A healthier version of a favorite takeout dish, this general tso tofu recipe is easy, quick and crave-worthy. It’s cubed tofu cooked in a sweet & delicious ‘lightened-up’ version of classic General Tso’s sauce.
This is a simple tofu recipe that’s ideal for dinner on a busy day. Skip the takeout and make this instead!
If you love this recipe, you’ll also love Sweet and Sour Tofu (so good)!
About The Recipe
This recipe is a healthier, lighter, plant-based version of ‘General Tso’s Chicken,’ a takeout staple. BUT even though it’s healthier, it’s just as delicious (and I would argue it’s even more delicious than your favorite takeout)!
The magic of this recipe lies in our version of General Tso’s sauce, which is a sweet and salty combination of ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. The tofu takes on the flavor of this sauce, which is what makes it so flavorful.
Tips for Making General Tso Tofu
How to Cook Your Tofu:
When you first add your tofu to the pan, you’ll want to cook it until it’s crispy. Making sure that it’s crispy in this step will help prevent it from getting soggy when you add your sauce. The tofu should be crispy and browned on all sides.
How to serve it:
This recipe is best served over rice. You could also add a side of steamed vegetables (like broccoli) or traditional takeout sides (like dumplings).
How to Press Your Tofu:
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The most efficient way to press your tofu is with a tofu press, like the one below:
But if you don’t have a tofu press – not to worry – you can create your own. Add paper towels or kitchen towels to the top and bottom of your tofu and place it between two cutting boards. Next, place heavy books or weights on top. The pressure from the books will help remove moisture from the tofu. You should do this for about 30 minutes, or longer if you’d like.
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General Tso Tofu
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A healthier version of a favorite takeout dish, this recipe is easy, quick and crave-worthy. It’s cubed tofu cooked in a sweet & delicious ‘lightened-up’ version of classic General Tso’s sauce.
Ingredients
For the tofu:
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 3 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoon coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings (optional):
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Instructions
- Drain and press the tofu for 30 minutes. You can use a tofu press or press the tofu between two cutting boards with heavy books on top. Before pressing, add paper towels or a kitchen towel to the top and bottom of your tofu to help absorb moisture.
- As your tofu drains, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce.
- In a bowl or Ziploc bag, toss the tofu with the cornstarch.
- In a large pan over medium heat, add the sesame oil (or olive oil). Once the oil is hot, add the tofu and cook for 3 – 4 minutes on each side, or until crispy.
- Lower the heat to medium, pour in the sauce and stir. Cook for 3 – 4 more minutes, until the tofu is brown and well-coated in the sauce and most of the sauce has been absorbed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
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