Go Back
General Tso's Tofu

General Tso's Tofu - Affordable Food Ideas

I remember the first time I tasted General Tso's Tofu. I was pleasantly surprised by how well this dish embodied the spirit of Chinese takeout, but with a delightful twist of tofu. I never imagined that crispy tofu coated in a sweet and savory sauce could be so satisfying. If you’ve ever found yourself craving that umami-packed flavor while wanting something healthier, you’re not alone. That’s where this recipe comes in.
In this blog post, I’ll take you on a culinary adventure to create General Tso's Tofu. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish. With my approach sprinkled in, you won’t be disappointed.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tofu:
  • 12 ounces extra-firm pressed tofu
  • 2 Tbsp neutral cooking oil like grapeseed or avocado
  • 3 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tsp chili garlic paste
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 4-5 Tbsp cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry:
  • 1 bundle green onions, roughly sliced bulbs removed
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 4-7 dried Thai red chilies omit for milder heat
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced bell pepper adds color and subtle sweetness
  • Sesame seeds for garnish optional
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp water
  • 3 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce coconut aminos for gluten-free
  • 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar or substitute with apple cider vinegar
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced ~1 heaping Tbsp
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes optional, for added heat
For Serving (optional):
  • Steamed broccoli florets
  • 4 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
  1. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This step is vital for achieving that crispiness we crave. Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, combine the neutral oil, tamari or soy sauce, chili garlic paste, toasted sesame oil, and maple syrup. Toss the tofu in this marinade and let it soak for at least 15 minutes, giving it ample time to absorb those flavors.
Step 2: Coat the Tofu
  1. Once marinated, remove the tofu cubes and dust them with cornstarch, ensuring every side is well-coated. This coating forms a beautiful crust when we fry it.
Step 3: Fry the Tofu
  1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the neutral cooking oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add your tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; batch fry if necessary.
Step 4: Create the Stir-Fry Sauce
  1. While the tofu is cooking, prepare the stir-fry sauce. In a bowl, mix together the toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, cornstarch, water, tamari or soy sauce, minced ginger, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and chili flakes until well combined.
Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables
  1. Once the tofu is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the sesame oil. Next, toss in the green onions, dried chilies, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant.
Step 6: Combine
  1. Return the tofu to the skillet and pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over everything. Toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two, allowing it to thicken and envelop the tofu and veggies.
Step 7: Serve
  1. Plate your General Tso's Tofu over jasmine or brown rice, garnishing with sesame seeds if desired. The colors will be striking, and the aromas will entice anyone in the vicinity.

Notes

  • Pressing the Tofu: Don't skip the pressing step! It’s essential to maximize texture and flavor.
  • Cornstarch Coating: Ensure the tofu is dry before coating. This prevents clumping and enhances crispiness.
  • Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of chili garlic paste based on your heat tolerance. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
  • Meal Prep: This dish keeps well, making it perfect for batch cooking. The flavors deepen and improve as it sits.
  • Garnishing: Don’t hold back on the garnishes. They add a nice visual appeal and extra flavor.