General Tso's Tofu

Crispy, saucy, and absolutely irresistible, General Tso's Tofu is a plant-based twist on the classic Chinese-American takeout favorite. This recipe balances golden, pan-fried tofu cubes with a bold, savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin, and a touch of sugar, while fresh garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes add a flavorful kick. Perfectly paired with steamed broccoli and fluffy white rice, this dish is packed with texture, protein, and vibrant flavors. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's an ideal choice for anyone seeking a healthier, vegetarian-friendly dinner that's satisfying and simple to make at home. Whether you're new to tofu or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
• 0.5 cup cornstarch
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 0 steamed broccoli (optional, for serving)
• 0 cooked white rice (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object on top and press for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Step 2

Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.

Step 3

Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish. Add the tofu cubes and toss to coat evenly, shaking off excess cornstarch.

Step 4

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer without crowding the pan and fry on all sides until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove tofu using a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sugar to make the sauce. Set aside.

Step 6

In the same skillet, remove all but 1 tablespoon of oil, returning it to medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 7

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Let it come to a simmer, then add the crispy tofu cubes back into the pan, tossing gently to coat them with the sauce.

Step 8

Cook the tofu in the sauce for about 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.

Step 9

Drizzle sesame oil over the dish, add sliced scallions, and give it a final toss.

Step 10

Serve hot over steamed broccoli and rice, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1002.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2215.2

Total Fat 153.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 73.7g
Cholesterol 1.0mg	0%
Sodium 3134.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 150.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.6g	0%
Total Sugars 39.8g
Protein 77.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2842.7mg	0%
Iron 15.7mg	0%
Potassium 1862.4mg	0%

*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: 60.1%

Protein: 13.6%

Carbs: 26.3%