General Tso's
This General Tso's tofu is my go-to comfort food when I crave something with a kick, and it's a dish I've tweaked over countless cozy Saturday nights in my kitchen.
I first concocted this recipe after a long day when I needed something to lift my spirits and remind me of how flavors can dance together.
The crispy tofu becomes the star, especially if you take the extra time to press it well.
I found that using a touch of maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the fiery sauce.
This recipe is a little nod to the art of creating joy from simple, nourishing ingredients.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- ✓Made with simple, plant-based ingredients that are easy to find
- ✓No animal products - completely vegan and cruelty-free
- ✓Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike
- ✓Delicious results that everyone will love, vegan or not
Ingredients & Substitutions
For this recipe, firm tofu is your best friend; silken tofu just won't cut it. If you're out of maple syrup, agave syrup works beautifully too, offering a slightly different sweetness. And if gluten is a concern, simply swap in some tamari for the soy sauce to keep everything tummy-friendly.
Tips & Notes
- •I've found that pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes makes it wonderfully crispy once fried.
- •Using high heat and patience, wait until the oil shimmers before adding the tofu to keep it from getting soggy.
- •I store any leftover sauce in a mason jar in the fridge, and it tastes even better the next day!
Recipe Variations
- •Sometimes I toss in some lightly roasted cashews for an extra crunch.
- •My friend Jess swears by adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bit of texture and flavor.
Storage & Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat to retain crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another protein instead of tofu?
Yes, you can substitute tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.
Rate this Recipe
Loading votes...
You May Also Like
Ravioli
Delicate homemade vegan ravioli filled with a savory mix of spinach and tofu, served with a rich tomato basil sauce.
Couscous
A light and fluffy couscous dish, infused with vibrant vegetables and spices, perfect for a wholesome dinner.
Vegan Bratwurst
Every time I whip up these vegan bratwursts, I'm transported back to a cozy evening when I first experimented with blending oats and spices to create that nostalgic, hearty flavor without any of the guilt.
This General Tso's tofu is my go-to comfort food when I crave something with a kick, and it's a dish I've tweaked over countless cozy Saturday nights in my kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- 2
In a bowl, coat the tofu cubes with cornstarch evenly.
- 3
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes each side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- 4
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- 5
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer.
- 6
Add the crispy tofu back into the pan and gently toss to coat the tofu in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- 7
Serve the General Tso's tofu over cooked brown rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Comments
Loading comments...