General Tsos Tofu

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible General Tso's Tofu recipe, a plant-based twist on the beloved Chinese-American classic. Featuring golden, crispy tofu cubes coated in a rich, savory-sweet sauce infused with soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, and a hint of spice from red chili flakes, this dish delivers a bold burst of flavor in every bite. Enhanced with aromatic ginger and garnished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions, it’s a perfect balance of texture and taste. Pair it with steamed broccoli and fluffy white rice for a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 40 minutes. Whether you're a tofu lover or looking to explore meatless options, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 oz firm tofu
• 0.5 cup cornstarch
• 0.5 cup neutral cooking oil (for frying)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 0.25 cup water
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 cups broccoli florets (optional, for serving)
• 2 cups white rice (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and place it between two plates. Set a heavy object (like a can or cookbook) on top and let it press for 15 minutes to remove excess water. Pat the tofu dry and cut it into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

Coat the tofu: Place the cornstarch in a bowl. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.

Step 3

Fry the tofu: Heat the neutral cooking oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Remove the tofu and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4

Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water. Set aside.

Step 5

Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet or wok, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Heat over medium heat and add the minced garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6

Combine tofu and sauce: Add the prepared sauce to the skillet and stir. Bring it to a simmer, then gently add the fried tofu to the skillet, tossing to coat all the pieces in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tofu is heated through and the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 7

Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the dish. Serve immediately with steamed broccoli and white rice if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1691.3 grams (1691.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2545

Total Fat 160.30g	206%
Saturated Fat 23.10g	116%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.50g
Cholesterol 1mg	0%
Sodium 2494mg	108%
Total Carbohydrate 231.30g	84%
Dietary Fiber 22.80g	81%
Total Sugars 48.10g
Protein 74.30g	149%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 948mg	73%
Iron 13mg	70%
Potassium 2599mg	55%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.1%

Protein: 11.2%

Carbs: 34.7%