Tantalizingly Tasty General Tso’s Tofu

When I’m in the mood for a delicious Asian-inspired dish, General Tso’s Tofu is always my go-to! This dish is full of flavor and texture, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of crispy fried tofu and a spicy, sweet sauce is a match made in heaven. Plus, it can easily be customized to suit whatever ingredients you have on hand. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it never fails to please me.

General Tso’s Tofu Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) package extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons sambal oelek
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Place the tofu cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top and toss to coat. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the cornstarch, sambal oelek, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
• Once the tofu is finished baking, add it to the bowl with the sauce mixture and toss to coat.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the coated tofu. Cook for 5-7 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the sauce thickens and the tofu is cooked through.
• Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the green onions.
• Serve the General Tso’s Tofu over steamed rice, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 160
• Fat: 6.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 330mg
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1.3g
• Sugar: 5.3g
• Protein: 5.3g

What is the history behind general tso’s tofu?

General Tso’s Tofu is a vegan spin on the classic General Tso’s Chicken dish. It has its origins in Hunan Province, China, where the original dish was created in the mid-1800s. The dish was created by the Hunanese military leader and prominent figure, General Tso Tsung-t’ang. He was known for his love of spicy food and so the dish was made with a generous helping of chili peppers.

Over time, the recipe was adapted and changed in many places, and eventually made its way to Taiwan. Here, the dish took on a sweeter flavor, with a slight addition of sugar. This version of the dish was popularized in the United States in the 1970s, and it is the version of General Tso’s Chicken we know today.

In recent years, General Tso’s Tofu has become increasingly popular as an alternative to the meat-based version of the dish. This vegan adaptation is made with diced tofu, coated in a sweet and savory sauce and usually served with steamed broccoli and a side of white or brown rice. This vegan version of General Tso’s Chicken may be healthier than the original and is gaining in popularity as an alternative to classic dishes.

What are the health benefits of substituting tofu for chicken in general tso’s?

The health benefits of substituting tofu for chicken in General Tso’s are numerous. Here are a few key benefits:

• Tofu is a lower calorie, lower fat food than chicken, providing a healthier option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake.
• Tofu is a good source of plant-based protein, making it a great alternative for vegetarians and vegans.
• Tofu is a good source of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and can aid in weight management.
• Tofu is naturally low in cholesterol and sodium, making it an excellent choice for those with heart health concerns.
• Tofu is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, zinc, iron, and vitamins B1, B2, and B6, making it an excellent source of nutrition.

What is the difference between traditional general tso’s chicken and general tso’s tofu?

The primary difference between traditional General Tso’s chicken and General Tso’s tofu is the protein source. Traditional General Tso’s chicken is made with chicken meat, while General Tso’s tofu is made with tofu.

Traditional General Tso’s chicken is made with marinated chicken that is deep-fried and then stir-fried with a sweet and savory sauce. The dish is served over steamed white rice and is often garnished with sesame seeds.

General Tso’s tofu is made by marinating cubes of tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and other seasonings. The tofu is then pan-fried until crispy and stir-fried with a sweet and savory sauce. This dish is also served over steamed white rice and is often garnished with sesame seeds.

In terms of taste, traditional General Tso’s chicken and General Tso’s tofu are quite similar. Both dishes are sweet and savory, with a hint of garlic and ginger. However, due to the difference in the protein source, the texture of each dish is slightly different. Traditional General Tso’s chicken is usually crispier and the chicken pieces provide a chewier texture. On the other hand, General Tso’s tofu is usually softer and the tofu absorbs the flavors of the sauce more intensely.

In short, the primary difference between traditional General Tso’s chicken and General Tso’s tofu is the protein source. Traditional General Tso’s chicken is made with marinated chicken, while General Tso’s tofu is made with marinated tofu. The taste of both dishes is similar, but due to the difference in the protein source, the texture of each dish is slightly different.

What are the key ingredients used to make general tso’s tofu?

General Tso’s tofu is a popular vegan dish that combines the flavors of General Tso’s chicken with the texture of tofu. The key ingredients used to make this dish are tofu, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, garlic chili sauce, sugar, white wine vinegar, and sesame oil.

Tofu is the main ingredient in this dish, providing a protein source and a meat-like texture. Soy sauce adds a salty flavor and helps to create a savory sauce. Hoisin sauce provides a tangy, sweet flavor, while garlic and ginger offer a subtle spiciness. Garlic chili sauce adds a kick of heat and sugar helps to balance out the flavors. White wine vinegar and sesame oil add a touch of acidity and nuttiness.

To make General Tso’s tofu, fried tofu cubes are first cooked in a hot skillet with some vegetable oil. When the tofu is crispy and browned, it is removed from the skillet and set aside. Then, the garlic and ginger are cooked in the same skillet until fragrant. The soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic chili sauce, sugar, white wine vinegar, and sesame oil are then added to the skillet and cooked until the sauce thickens. Finally, the tofu cubes are added back to the skillet and tossed to coat in the sauce.

General Tso’s tofu is a delicious vegan dish that comes together quickly and easily with minimal ingredients. All that is needed are a few key ingredients: tofu, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, garlic chili sauce, sugar, white wine vinegar, and sesame oil.

How can you make general tso’s tofu at home?

Making General Tso’s tofu at home is easy with the right ingredients and a few simple steps.

To begin, you’ll need to prepare a marinade for the tofu. Combine 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, 1 tablespoon of unseasoned rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Stir together until the sugar is dissolved.

Next, press and slice your extra-firm tofu into cubes. Place the cubes in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Gently mix the tofu so that each piece is evenly coated. Cover the dish and let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Once the tofu has finished marinating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and spread the tofu cubes in the skillet. Fry the tofu until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

To finish, prepare the General Tso’s sauce. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of Chinese black vinegar. Whisk together until all the ingredients are combined and pour over the tofu. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Your General Tso’s tofu is now ready to be served.

What are some creative ways to serve general tso’s tofu?

One of the most creative ways to serve General Tso’s tofu is to pair it with a salad. This can be done by lightly pan-frying the tofu in oil and adding it to a bowl of mixed greens and vegetables. For a savory flavor, add a few tablespoons of General Tso’s sauce to the salad and top with sesame seeds. Another creative way to serve General Tso’s tofu is to make a wrap. Start by heating a large tortilla, then add the General Tso’s tofu, fresh vegetables and a few tablespoons of General Tso’s sauce. Roll up the wrap and enjoy! Finally, General Tso’s tofu can be served with a stir-fry. Start by heat oil in a wok or large skillet and add the tofu. Stir-fry the tofu until it’s golden-brown, then add in vegetables such as broccoli and carrots. Finally, add a few tablespoons of General Tso’s sauce and cook until the vegetables are tender. Serve the stir-fry over a bed of cooked white or brown rice.