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general tso's tofu in a bowl with rice

General Tso's Tofu - 30 Minute Meal!


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

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:

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,