• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Loving It Vegan

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Free Ebook
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Free Ebook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Entrees » General Tso’s Tofu

    General Tso’s Tofu

    Published: May 9, 2019 Modified: Aug 14, 2019 by Alison Andrews This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe
    54.8Kshares
    General Tso's Tofu

    This General Tso’s tofu is savory, sweet, spicy and so delicious it will likely go straight onto your regular dinner rotation. Super flavorful and high in protein too.

    General Tso's tofu served over basmati rice with chopped chives.

    Oh tofu how I love thee. 

    Well… how I love thee when thee is made like this!

    I reckon anyone would when it’s made like this.

    This General Tso’s tofu is deliciously battered and fried until crispy and then drenched in the most amazing sauce. It’s savory and sweet with the perfect amount of spice and all things nice. 

    It’s also pretty quick to make and super high in protein. So basically, you are going to love it!

    General Tso's tofu served with basmati rice and chopped chives in a black bowl.

    How to make General Tso’s Tofu

    Press the tofu first. The best way to do this is to use a tofu press. But if you don’t have a tofu press no worries at all, just place your tofu on a plate with another plate on top of it and then place something heavy on top of that (like a heavy pot). 

    Let it sit for 20-30 minutes and then drain off the excess water. 

    Cut the tofu into cubes and place into a container that has a lid. 

    Add some sesame oil, maple syrup and cayenne pepper, and then seal the container and then gently rotate the container so that the tofu gets evenly covered with the oil and maple syrup and cayenne. You don’t want to violently shake the container or anything, as you want those cubes of tofu to stay nicely intact. 

    Then open the container and add in some cornstarch and repeat the rotating of the container until all that tofu (sticky from the maple syrup) is coated in cornstarch. 

    Then you fry the tofu in a hot pan with some sesame oil until it’s golden brown and delicious. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside. 

    Step by step process photo collage of preparing the tofu for General Tso's tofu.

    Now add some sesame oil, crushed garlic, minced ginger and dried red chili flakes to the pan and fry those until aromatic. 

    Add the tofu back in.

    Pour over a sauce made from rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, onion powder, coconut sugar, cornstarch and vegetable stock and flash fry for 1 minute to coat the tofu with the sauce. 

    TIP: Don’t fry the tofu too long once the sauce is added or the batter will start to strip off the tofu, so make this really fast, you just want that sauce to go into a hot pan and flash fry quickly so that it can thicken and blend the flavors beautifully and then you’re done!

    Step by step process photo collage of making General Tso's tofu.

    Is General Tso’s Tofu Gluten Free?

    Yes! As long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce (or switch for tamari), it is entirely gluten-free. 

    How Long Does General Tso Tofu Last in the Fridge?

    Leftovers keep very well in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days. 

    How to Serve General Tso’s Tofu

    Serve it over some basmati rice with some chopped chives on top. If you prefer cauliflower rice you can definitely serve it over that too. 

    Some fresh lime is also great to serve with this. 

    General Tso's tofu in a frying pan with a wooden spoon.

    You will love this recipe for General Tso’s Tofu! It is:

    • Savory
    • Sweet and spicy
    • Battered
    • Extremely flavorful
    • High in protein
    • Easy to make

    Keep leftovers in the fridge and enjoy within the next few days. 

    General Tso's tofu served with basmati rice and chopped chives. General Tso's tofu served with basmati rice and chopped chives in a black bowl.

    More Tofu Recipes

    1. Marinated Tofu
    2. Kung Pao Tofu
    3. Vegan Tofu Stir Fry
    4. Tofu Burger
    5. Tofu Satay
    6. Vegan Tofu Scramble

    Let us know in the comments what you think of this General Tso’s tofu recipe and please rate the recipe too, thank you!

    Sign up to our email list to stay updated with all our latest recipes when they’re posted to the blog and we’ll also send you a gorgeous recipe ebook with 10 delicious vegan dinner recipes. 

    General Tso's tofu topped with chopped chives in a black bowl. General Tso's tofu in a black bowl with chopsticks.

     

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    General Tso's Tofu

    General Tso’s Tofu


    ★★★★★

    5 from 36 reviews

    • Author: Alison Andrews
    • Prep Time: 40 mins
    • Cook Time: 15 mins
    • Total Time: 55 minutes
    • Yield: 2-4
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    This General Tso’s tofu is savory, sweet and spicy and so delicious it will likely go straight onto your regular dinner rotation. Super flavorful and high in protein too.


    Ingredients

    For the Tofu:

    • 16oz (450g) Extra Firm Tofu
    • 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
    • 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
    • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
    • 4 Tbsp Cornstarch
    • 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for frying)

    For the Garlic, Ginger and Spices:

    • 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
    • 1 Tbsp Minced Ginger
    • 1 tsp Crushed Garlic
    • 1/4 tsp Red Chili Flakes

    For the Sauce:

    • 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
    • 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
    • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce*
    • 1 Tbsp Hoisin Sauce*
    • 1 tsp Onion Powder
    • 2 Tbsp Coconut Sugar
    • 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
    • 1/4 cup (60ml) Vegetable Stock

    Instructions

    1. Press the tofu for 30 minutes either using a tofu press or by placing the tofu onto a plate with another plate on top of it and then putting something heavy on top like a heavy pot. While the tofu is pressing, you can prepare your sauce by just mixing all the ingredients up in a measuring jug. Set aside.
    2. When the tofu is pressed, cut it into cubes and place it into a container with a lid. Add sesame oil, maple syrup and cayenne pepper and then seal the container and gently rotate it so that the tofu is evenly coated.
    3. Then add in the cornstarch to the container, 1 tablespoon at a time and gently toss until the tofu is well coated.
    4. Add the sesame oil to a frying pan and when hot add in the battered tofu and gently fry until golden brown. Remove the tofu from the pan.
    5. Add the sesame oil, minced ginger, crushed garlic and red chili flakes to the frying pan and fry until toasted and then add the tofu back in.
    6. Pour over the sauce and flash fry for 1 minute to coat the tofu with the sauce. Don’t fry it for too long or the batter will start coming off the tofu.
    7. Serve with basmati rice or cauliflower rice and some chopped chives.

    Notes

    *Use gluten-free soy sauce or switch for tamari if you want to make this meal gluten-free.

    *Check the hoisin sauce for vegan friendliness as not all brands are vegan.

    *Prep time includes the time spent pressing the tofu.

    *Nutritional information does not include rice.

    • Category: Entree, Savory, Gluten-Free
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Vegan

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1/4 of the Recipe
    • Calories: 324
    • Sugar: 8g
    • Sodium: 665mg
    • Fat: 20.5g
    • Saturated Fat: 3.2g
    • Carbohydrates: 19.8g
    • Fiber: 0.3g
    • Protein: 14.6g

    Keywords: General Tso's Tofu

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @lovingitvegan on Instagram and hashtag it #lovingitvegan

    Get Your Copy! It's FREE!
    54.8Kshares
    Alison Andrews

    About the Author

    Hi I'm Alison Andrews, I'm the voice and cook behind Loving It Vegan. I love making delicious vegan food and creating vegan versions of all your old favorites, so that you’ll never feel like you’re missing out. Find out more about me here.

    Loving It Vegan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This site may contain some of these links to Amazon.com. If you make a purchase through one of those links, Loving It Vegan will receive a small commission from the purchase at no additional cost to you.
    Previous Post: « Vegan Gluten Free Carrot Cake
    Next Post: Vegan White Chocolate »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. AvatarKHEEMAH says

      April 04, 2021 at 10:44 pm

      I made this recipe today and it turned out good; however the next time I make I’ll let the tofu brown a little longer.

      Reply
    2. Avatarkaren vader says

      February 01, 2021 at 12:03 am

      Very good recipe. Really Enjoyed. Tofu was clumping together when browning. Thought I would do in batches next time but once I poured the sauce over… tofu separated quite nicely. Will definitely make again. Thank you!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. AvatarCori says

      December 13, 2020 at 4:12 am

      After many years of loving tofu, this was my first time frying it with corn starch. This dish turned out deliciously. I used only 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar and ran out of sesame oil after making the sauce. Super satisfying.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alison AndrewsAlison Andrews says

        December 14, 2020 at 10:47 am

        That’s awesome Cori! So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    4. AvatarBhavana says

      November 10, 2020 at 11:20 pm

      I’m a tough critic for recipes not having enough flavor but this recipe calls for a lot of flavor which I appreciate. Even with my omissions it was delish! I upped the garlic, did regular sugar, omitted onion powder and hoisin sauce as I didn’t have it, and reduced the amount of cornstarch and Sesame oil for health – and it was still impressively amazing flavor. Will definitely be making this again! Also a tip – I don’t ever bother with pressing tofu – I give a quick squeeze in my hands and call it a day and it just takes an extra minute or two on the stove.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alison AndrewsAlison Andrews says

        November 11, 2020 at 10:11 am

        So glad you enjoyed it Bhavana! Thanks for the wonderful review!

        Reply
    5. AvatarJennifer says

      November 02, 2020 at 2:42 am

      Well, now I know why my nose was running. I just realized I used 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes instead of 1/4, it was still excellent.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alison AndrewsAlison Andrews says

        November 02, 2020 at 12:16 pm

        Oh hahaha! I can imagine that must have been hot! So glad it was still good! 🙂

        Reply
    6. AvatarJennifer says

      November 02, 2020 at 2:36 am

      Wow, I used my tofu press for the first time and this recipe. What wonderful flavors. My nose is running in a good way just like the old days when I at the chicken version.
      My kitchen looks like a bomb went off but well worth it! Next time I will be more prepared and get it all ready beforehand. thanks for a great meal.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alison AndrewsAlison Andrews says

        November 02, 2020 at 12:16 pm

        Awesome! Thanks for the great review Jennifer!

        Reply
    7. AvatarRich says

      October 29, 2020 at 10:27 pm

      These recipes are incredible! Went vegan a year ago didn’t think I’d ever get to eat general tso’s again! Even my non-vegan family loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alison AndrewsAlison Andrews says

        October 31, 2020 at 11:51 am

        Wonderful! Thanks so much Rich!

        Reply
    8. AvatarSuzy says

      October 21, 2020 at 10:10 pm

      This was absolutely delicious. I made it tonight & will definitely make it again and again. It was sticky & really tasty. The tofu was lovely & crisp and golden; perfect! I’ve also recommended it to friends. Thank you and I can’t wait to try out more of your recipes 😋

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alison AndrewsAlison Andrews says

        October 22, 2020 at 9:22 am

        Wonderful! Thanks so much for the great review Suzy!

        Reply
    9. AvatarBK says

      October 21, 2020 at 4:43 pm

      Fantastic recipe! I paired it with cauliflower rice and steamed broccoli – this will be a new “regular” in our house!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alison AndrewsAlison Andrews says

        October 21, 2020 at 4:45 pm

        Awesome! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    10. AvatarMichael McNerney says

      October 20, 2020 at 2:33 am

      I made this for my Week 6: Fakeaway entry for #52weeksofvegan. I do love me some General Tso’s Sauce. A good General Tso’s Sauce will be nice and spicy. This was delicious and probably the best homemade version I have tried. Thanks for the recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alison AndrewsAlison Andrews says

        October 21, 2020 at 9:53 am

        Wonderful! Thanks so much Michael!

        Reply
    11. AvatarKay Suddeth says

      September 20, 2020 at 1:31 am

      This is a really good recipe. Follow the instructions and it comes out wonderfully well; It even looks like the photographs.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alison AndrewsAlison Andrews says

        September 21, 2020 at 10:38 am

        Thanks so much Kay!

        Reply
    12. AvatarKris says

      August 08, 2020 at 12:02 am

      Great recipe! It’s like guilt free Chinese food 😍

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alison AndrewsAlison Andrews says

        August 11, 2020 at 10:14 am

        Thanks Kris!

        Reply
    13. AvatarJo says

      July 25, 2020 at 11:25 pm

      So yummy, I couldn’t stop eating it! Thank you.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alison AndrewsAlison Andrews says

        July 27, 2020 at 9:30 am

        Awesome! Thanks Jo!

        Reply
    14. AvatarElizabeth says

      June 20, 2020 at 12:05 am

      Just recently became vegan and made this dish this evening. So delicious!!! Will be making this weekly for sure!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    15. AvatarSatin says

      May 12, 2020 at 8:44 pm

      Absolute perfection! I’ve made a similar recipe before and it turned out to be a big soggy mess. But with your recipe and clever instructions I got perfectly crisp, juicy, delicious tofu. I deglazed the empty pan afterwards with a little hot water and made a little extra sauce. Shame to waste the lovely flavours left on the pan. Served with your garlicky potato wedges and a mixed salad. Will try with rice next time. Will be on a fortnightly rotation in our vegan household! Thank you 😊

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alison AndrewsAlison Andrews says

        May 13, 2020 at 10:12 am

        So happy it was a success! Thanks so much for sharing Satin! 🙂

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Comment Policy: Your feedback is really appreciated! Please do us a favor and rate the recipe as well as this really helps us! The most helpful comments are the ones that give useful feedback for others who might make the recipe, tell about substitutions you made or adjustments you made and how it turned out, or assisting other commenters. Rude or insulting comments will not be accepted.

    Leave A Comment & Review Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi I’m Alison Andrews! I love making delicious vegan food and creating delicious vegan versions of all your old favorite dishes, so you can have your vegan cake and eat it too!

    More about me →

    Popular Posts

    • The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese (Classic, Baked)
    • Vegan Burrito
    • Super Eggy Vegan Tofu Scramble
    • Sliceable Cashew Cheese
    • Homemade Vegan Butter
    • Classic Vegan Waffles

    Vegan Desserts

    • Vegan Custard
    • Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes
    • The Most Amazing Vegan Chocolate Cake
    • Vegan Banana Bread Muffins
    • Vegan Coffee Cake
    • Vegan Strawberry Cake

    See ALL Dessert Recipes →


    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Follow Us

    Contact

    • About
    • Contact

    Copyright © 2021 Loving It Vegan

    Get 10 fabulous dinner recipes!
    Absolutely free! Sign up below!
    Get Your Copy! It's FREE!