This delicious General Tso’s tofu recipe is made with super firm tofu and a tangy, homemade sauce that is surprisingly easy to make! It’s an easy, protein-packed meal, perfect for weeknights!

general tso's tofu
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If you’re craving takeout, but you want a healthier, plant-based option, try my General Tso’s tofu! It’s easy to make and you can serve it with any vegetables you like. I used super firm tofu because it has a really hearty texture and it’s loaded with plant-based protein. Each serving has 16g of protein!

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Tofu– Super firm tofu is ideal for this recipe as it has less moisture and doesn’t require a lot of pressing.
  • Cornstarch– This is used to coat the tofu, creating a perfectly crispy exterior. If you’re out of cornstarch, try arrowroot or potato starch.
  • Avocado Oil– This neutral oil is great for frying, but you can substitute it with vegetable oil if needed.
  • Hoisin Sauce, Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Maple Syrup– These are the essentials for the sauce, providing depth and a balanced sweetness. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or liquid aminos. I used white vinegar but rice vinegar can be used instead.
  • Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring authentic flavors to the dish, adding warmth and spice.
general tso's tofu

What is Super Firm Tofu?

Super firm and extra firm tofu differ primarily in texture and water content. Super firm tofu has less water, making it denser, chewier, and ready to use without pressing. It holds up well in high-heat cooking like grilling and stir-frying. Extra firm tofu, while still sturdy, contains slightly more water, so pressing it is recommended for a crispier texture. Both work well in this recipe, but super firm tofu is ideal for making this recipe faster.

How to Make General Tso’s Tofu

Press the Tofu: Press your tofu for at least 15 minutes. Marinate, then toss with cornstarch.
Prepare the Sauce: Heat avocado oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté the garlic and ginger for about a minute, then add the remaining sauce.
general tso's tofu sauce in a bowl
Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens, then set aside.
Crisp the tofu: Heat the remaining oil over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook for about 6 minutes on one side until golden brown.
Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until both sides are golden brown.
Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked tofu with the sauce until evenly coated.
Serve over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.

Tips for the Best General Tso’s Tofu

  • Use super firm tofu: It has less moisture, making it easier to crisp up. If using extra firm tofu, press it for longer to remove excess water.
  • Be generous with the cornstarch: This creates the crispy coating on the tofu. Toss the tofu in the cornstarch right before frying to prevent sogginess.
  • Don’t burn the sauce: Stir the sauce frequently while it’s cooking to avoid scorching.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This General Tso’s Tofu pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice or jasmine rice. We paired ours with air fried green beans — but it’s also great with broccoli, snap peas, or other veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make this ahead of time? This dish is best enjoyed fresh for the crispiest tofu, but you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Is there an alternative to tofu? If tofu isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with tempeh, which offers a slightly nuttier flavor and a similar protein boost. Or try my sweet and sour tempeh instead!
  • How can I reheat leftovers? To re-crisp the tofu, reheat it in an skillet or air fryer. Avoid the microwave, as it may make the tofu soggy.
  • Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Yes! Just swap regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or liquid aminos.

Other Tasty Recipes

If you like this recipe, try my crispy tofu stir fry or this spring roll in a bowl recipe. They have similar flavor profiles, and they’re loaded with vegetables and plant-based protein!

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general tso's tofu

General Tso’s Tofu

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  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Time to Press Tofu: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese Inspired
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This delicious General Tso’s tofu recipe is made with super firm tofu and a tangy, homemade sauce that is surprisingly easy to make! It’s an easy, protein-packed meal, perfect for weeknights!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
  • 16oz super firm tofu, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
  • Rice for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to release any water. In a small bowl, whisk hoisin, vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
  2. Coat the tofu with 3 tablespoons of the sauce and let it marinate for at least 10-15 minutes.
  3. In a small saucepan or skillet, heat one tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-low heat.
  4. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for one minute.
  5. Add the remaining sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
  6. Toss the marinated tofu with the remaining cornstarch.
  7. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  8. Cook the tofu for 6 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on both sides.
  9. Toss the tofu with the sauce and serve over rice.
  10. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.