Sizzling Tofu General Tso's Delight
Savor the bold flavors of this delightful vegetarian twist on the classic General Tso's dish! Made with extra firm tofu, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and spice, all while being lighter than the traditional chicken version. The crispy tofu bites are enveloped in a rich and savory sauce made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, creating an irresistible dish that will please both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Serve over fluffy brown rice for a wholesome meal, and enjoy a taste sensation that is sure to excite your palate!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra firm tofu
1 (16 ounce) container (drained and cubed)
eggs
2 (beaten (or use egg replacer for vegan option))
cornstarch
5 teaspoons (for sauce)
cornstarch
1/2 cup (for breading)
rice vinegar
5 tablespoons (for marinade)
rice wine
6 1/2 tablespoons (for marinade)
sugar
1/2 cup (for sauce)
soy sauce
1/2 cup (for marinade)
minced garlic
3 tablespoons (for marinade)
minced ginger
1 tablespoon (for marinade)
sesame oil
2 tablespoons (for marinade)
oil
1/2 cup (for frying)
chili oil
to taste (optional, for added spice)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the tofu from its packaging and draining any excess liquid. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. To drain further, place the cubes between two towels and apply gentle pressure to remove moisture.
2
Prepare the marinade by combining the rice vinegar, rice wine, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and chili oil to taste in a bowl. Add the tofu cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
3
Once marinated, carefully remove the tofu from the bowl, shaking off excess marinade and trying to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
4
In a small bowl, take the reserved marinade and mix in 5 teaspoons of cornstarch and the 1/2 cup of sugar. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
5
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, pour in the prepared marinade mixture. Bring it to a gentle boil, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and set aside.
6
To bread the tofu, beat the eggs (or egg replacer). Dip each tofu piece into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Then, toss the tofu in the 1/2 cup of cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
7
Heat the 1/2 cup of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded tofu in batches, frying until each side is golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, place the tofu on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
8
Finally, gently add the crispy tofu to the thickened sauce, stirring to coat the tofu evenly. Heat on low for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is warmed through.
9
Serve hot over a bed of brown rice and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sizzling Tofu General Tso's Delight?
It is a vegetarian twist on the classic General Tso's dish, featuring crispy extra firm tofu cubes in a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce.
What type of tofu is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for extra firm tofu to ensure the cubes maintain their shape and achieve a crispy texture.
How should I prepare the tofu before marinating?
Drain the excess liquid from the packaging, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes, and press them between two towels to remove remaining moisture.
What ingredients are used in the General Tso marinade?
The marinade consists of rice vinegar, rice wine, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and chili oil to taste.
How long does the tofu need to marinate?
The tofu should marinate for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight is preferred for better flavor infusion.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by replacing the two eggs with a suitable egg replacer for the breading process.
How do I make the General Tso's sauce?
Whisk 5 teaspoons of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of sugar into the reserved marinade, then boil it in a saucepan until it thickens.
What is the secret to making the tofu crispy?
The secret is the double-coating process: dipping the marinated tofu into beaten eggs followed by a coating of cornstarch before frying.
How much oil is needed for frying?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of oil in a large frying pan to achieve a golden brown crust on the tofu.
How long do I fry each side of the tofu?
Each side of the breaded tofu cubes should be fried for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
What should I do after frying the tofu?
Place the fried tofu cubes on a paper towel to help absorb any excess oil before adding them to the sauce.
How do I combine the sauce and the tofu?
Gently add the crispy fried tofu to the thickened sauce and stir evenly to coat all pieces.
What is the final cooking step?
Once coated in sauce, heat the tofu and sauce together on low for an additional 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the Sizzling Tofu hot over a bed of fluffy brown rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes chili oil 'to taste,' allowing you to control the level of heat from mild to very spicy.
Does the recipe use both rice vinegar and rice wine?
Yes, it uses 5 tablespoons of rice vinegar for tanginess and 6 1/2 tablespoons of rice wine for depth of flavor.
How much garlic and ginger are required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger for the marinade.
How much cornstarch do I need in total?
You will need 5 teaspoons of cornstarch for the sauce mixture and an additional 1/2 cup of cornstarch for the breading.
Is the tofu supposed to be soft or firm?
The finished dish features tofu that is crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
What size should the tofu cubes be?
The recipe recommends cutting the tofu into 1-inch cubes for the best texture and bite-sized experience.
Can I use light soy sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of soy sauce; you can use light soy sauce if you prefer a less salty flavor profile.
Why is it called 'Sizzling' tofu?
The name reflects the high-heat frying process and the vibrant, bold flavors that sizzle on the palate.
Is there sugar in the sauce?
Yes, 1/2 cup of sugar is added to the sauce mixture to provide the classic sweet balance characteristic of General Tso's.
Can I air fry the tofu instead of pan frying?
While the recipe specifies pan frying for authentic crispiness, you can adapt it for an air fryer, though the texture may vary.
What role does sesame oil play in the recipe?
Two tablespoons of sesame oil are added to the marinade to provide a rich, nutty aroma and flavor.
How do I remove excess marinade from the tofu?
After marinating, carefully remove the cubes from the bowl and shake off any liquid before beginning the breading process.
Is this dish considered healthy?
It is a lighter, vegetarian alternative to the traditional chicken version, especially when served with brown rice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the use of 16 ounces of tofu, it typically serves about 2 to 4 people depending on side dish portions.
Should the sauce be boiling when I add the tofu?
No, you should remove the sauce from the heat once it thickens, and then stir in the tofu afterward.
Can I use this sauce for other vegetables?
Yes, the General Tso's sauce in this recipe is versatile and would pair well with steamed broccoli, peppers, or snap peas.