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General Tso’s Tofu Recipe Easy Crispy Spicy Tofu for Dinner

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A quick and easy plant-based take on the classic General Tso’s dish featuring crispy tofu coated in a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and packed with bold flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional sides: steamed broccoli or rice

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, placing it on a plate, and setting a heavy object on top for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes gently with 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder to coat evenly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. In a separate small cup, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Set both aside.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy, flipping carefully. Cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the tofu and stir gently to coat. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Transfer tofu to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.

Notes

Pressing tofu for at least 15 minutes is essential for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Stir sauce constantly after adding slurry to avoid lumps. For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free hoisin sauce. Air-frying or baking tofu are good alternatives to pan-frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: General Tso's tofu, crispy tofu, spicy tofu, plant-based dinner, vegan Chinese recipe, gluten-free tofu, easy tofu recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/general-tsos-tofu-recipe-easy-crispy-spicy-tofu-for-dinner/