General Tso's Tofu
Crispy fried tofu cubes tossed in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce. This popular Chinese-American takeout classic is easy to make at home and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tofu
- b.Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- c.In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and toss gently until each piece is evenly and lightly coated.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Tofu
- b.In a large skillet or wok, heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers (about 350°F / 175°C).
- c.Carefully add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Work in two batches if necessary.
- d.Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried tofu to a wire rack to drain. This keeps it crispy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Mix the Sauce
- b.While the tofu is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and toasted sesame oil.
- c.In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth slurry. Set both bowls aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Sauce and Combine
- b.Carefully pour out all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet. Return the skillet to medium heat.
- c.Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, scallion whites, and whole dried red chilies. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- e.Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and whisk it into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Add the crispy tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat every piece with the sauce.
- c.Garnish immediately with the reserved scallion greens and toasted sesame seeds.
- d.Serve hot with steamed rice and a side of steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pressing the tofu is the most critical step for a crispy texture. Do not skip it!
- 2For an even crispier coating, double-fry the tofu. Fry once, let it cool slightly, then fry again for 1-2 minutes.
- 3Use a wire rack to drain the fried tofu instead of paper towels. This allows air to circulate and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
- 4For a more authentic flavor, add 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine to the sauce mixture.
- 5Toss the tofu in the sauce right before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
- 6Adjust the number of dried red chilies to control the spice level. For a milder dish, use fewer or remove the seeds.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Preparation
Instead of frying, bake or air-fry the coated tofu. Arrange in a single layer and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or air-fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Make it a one-pan meal by adding vegetables. Stir-fry 1-2 cups of broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or onions in the skillet after sautéing the aromatics, then proceed with adding the sauce.
Gluten Free VersionGluten-Free Version
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein
Tofu is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. It's a fantastic protein source for vegetarians and vegans, supporting muscle repair and overall body function.
Supports Heart Health
Tofu is rich in isoflavones, plant compounds that have been linked to improved heart health markers, such as lower levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
This dish features ginger and garlic, both of which are renowned for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this General Tso's Tofu contains approximately 380-450 calories. The final count can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.