How to Make the Perfect General Tso Tofu
Chinese-American · Medium · 40 min · 4 servings
A plant-based take on the classic Chinese-American takeout dish with crispy tofu in a tangy sweet and spicy sauce. Better than takeout and ready in 40 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This General Tso Tofu recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 15g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 g extra firm tofu pressed and cubed
- 3 tbsp cornstarch divided
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 3 tbsp neutral oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Press and coat the tofu
Press tofu firmly for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water. Cut into 1 inch cubes and toss with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until fully and evenly coated on all sides.
Step 2: Fry the tofu until crispy
Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add tofu in batches to avoid overcrowding and fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the General Tso sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili flakes, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 60ml of water until smooth and lump free.
Step 4: Build the dish
In the same skillet over medium heat add a drizzle of oil and saute garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sauce and stir constantly until it thickens about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Toss and finish
Add the crispy tofu back to the skillet and toss immediately to coat every piece in the glossy sauce. Serve at once over rice garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- hoisin sauce → plum sauce or extra soy sauce with a pinch of five spice
- brown sugar → coconut sugar or maple syrup
- chili flakes → one tablespoon of sambal oelek for a fresher heat
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not pressing the tofu which creates steam during frying and prevents a crispy exterior
- Adding too much tofu to the pan at once which lowers the oil temperature and leads to soft tofu
- Letting the sauce over-reduce which makes it too thick and causes it to burn and turn bitter
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 15g protein, 30g carbs, 14g fat, 2g fiber.
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