vegan-friendly dish pairs beautifully with a variety of rice options like white, basmati, brown, or fried rice. It also goes well with noodles or other dishes of your choice. The versatility of General Tso's Tofu makes it a great complement to many meal plans.
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