The Best General Tao Tofu

Name: The Best General Tao Tofu
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 450 g firm tofu (pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes); 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; vegetable oil (for frying); 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium); 1/3 cup rice vinegar; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 2 teaspoons chili paste (adjust to taste); 2 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 teaspoons water); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)

45 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

The Best General Tao Tofu

Crispy tofu tossed in a sweet and spicy General Tao sauce for a delightful twist on a classic dish.

Prep

20 min

Cook

25 min

Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

General Tao Tofu is a vegetarian twist on the classic Chinese takeout dish, General Tso's Chicken. This recipe uses firm tofu, which is perfect for absorbing flavours and achieving a satisfying texture. By frying the tofu until crispy and coating it in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce, you get all the delightful flavours of the original dish with a plant-based protein. Tofu, a staple in many vegetarian and vegan diets, is incredibly versatile and can take on a variety of flavours. This recipe is designed to highlight the tofu's ability to carry the bold and delicious flavours traditionally associated with General Tao dishes. Whether you're a seasoned tofu lover or new to cooking with it, this recipe is sure to become a favourite.

Ingredients

Servings

Tofu

Sauce

Instructions

Prepare the tofu

Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1-inch cubes.

Pro tip: Pressing tofu helps it absorb more flavour and achieve a better texture.

Coat the tofu

In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the tofu cubes in the mixture until evenly coated.

Pro tip: Ensure each piece is well-coated to achieve maximum crispiness when fried.

Fry the tofu

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated tofu cubes in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Pro tip: Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying.

Prepare the sauce

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, tomato paste, hoisin sauce, and chili paste. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Pro tip: Taste the sauce and adjust the chili paste for desired spiciness.

Thicken the sauce

Add minced garlic and ginger to the sauce. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Pro tip: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when thickened.

Combine tofu and sauce

Toss the crispy tofu cubes in the sauce until well-coated. Serve immediately.

Pro tip: For best results, toss the tofu in the sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Press your tofu ahead of time to remove excess moisture.</li><li>Ensure your oil is hot enough for frying by testing with a small piece of tofu.</li><li>Toss the tofu in the sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness.</li><li>Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili paste.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve General Tao Tofu over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light lager. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, reheat in a skillet to maintain the tofu's crispiness.