General Tso’s Tofu features crispy baked tofu coated in a flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and mildly spicy. This vegan version offers a healthier take on the classic takeout favorite.
INGREDIENTS
For the Baked Crispy Tofu:
- 300g firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For the General Tso’s Sauce:
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Baked Crispy Tofu:
- Cut the tofu into cubes.
- To remove excess liquid, press the tofu. Use a tofu press or place the tofu cubes between paper towels and set a heavy pan on top. Let it rest for 30-40 minutes to help the tofu crisp up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Once the tofu is pressed, transfer the cubes to a bowl. Add cornstarch, sesame oil, and salt, then toss to coat the tofu evenly.
- Spread the tofu cubes on a lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the General Tso’s Sauce:
- While the tofu bakes, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and reduce the heat. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the skillet. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Turn off the heat.
- Add the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
To Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
NOTES
- Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best results.
- For added spice, include hot sauce or Sriracha to taste.
- Be mindful of the cornstarch amount; it should not exceed 3 tablespoons to maintain the tofu’s crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce and omit the cornstarch if needed.
- Hoisin sauce is key for the authentic flavor, but you can substitute with a mixture of miso paste, brown sugar, and soy sauce for a similar taste.
