Spicy Sweet General Tso's Tofu Delight
Indulge in this delicious vegan twist on the classic General Tso's Chicken, featuring crispy baked extra firm tofu as the star. This dish combines the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with a rich sauce made from fresh garlic, ginger, and a hint of sriracha, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Served over a bed of nutritious brown rice and a generous helping of vibrant steamed broccoli, this meal is not only satisfying but also packed with wholesome nutrients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite, this recipe will become a family staple. Enjoy a delightful culinary experience that is both healthy and full of flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra firm tofu
12 ounces (pressed and cubed)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (for coating tofu)
vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (for sauce)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
ginger
2 inches (grated)
water
1/4 cup (for sauce)
tamari soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
rice vinegar
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening)
steamed broccoli florets
4 cups (for serving)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2
2. Carefully drain and press the extra firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into bite-sized cubes and toss them gently in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until evenly coated.
3
3. Spread the coated tofu cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through until they are golden and slightly crispy.
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4. While the tofu is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
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5. Stir in the water, vegetable oil, tamari soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sriracha. Allow the mixture to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well combined.
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6. In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the sauce while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
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7. Once the tofu is done baking, remove it from the oven and gently toss it with the prepared sauce, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
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8. Serve the flavorful tofu over a hearty bed of brown rice or quinoa, accompanied by a generous helping of freshly steamed broccoli florets. Garnish with additional sriracha or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Spicy Sweet General Tso's Tofu Delight?
The main protein in this recipe is 12 ounces of extra firm tofu.
Is this General Tso's recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this is a vegan twist on the classic General Tso's Chicken.
How should I prepare the tofu before baking it?
You should drain and press the extra firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
What temperature should I set my oven to for the tofu?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do I make the tofu crispy without deep frying?
The tofu is tossed in cornstarch and baked in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
Should I use parchment paper when baking the tofu?
Yes, lining the baking sheet with parchment paper is recommended for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
How often should I turn the tofu while it is in the oven?
You should turn the tofu cubes halfway through the 20-25 minute baking time.
What aromatics are used in the General Tso sauce?
The recipe uses 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 inches of grated ginger.
How long should I sauté the garlic and ginger?
Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
What ingredients make up the sauce base?
The sauce includes water, vegetable oil, tamari soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sriracha.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened using a slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
What kind of soy sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies tamari soy sauce.
Is the sauce for this tofu spicy?
Yes, it contains a tablespoon of sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
What vegetable is served alongside the tofu?
The recipe includes 4 cups of steamed broccoli florets for serving.
What grains are recommended for serving?
It is suggested to serve the tofu over a bed of brown rice or quinoa.
How do I ensure the cornstarch slurry doesn't create lumps?
Gradually add the slurry to the sauce while stirring constantly.
Can I garnish this dish with anything extra?
You can garnish the finished meal with additional sriracha or sesame seeds if desired.
What kind of vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients required for this dish.
What type of sugar is used for sweetness?
1 tablespoon of brown sugar is used to balance the flavors.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, according to the description, it is a meal prep favorite and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil for the sauce.
What is the preparation method for the ginger?
The 2 inches of ginger should be grated before adding to the pan.
When do I combine the sauce and the tofu?
Once the tofu is done baking and the sauce has thickened, gently toss the tofu into the sauce until coated.
Can I substitute the brown rice?
Yes, the instructions suggest quinoa as a healthy alternative to brown rice.
What makes the tofu 'General Tso' style?
The combination of ginger, garlic, hoisin, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar creates the iconic sweet and savory flavor profile.
How many times is cornstarch used in the recipe?
Cornstarch is used twice: once to coat the tofu for baking and once to thicken the sauce.
Is the broccoli cooked in the sauce?
No, the broccoli florets are steamed separately and served on the side.
How long does the sauce need to cook before adding the slurry?
After stirring in the main sauce ingredients, allow the mixture to cook for 3-4 minutes.
What provides the rich umami flavor in the sauce?
The tamari soy sauce and hoisin sauce provide the deep, savory umami base.