General Tso's Tofu

General Tso's Tofu

2 servings
General Tso's Tofu, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s spicy-sweet, healthier than the classic Chinese takeout dish, and one of my favorite tofu recipes.

Ingredients

  • firm tofu

    cubed

    10 oz
  • tamari or soy sauce
    2 tbsp
  • apple cider vinegar
    1 tbsp
  • cornstarch
    6 tbsp
  • oil of your choice

    i used extra virgin olive oil

  • garlic

    minced

    2 cloves
  • tamari or soy sauce
    3 tbsp
  • apple cider vinegar

    see notes

    3 tbsp
  • vegetable stock or water
    3 tbsp
  • brown sugar
    3 tbsp
  • cornstarch
    1 tbsp
  • red pepper flakes

    optional

    ⅛ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Place the tofu cubes in a bowl or shallow dish.

  2. 2

    Add the marinade ingredients (2 tbsp of tamari and 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar), stir and let rest for at least 5 minutes, preferably overnight.

  3. 3

    Drain the tofu and discard the marinade.

  4. 4

    Transfer 1/3 of the tofu cubes to a freezer or plastic bag with 2 tbsp of cornstarch and toss to coat. Repeat this step with the rest of the tofu cubes and cornstarch. Add more cornstarch if needed.

  5. 5

    Once the tofu cubes are coated with the cornstarch, heat some oil in a skillet and add the tofu cubes. I used extra virgin olive oil, but any oil will do.

  6. 6

    Cook the tofu cubes over medium-high heat until all sides are golden brown. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.

  7. 7

    Add the garlic to the skillet (add more oil if needed) and cook over medium-high heat for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown. Set aside.

  8. 8

    Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl (tamari or soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, vegetable stock or water, sugar, cornstarch and red pepper flakes). Set aside.

  9. 9

    Add the sauce to the skillet where you had your cooked garlic and cook over medium-high heat until it thickens, stirring frequently.

  10. 10

    Finally, add the tofu cubes, stir and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes.

  11. 11

    Serve with some cooked white rice and garnish with some sesame seeds and chopped chives (optional). Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

General Tso's Tofu

General Tso's Tofu

4.8(333)2 servings357 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 333 ratings

simpleveganblog.com
4.8(333 reviews)
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Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving that irresistible spicy-sweet kick of General Tso's but want a healthier, plant-based option ready in a flash? This General Tso's Tofu recipe delivers all the craveable flavors you love in just 30 minutes.

This isn't just another tofu dish; it's a vibrant, healthier take on a Chinese takeout classic, crafted to be both satisfying and quick. You'll achieve that perfect balance of spicy and sweet in minimal cooking time, making it an ideal weeknight main dish that feels anything but rushed.

Prepare for tender, flavorful cubed tofu coated in a glossy, rich sauce that boasts a delightful spicy-sweet complexity. The sauce, built on a foundation of tamari or soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, offers a depth of flavor that truly rivals your favorite restaurant dish. It’s a remarkably satisfying meal for two, designed to bring a burst of flavor to your table with its unique balance of tastes.

Easily adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes to suit your preference. For a strictly gluten-free version, ensure you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce for both the tofu marinade and the sauce. While apple cider vinegar provides a distinct tang, in a pinch, other mild vinegars can be substituted for the sauce. Feel free to use your preferred cooking oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, for browning the tofu.

Serve this vibrant General Tso's Tofu hot as a standout main dish. It pairs wonderfully with a simple bowl of steamed rice or your favorite cooked grains to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

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