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    Home » Mains

    General Tso's Tofu - 30 Minute Meal!

    Updated: Jan 20, 2023 by Verna Rindler · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

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    general tso tofu in a bowl with rice

    This General Tso’s Tofu is an easy and incredibly delicious healthier take on the classic spicy sweet Chinese take out dish! One of my favourite tofu recipes. Ready in 30 minutes or less! 

    general tso's tofu in a bowl with rice

    You will flip over this general tso’s tofu ! -My vegan version of the traditional Chinese recipe usually made with chicken and deep fried. Wait till you taste it! It is the perfect combination of sweet, savoury, spicy and tangy with crispy tofu bites tossed in a crave worthy sauce. Lip smacking good!

    The tofu can be pan fried, baked or made in the air fryer! Using less oil than the usual deep frying method.

    This is a favourite recipe of mine and well loved by my family I’ve been making the general tso sauce for years and the tofu marinade was inspired from my chili garlic noodles.

    Wondering what General Tso’s chicken is? General Tso's chicken (Chinese: 左宗棠雞, pronounced [tswò]) is a dish of breaded deep-fried chicken tossed in a sweet spicy sauce, popular in North American Chinese restaurants. The dish originated from the Hunan province of China and is named after a well-respected Chinese military leader, General Tso whose name was  Zuo Zongtang

    tso's tofu in a bowl with chopsticks
    Jump to:
    • Ingredient list:
    • How to make general tso's tofu:
    • How to serve it:
    • FAQ:
    • Tips for success:
    • This recipe is:
    • More tofu recipes:
    • General Tso's Tofu - 30 Minute Meal!

    Ingredient list:

    • Tofu and marinade: extra firm or firm tofu, sesame oil, white vinegar, lite Tamari (or soy sauce) Chili garlic sauce, maple syrup.
    • Fresh garlic: a must!
    • Tso sauce: rice vinegar, ketchup, tamari, hoisin, brown sugar, ginger powder, corn starch
    • Green onions and sesame seeds: perfect topping for this umami dish
    • cooked rice and broccoli: optional
    ingredients for general tso tofu set out on cutting board

    How to make general tso's tofu:

    1. Slice tofu into 2-3 slabs, lightly press with paper towel. Cut into cubes, add to a bowl. Toss with marinade ingredients (no cornstarch) Set aside
    2. Prep rest of ingredients: chop green onion and garlic (keep separate) Whisk sauce in small bowl. Set everything aside
    3. Give tofu another toss in marinade, then drain in colander. 
    4. Add cornstarch and tofu to a large zip lock freezer bag. Seal and shake until all cornstarch is absorbed and no white spots remain.
    5. Heat large non stick skillet over medium high heat with oil. Add the tofu in an even layer and fry couple minutes on each side until crispy. Remove to a plate.
    6. In same pan add garlic and 1 teaspoon of oil, fry until fragrant 1 minute or so. 
    7. Pour in the sauce and cook until thickened, 1-2 minutes. 
    8. Remove from heat. Stir in the tofu. Serve immediately with rice and broccoli. Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy! For full recipe ingredients and instructions see recipe card below 
    step by step photos how to make general tsos tofu
    general tso tofu ready to serve in a bowl with chopsticks

    How to serve it:

    This tso’s tofu is typically enjoyed with white or brown rice, steamed broccoli, and or carrots, red bell peppers. Or stir fry the veggies! And here’s some more recipe ideas to make it a Chinese smorgasbord!!

    • Vegan Orange Chicken
    • Vegan Fried Rice
    • Vegan Egg Roll In A Bowl
    • Teriyaki Noodles
    • Tofu Stir Fry Recipe
    • Vegetable Chow Mein

    FAQ:

    Is general tso tofu vegan?

    Yes if making at home it’s easy to make vegan. And if ordering from a restaurant you’ll need to ask as they can sometimes use chicken stock and butter in the sauce

    Is general tso's tofu gluten free?

    To make it gluten free you’ll need to buy a gluten free hoisin sauce as most hoisin sauce brands contains wheat. So check the label! And if ordering take out you’ll need to ask what ingredients are used.

    Is it healthy?

    I’d say general tso’s tofu is healthier than the deep fried chicken version, but it still does contain sugar and oil. Some recipes contain less than others.

    Can you reheat it?

    Yes of course, microwave works for me! The tofu won’t be crispy but the dish will still be super tasty!

    Tips for success:

    • If planning ahead let tofu marinade longer for more flavour, up to an hour or overnight for best results
    • For more spice add extra chili garlic sauce and or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes
    • Let tofu fry undisturbed for a couple of minutes per side to develop a nice crispy crust 
    • To make general tso’s tofu in the air fryer or oven see note section 
    • The tofu does not stay crispy for long so serve dish right away but don’t worry it remains super tasty regardless!😊

    This recipe is:

    • so tasty!
    • filled with umami flavour
    • sweet salty savoury tangy
    • simple to prepare
    • wonderful family meal
    • classic dish made vegan!
    • crave worthy
    • easily gluten free

    More tofu recipes:

    • Vegan Gyros With Grilled Tofu And Tzatziki Sauce
    • Tofu Bacon Recipe
    • Vegan Quiche Recipe
    • Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich
    • Vegan Chicken Nuggets
    • Vegan Butter Chicken
    • Easy Vegan Pad Thai
    • Balsamic Marinated Tofu
    • Easy Tofu Scramble
    • Tex Mex Vegan Taco Meat Recipe

    Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

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    general tso's tofu in a bowl with rice

    General Tso's Tofu - 30 Minute Meal!


    ★★★★★

    5 from 3 reviews

    • Author: Verna
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This General Tso’s Tofu is an easy and incredibly delicious healthier take on the classic spicy sweet Chinese take out dish! One of my favourite tofu recipes. Ready in 30 minutes or less! 


    Ingredients

    Scale

    For tofu and marinade:

    • 1 lb (454 grams) package firm or extra firm tofu
    • 2 tablespoons reg or lite tamari or soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon pure sesame oil, toasted
    • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
    • pinch of salt and pepper
    • 4 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating)
    • 2 tablespoons oil (for frying tofu), I use grapeseed oil

    For sauce:

    • 3/4 cup water
    • 3 tablespoons Lite Tamari or low sodium soy sauce
    • 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed*
    • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (see notes*)
    • 2 tablespoons ketchup
    • 1 teaspoon pure sesame oil, toasted
    • 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 (gets fried)
    • diced green onions and sesame seeds, for topping 

    For serving (optional):

    • cooked white or brown rice
    • steamed broccoli or other veggies 

    Instructions

    If making rice get it cooking first! 

    1. Slice 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, add to a bowl. Toss with marinade ingredients (not cornstarch or frying oil) Set aside. (marinate tofu for longer or overnight for more flavour)
    2. Prep rest of ingredients: Whisk sauce in small bowl (except garlic, oil and onions) Chop green onions and garlic (keep separate)  Set everything aside
    3. Give tofu another toss in marinade, then drain in colander. 
    4. Add cornstarch and tofu to a large zip lock freezer bag. Seal and shake until all cornstarch is absorbed and no white spots remain.
    5. Heat large non stick skillet over medium high heat with 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot add the tofu in an even layer and fry couple minutes on each side until crispy. Remove to a plate.
    6. In same pan add garlic and 1 teaspoon of oil, fry until fragrant 1 minute or so. 
    7. Pour in the sauce and cook until thickened, 1-2 minutes. 
    8. Remove from heat. Stir in the tofu. Serve immediately with rice and broccoli. Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy! For step by step photos, FAQ, Tips and Suggestions see above post

    Notes

    • For general tso's tofu in air fryer:  Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Pour tofu into the air fryer basket and spread evenly. Spray tops and sides with cooking oil spray. Cook tofu at 375° - 380° for 10-15 minutes until crispy, shaking basket halfway through cooking time.  Continue with step 6 of recipe.
    • To bake tofu in the oven: Preheat oven to 400° line baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking oil spray. Place tofu evenly on prepared pan. Spray tops with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes flipping half way. Proceed to step 6 of recipe
    • Hoisin sauce: make sure hoisin sauce is vegan and buy gluten free if needed
    • brown sugar: I haven't tested recipe with maple syrup but I'm sure it would be fabulous 😊
    • To store: keep covered in fridge for 3-4 days. Heat leftovers in microwave.

    Tofu marinade was inspired by my garlic noodles

    • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 Minutes
    • Category: Mains, Gluten free, 30 Minute Vegan Recipes
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Chinese, Asian

    Keywords: general tso's tofu,

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cheeky_chickpea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #cheeky_chickpea_

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Renee

      October 23, 2022 at 12:44 am

      Been looking at this recipe for awhile and finally got around to making it. Delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        October 23, 2022 at 7:32 am

        Yay! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Rita

      July 28, 2021 at 5:54 am

      This recipe was a hit on the weekend ,so tasty.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        July 28, 2021 at 6:23 am

        So happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    3. Heather

      July 26, 2021 at 10:09 am

      Great recipe the tofu is delicious. We Absolutely love the sweet and sour sauce!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        July 27, 2021 at 6:15 am

        Thanks so much!

        Reply

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    Hi, I’m Verna! Major foodie of all things vegan! Welcome to The Cheeky Chickpea; here, you’ll find hundreds of restaurant-worthy easy vegan recipes. Some oil-free and gluten-free, from veggie-powered plant-based comfort foods to decadent desserts. Lots of tricks and tips up my chef sleeve…Grab your apron let’s get cooking!

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