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General Tso's Tofu with rice on a black plate.
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4.99 from 58 votes

General Tso's Tofu

This General Tso's tofu is salty, sweet, spicy and so flavorful it will go straight onto your regular dinner rotation. Better than take-out.
Prep Time40 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Entree, Savory
Cuisine: Chinese, Vegan
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 4
Calories: 324kcal
Author: Alison Andrews

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

  • 16 ounces Extra Firm Tofu (450g)
  • 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
  • ⅛ 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
  • ¼ 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
  • ¼ cup Vegetable Stock (60ml)

Instructions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Then add in the cornstarch to the container, 1 tablespoon at a time and gently toss until the tofu is well coated.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Serve with basmati rice and chopped chives.

Video

Notes

  1. Check the hoisin sauce for vegan friendliness as not all brands are vegan.
  2. Prep time includes the time spent pressing the tofu.
  3. Leftovers keep very well in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days. It's not recommended for freezing. 
  4. Nutritional information does not include rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serve | Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 19.8g | Protein: 14.6g | Fat: 20.5g | Saturated Fat: 3.2g | Sodium: 665mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 8g