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General Tso’s Crispy Tofu with Broccoli and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 104 reviews

A quick and flavorful vegetarian take on the classic General Tso’s chicken, substituting tofu for a crispy, protein-packed dish. This 30-minute recipe features marinated tofu fried to golden perfection and coated in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce, served with steamed veggies and rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu and Marinade

  • 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

Coating and Frying

  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating tofu)
  • 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (for frying tofu)

Sauce

  • 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)

Toppings and Sides

  • Diced green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Cooked white or brown rice
  • Steamed broccoli or other vegetables

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Marinate Tofu: Slice the tofu into 2-3 slabs lengthwise, then wrap in a couple layers of paper towel and press gently with your hands to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into cubes and place in a bowl. Toss with the marinade ingredients (all except the cornstarch and frying oil). Set aside to marinate; for best flavor, marinate longer or overnight.
  2. Prepare Sauce and Aromatics: Whisk together the sauce ingredients (water, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, vegetarian broth base, ground ginger, and cornstarch) in a small bowl. Finely chop the garlic and green onions, keeping them separate. Set everything aside.
  3. Toss and Drain Tofu: Give the marinated tofu another toss, then drain it in a colander to remove excess marinade liquid.
  4. Coat Tofu with Cornstarch: Place the drained tofu and 4 tablespoons of cornstarch into a large zip-lock freezer bag. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until all tofu pieces are evenly coated with cornstarch and no white spots remain.
  5. Fry Tofu: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil. Once hot, add the tofu in an even layer and pan-fry for a couple of minutes on each side until the tofu is crispy and golden brown. Remove the tofu to a plate and set aside.
  6. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped garlic and 1 teaspoon of oil. Fry the garlic for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  7. Cook the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the garlic. Cook while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Combine and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the crispy tofu pieces, coating them evenly with the sauce. Serve immediately over cooked white or brown rice, alongside steamed broccoli or your choice of vegetables. Garnish with diced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Pressing tofu removes excess moisture, allowing it to fry up crispier.
  • Marinating tofu overnight enhances the flavor absorption.
  • Use grapeseed oil or another neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying.
  • Hoisin sauce can be substituted with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar if unavailable.
  • This recipe is vegetarian and can easily be adapted to vegan by ensuring all sauces are vegan-friendly.
  • Adjust chili garlic sauce quantity for desired spice level.
  • Serve with your favorite steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: General Tso's Tofu, vegetarian Chinese recipe, crispy tofu, pan-fried tofu, Asian sauce, quick tofu dinner, tofu stir-fry

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/general-tsos-crispy-tofu-with-broccoli-and-rice-recipe/