Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's as delicious as it is satisfying? Say hello to General Tso's Tofu—a mouthwatering twist on the classic Chinese favorite that’s packed with flavor and perfect for plant-based eaters! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this crispy, savory delight that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to impress. Dive into the world of bold flavors and crispy textures, and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the tofu. Press the block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed tofu with the cornstarch until all pieces are evenly coated. This will help create a crispy texture when cooked.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the sauce by combining the soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet and allow it to heat up.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the tofu for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of sesame oil if needed. Add the chopped green onions and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the sautéed green onions. Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, gently add the crispy tofu back into the skillet. Toss the tofu in the sauce until all pieces are well coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the General Tso's tofu over cooked rice, garnishing with additional chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade General Tso's Tofu!
Tips
- Press the Tofu Thoroughly: To achieve that perfect crispy texture, ensure you press the tofu long enough to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for preventing sogginess.
- Coat Evenly with Cornstarch: Make sure each tofu cube is evenly coated with cornstarch. This will help create a delightful crunch when pan-frying.
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet or wok will make it easier to achieve that golden-brown exterior without the tofu sticking and breaking apart.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken properly before adding the tofu back in. This enhances the flavor and ensures every bite is deliciously coated.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the General Tso's Tofu right after cooking. This way, the tofu remains crispy and the flavors are at their peak.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider adding sesame seeds or additional chopped green onions as a garnish for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Pair with Perfect Rice: Serve your dish over fluffy cooked rice to soak up all that delicious sauce, making every bite a satisfying experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
