General Tsos Tofu Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, look no further than this General Tsos Tofu Recipe. This dish combines the bold flavors of classic General Tso’s chicken with the hearty texture of tofu, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a fun dish to serve at gatherings. The crispy tofu is coated in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, and served over rice for a complete meal. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!
Reasons to Love General Tsos Tofu Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this General Tsos Tofu Recipe. Here are just a few:
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and ginger creates an explosion of taste that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip this dish up in no time.
- Versatile: This recipe is perfect for customization; add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Healthier Alternative: Tofu is a great source of protein and is packed with nutrients, making this dish a healthier choice compared to its chicken counterpart.
What We’re Using
For this General Tsos Tofu Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- Cooked rice for serving
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Toolbox for This Recipe
To make this General Tsos Tofu Recipe a breeze, gather the following tools:
- Large skillet or wok: Essential for frying the tofu and mixing the sauce.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping garlic, ginger, and green onions.
- Spatula: To flip the tofu and stir the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
General Tsos Tofu Recipe, Made Easy
Ready to create your culinary masterpiece? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
Start by pressing the tofu. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top to remove excess moisture for about 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
Step 2: Coat the Tofu
In a bowl, toss the cubed tofu with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help create that crispy texture we all love.
Step 3: Fry the Tofu
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Combine Tofu and Sauce
Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thin, you can mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of water to create a slurry, then add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the General Tsos tofu over a bed of cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your homemade dish!
Easy Ingredient Swaps
If you’re missing an ingredient or prefer a different flavor profile, consider these swaps:
- Tofu: Use tempeh or seitan for a different texture.
- Sauces: Swap low-sodium soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free.
- Sweetener: Substitute maple syrup with agave nectar or honey if preferred.
- Vegetable broth: Use mushroom broth for a richer flavor.
Pro Perspective
The secret to achieving the perfect crispy tofu lies in pressing it thoroughly and ensuring it is well-coated in cornstarch. Don’t rush the frying process—let the tofu develop a golden crust before flipping. Additionally, feel free to customize this dish by adding in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
Storage Pro Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent the tofu from drying out. The sauce will continue to flavor the tofu as it sits, making the leftovers just as tasty!
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use frozen tofu for this recipe?
Yes! Freezing tofu changes its texture, making it spongier and more absorbent, which can enhance the flavor. Just be sure to thaw and press it before using.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a splash of sriracha or chili oil for an extra kick!
What can I serve with General Tsos Tofu?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tofu and sauce separately and then combine them just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the tofu.
Make It Tonight
Now that you have all the tools and tips to make this General Tsos Tofu Recipe, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients and prepare to impress yourself and anyone you share this meal with. Trust me, once you taste the crispy tofu enveloped in that sweet and savory sauce, you’ll be hooked.
Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never disappoints. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen! You won’t regret it.
General Tsos Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by pressing the tofu. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top to remove excess moisture for about 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- In a bowl, toss the cubed tofu with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help create that crispy texture we all love.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thin, you can mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of water to create a slurry, then add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the General Tsos tofu over a bed of cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your homemade dish!
Notes
- Press the tofu thoroughly for the best texture.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
