General Tso's Tofu is a vegan twist on the classic dish, featuring sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Crispy tofu stir-fried in savory General Tso Sauce makes it a perfect meatless meal, great with rice or noodles for lunch or dinner.
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.
Notes
Tips for Perfect General Tso's Tofu:
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.