Name: General Tso’s Crispy Tofu with Broccoli and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb (454 grams) firm or extra firm tofu; 2 tablespoons regular or lite tamari or soy sauce; 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon pure toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce; Pinch of salt and pepper; 4 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating tofu); 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (for frying tofu); 3/4 cup water; 3 tablespoons lite tamari or low sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 teaspoon pure toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon vegetarian no chicken soup base; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger powder; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon oil (for frying garlic); Diced green onions; Sesame seeds; Cooked white or brown rice; Steamed broccoli or other vegetables

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Introduction

General Tso’s Tofu is a delicious and satisfying plant-based take on the classic Chinese-American dish. Crispy tofu cubes are coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce, making it a perfect quick meal for busy weeknights. Serve it with steamed rice and veggies for a complete dinner.

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with light beige tofu cubes that have some seasoning on them, placed on a wooden cutting board. Next to the bowl, there is a white bowl filled with a dark brown liquid sauce. On the cutting board, to the right of the glass bowl, are two piles of chopped ingredients: one with finely minced white garlic and below it, a pile of sliced green onions with some white parts. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (454 grams) firm or extra firm tofu
2 tablespoons regular or lite tamari or soy sauce (for marinade)
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar (for marinade)
2 tablespoons maple syrup (for marinade)
1 tablespoon pure toasted sesame oil (for marinade)
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (for marinade)
Pinch of salt and pepper
4 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating tofu)
2 tablespoons oil for frying tofu (grapeseed oil recommended)
3/4 cup water (for sauce)
3 tablespoons lite tamari or low sodium soy sauce (for sauce)
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar (for sauce)
3 tablespoons rice vinegar (for sauce)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (for sauce)
2 tablespoons ketchup (for sauce)
1 teaspoon pure toasted sesame oil (for sauce)
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (for sauce)
1/2 teaspoon vegetarian no chicken soup base (optional, for sauce)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger powder (for sauce)
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon oil (for frying garlic)
Diced green onions and sesame seeds (for topping)
Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
Steamed broccoli or other veggies (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the tofu into 2-3 slabs lengthwise. Wrap in a couple layers of paper towel and press with your hands to remove some moisture. Cut into cubes and place in a bowl. Toss with the marinade ingredients: tamari or soy sauce, distilled white vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate for at least a few minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce by whisking together water, tamari or soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, vegetarian no chicken soup base, ground ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Finely chop the green onions and garlic and set them aside separately.
Step 3: Toss the marinated tofu again, then drain it in a colander to remove excess marinade.
Step 4: Place the cornstarch and tofu cubes into a large zip-lock freezer bag. Seal the bag and shake well until each tofu piece is evenly coated and no white spots remain.
Step 5: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of oil. When hot, add the tofu cubes in a single even layer. Fry for a couple of minutes on each side until the tofu is crispy and golden. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 6: In the same pan, add 1 teaspoon of oil and the finely chopped garlic. Fry for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 7: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the crispy tofu cubes until well coated with sauce. Serve immediately over cooked rice with steamed broccoli or your choice of veggies. Garnish with diced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Press the tofu well to remove moisture for extra crispiness when frying.
Marinate the tofu overnight to enhance the flavor intensity.
Use agar-free vegetarian no chicken soup base or skip it for a simpler sauce.
Adjust the chili garlic sauce to taste for milder or spicier flavor.
Try swapping tofu for tempeh or cauliflower for a different texture.

Storage

Store leftover General Tso’s Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. The tofu may lose some crispness but will remain flavorful. Sauce can be reheated separately if preferred.

How to Serve

A white bowl with blue patterns is filled with a layer of white rice at the bottom, topped with glossy, orange-brown tofu cubes covered in a thick sauce. The tofu pieces are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions, giving a fresh contrast. A woman's hand is holding light-colored wooden chopsticks, picking up one tofu cube. The bowl is placed on a round woven mat, and there is a white cloth with blue stripes casually laid in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?

Yes, regular soy sauce works well, but tamari is often preferred for a gluten-free option with a smoother flavor.

How do I make the tofu crispy without frying?

You can bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined tray for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. While it won’t be as crispy as frying, it’s a healthier alternative.