General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (2024)

120

Community Pick

Submitted by Hadice

"Great alternative to General Tso's Chicken. Contributed to a vegetarian website by Sarah Booth."

Download

General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (2) General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (3)

photo by breezermom General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (4)

General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (5) General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (6)

General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (7) General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (8)

General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (9) General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (10)

General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (11) General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (12)

Ready In:
30mins

Ingredients:
14
Serves:

4

Advertisem*nt

ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) box firm tofu
  • 1 egg
  • 34 cup cornstarch
  • vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 3 chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 23 cup vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon sherry wine (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • steamed broccoli

Advertisem*nt

directions

  • Drain, dry and cut tofu into one inch chunks-You can freeze the tofu the night before to get a more"chicken-like" texture, if desired.
  • Mix egg with 3 Tbs of water.
  • Dip tofu in mixture.
  • Sprinkle cornstarch over tofu to completely cover.
  • Heat oil in pan and fry tofu pieces until golden brown and set aside.
  • Drain oil.
  • Heat 3 Tbs vegetable oil in pan on medium heat and add onions, ginger and garlic, cook for about two minutes (be careful not to burn garlic).
  • Add vegetable stock, soy sauce, sugar, red pepper flakes and vinegar.
  • Mix 2 Tbs of water and 1 Tbs cornstarch and pour into mixture, stirring well.
  • Add fried tofu and coat evenly.
  • Serve immediately with steamed broccoli over your choice of rice.

Questions & Replies

General Tso's Tofu Recipe - Chinese.Food.com (13)

Got a question? Share it with the community!

Advertisem*nt

Reviews

  1. I am not much of a tofu lover so I decided to try this with A couple of modificatitions. I made the sauce and marinated the tofu in it before breading it with the egg and cornstarch.( for a couple of hours.) Then I baked the tofu in a 325 oven for approximatley 30 min. so that it was crispy and then I used the "marinade" plus made an extra batch of sauce and proceded with the rest of the recipie. I must say it was YUMMY YUMMY. I had it with stirfried broccoli, baby corn, snowpeas and rice. The tofu had better flavour by marinating first and you can eliminate a lot of the oil by baking it instead of frying.

  2. Flavorful sauce, and overall a good recipe. I highly recommend following some of the other reviewers' suggestions to marinate the tofu in the sauce before coating in the egg and cornstarch mixture and baking at 325F for about 30 minutes. If you like your General Tso's with a lot of sauce, I recommend doubling the sauce recipe, which will give you enough marinade for the tofu and plenty of sauce for the dish itself.

    vegboy8896

  3. Fantastic! I started by freezing the block of tofu overnight to make a more chicken-y texture. I followed the top review and baked the egg and cornstarch coated tofu pieces in the oven at 325 for 30 minutes. This made the texture come out wonderful! I used half the tofu called for (what I had on hand), and marinated the cubes for a couple hours in a ziploc bag with the sauce. After lightly squeezing the tofu as I removed it from the marinade, I had plenty of sauce left to pour in the pan later. I will definitely be making this again!

    Sarah B.

  4. This was good. I think if I make it again I will follow in the footsteps of some of the other reviewers and marinate the tofu so it takes on more flavor and maybe try baking it instead. This had too much of a fried flavor, but that may just be me, we try to eat healthy and don't eat fried foods very often so I probably noticed this more than anyone else. I did double the sauce and may try to thicken it a little more next time. Served with steamed broccoli and brown rice.

    whtbxrmom

  5. Awesome! I doubled the sauce recipe and used water and ketchup rather than broth.

see 112 more reviews

Advertisem*nt

Tweaks

  1. I egg and then cornstarch the tofu, then place it on a cookie sheet/jelly roll pan on parchment paper. Then I liberally drizzle the tofu with oil and bake in the over for 20 minutes on 450 F. It is crispy without the frying. Then I make the sauce in a pan on the stove and combine the tofu (minus the baking oil).

    Yael Aldrich

  2. Made this and it's definitely on the make-again list...it was yum!! But...I made some tweaks: - I halved the sugar and thought that was a very good call. - I needed a second egg/water for the first coating as my twice-frozen/thawed/squeezed tofu was a sponge and soaked up the liquid pretty quickly. I've done this technique a few times and the biggest benefit to the freezing of the tofu is that the tofu crisps up more nicely because it's drier and looks a bit more like actual chicken once cooked. - I used panko for the coating instead of flour. I've done flour before in other recipes and the panko crisps up way more nicely in my cast iron. It doesn't keep all the crispiness once you've tossed the tofu in the sauce at the end, but it looks way nicer and gives it a great texture. - I didn't have cornstarch, so I used flour to thicken the sauce as others have done. My only tweak is that I would suggest 2T to make it a bit thicker. Other than those changes to suit my taste, this recipe was great! :)

    pakjak2001

  3. Oh my gosh! I can't believe I didn't review this before -- we've made this recipe 6 or 7 times since I found it, and it's hands-down the best tofu recipe I've ever had. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!! I made it almost exactly as written -- the only change was instead of using all vegetable oil for frying, I added a splash of sesame oil. I also put the cornstarch in a brown paper bag and added a few cubes at a time, shaking well, and it covered them perfectly with no mess. We like spicy food so we added a good sprinkling of the crushed red pepper flakes. My son likes tofu extra crispy, so I leave it in the pan until it is almost a dark golden brown. I double the sauce and serve this as a meal with broccoli and rice -- with the sauce ladled over all. What a super recipe -- makes my mouth water just writing a review about it. :) Thanks for sharing!

    TasteTester

  4. Absolutely fantastic! I have never liked tofu, and I ate seconds of this! We doubled the sauce and added all kinds of veggies (mushrooms, bell pepper, napa cabage) and instead of red pepper flakes used a little chile garlic paste. I also just used flour instead of egg/cornstarch mix. Set aside a bowl for my brother, who thought it was chicken! Will definately be making again!

    mrsmissyg

  5. My DS recently became a vegetarian. I wanted to find a good recipe and this one looked really good. My DS did the sauce and I prepared the tofu and put everything together. He told me to get the silken tofu, as that is what they use in the Chinese restaurant where he works. That was a mistake because it broke apart like scrambled hamburg as it was cooking. It tasted great though, and be both loved it! Next time I will use the firm tofu. We doubled the sauce and may even triple it next time. I threw in snow peas instead of broccoli and it was a great addition. Even if you don't like tofu, I really think you would be surprised at how delicious it is made this way. I can't wait to experiment further with tofu now that I have had it like this. I picked up the taste from the sauce while cooking. I replaced the soy sauce with dumpling sauce as I was out of soy, but it has soy, ginger and garlic in it so it worked great. I still used the same amounts of garlic and ginger. Served on top of brown rice it was a winner all the way! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe with us Hadice! Linda

    Lindas Busy Kitchen

see 5 more tweaks

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

Hadice

212

  • 31 Followers
  • 130 Recipes
  • 19 Tweaks

<p>I have been married to my amazing husband for 8 wonderful years. We added a baby boy to the mix in March '08 with another just added March '10. We have two adorable rescue dogs, a chihuahua/min pin mix and a yorkie/westie mix. I have been an ovo-lacto vegetarian for 14 years. <br /> <br />After moving to our fourth state in a year, we have finally settled in Texas. I don't know how I like all the rain and the human-sized bugs, but we really enjoy the area we have chosen to live in. Being a vegetarian in this part of the country is HARD. No one quite gets it. <br /> <br />I love testing my zaar recipes on DH. When he loves something he exclaims, Where did you get this recipe?!? and of course, my answer is always the same. <br /> <br /><img src=http://www.enviro-tote.com/imagesNew/stockart/bannerVeggie.gif alt= /> <br /> <br />My ratings system: <br />5***** <br /> I would glady serve this to guests, or make it and secretly eat it all by myself. <br />4**** <br /> Great recipe. Liked enough to print out and place in my permanent cookbook. <br />3*** <br /> Recipe not quite for me, but others might like it. Could be more to my liking with a few modifications. <br />2** <br /> Didn't like. Possible ingredient errors in recipe. Probably wouldn't use again. <br />1* <br /> Really didn't like. Would never use again. <br /> <br />#NOTE# <br />If I review any recipes containing meat, it is a recipe I prepared and DH reviewed. <br /> <br /><img src=http://www.enviro-tote.com/imagesNew/stockart/bannerVeggie.gif alt= /> <br /> <br />Little Italy, San Diego <br /><img src=http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e342/hadice/Cool/LittleItaly.jpg alt= /> <br /> <br /><img src=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/duch*eSS13/berriesblinkie.gif alt= /><img src=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/projects/untitled_1.jpg alt= /> <br /> <br /><img src=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/200_artistrichardneuman-art-prints_.jpg alt= /><img src=http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/untitled.jpg alt= /><img src=http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a132/tgifford/Game%20Room%20Banners/AM%20Banners/KBparticipation.jpg border=0 alt=Photobucket /> <br /> <br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3345270671_dd30334798.jpg alt= /><img src=http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/MrsTeny/AMpageSticker.jpg alt= /> <br /> <br /><img src=http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/MrsTeny/Permanent%20Collection/Aug09PaperSwapSticker.jpg alt= /> <br /> <br /><img src=http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j166/ZaarNicksMom/Animation6.gif alt= /> <br /> <br /><img src=http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j166/ZaarNicksMom/PACsticker-Adopted.jpg alt= /> <br /> <br /><img src=http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2/kiwidutch/my3chefs2009final-1.jpg alt= /></p>

View Full Profile

Advertisem*nt

Advertisem*nt

Advertisem*nt

YOU'LL ALSO LOVE

52 Best Tofu Recipes

52 photos

General Tso's Tofu

by The Hungry Vegan

1

General Tso's Tofu

by arielleilani

How to Freeze Strawberries

View All Recipes

General Tso's Tofu Recipe  - Chinese.Food.com (2024)

FAQs

What is General Tso tofu made of? ›

This General Tso's Tofu is made with bites of crispy tofu that are coated in a simple cornstarch batter, oven-baked until crispy and golden, then doused in a homemade General Tso's sauce that's the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory comfort flavors.

Is General Tso's tofu good for you? ›

It's spicy-sweet, healthier than the classic Chinese takeout dish, and one of my favorite tofu recipes. This General Tso's Tofu is a healthier and lighter version of the classic General Tso's Chicken. Besides, it's made with tofu instead of chicken and the tofu is not deep-fried, just sautéed in a little bit of oil.

How to get tofu like the Chinese takeaway? ›

Pat each cube dry. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu and cook on all sides until golden brown, 2-4 minutes per side, then remove from the pan and set aside.

Do Chinese restaurants use tofu? ›

Today, tofu is widely considered an integral part of authentic Chinese cuisine and various other Asian dishes. Restaurants like the Bay Area's Chili House SF offer some of the best Chinese food in San Francisco with tofu as a central ingredient.

What is Chinese tofu called? ›

Etymology
Regional names
Chinese豆腐
Hanyu Pinyindòufu
Literal meaning"bean curd/ferment"
36 more rows

What can I marinate tofu in? ›

In a mixing bowl or measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the marinade: soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ginger, and Sriracha. Drizzle over the tofu. If any pieces look bare, turn them over in the marinade a few times so all of the sides are coated.

Is there a downside to eating tofu? ›

Contains antinutrients

Tofu contains these two types of antinutrients: Phytates: These compounds may reduce the absorption of minerals such as calcium, zinc, and iron ( 6 ). Trypsin inhibitors: These compounds block trypsin, an enzyme needed for the proper digestion of protein.

Is tofu healthier than chicken? ›

Tofu nutrition. This meatless option is a staple for vegetarians, and rightfully so. It boasts more fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and folate than chicken and contains fewer calories.

What is the healthiest Chinese food option? ›

We asked nutrition experts for some of their healthiest Chinese food dishes, plus their best menu hacks for sneaking in even more nutrients.
  • Moo Goo Gai Pan. ...
  • Szechuan Tofu. ...
  • Shrimp with Broccoli in Garlic Sauce. ...
  • Beef and Broccoli. ...
  • Spring Rolls. ...
  • Cucumber Salad. ...
  • Lo Mein of Chow Fun with Veggies or Protein. ...
  • White or Brown Rice.
Apr 29, 2024

How do Chinese restaurants get tofu crispy? ›

In a shallow dish, mix 1/4 cup cornstarch with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Quickly coat the tofu slices with this dry mixture. Add them directly to the pan as you dredge them, and pan-fry until crisp and golden on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the crispy tofu from the pan and arrange on a serving plate.

What kind of tofu do Chinese restaurants use? ›

White in colour and tender to touch, soft tofu (yun dou fu) contains the highest water content of all tofu types and is widely used in Cantonese and other southern Chinese cuisines. It's similar to Japanese silken tofu, but while very soft it has a bit more “body” to it, making it slightly easier to handle and cut.

Why does restaurant tofu taste different? ›

This difference in taste is largely due to one key ingredient: salt. In the culinary world, salt is a key flavor enhancer that unlocks and elevates the natural tastes of food. When it comes to tofu, which is naturally quite mild-tasting, salt becomes a critical component in transforming it into something delicious.

What culture eats the most tofu? ›

In China, Singapore and Hong Kong, unfermented soyfoods, particularly tofu and soymilk, are the most commonly consumed products. In Japan, about half of soy intake comes from the fermented foods natto and miso and the rest is tofu.

Which country eats the most tofu? ›

Japan is the largest consumer of Tofu as the hub for the largest number of manufacturers and easy availability. China is the key market with a high density of manufacturers and holds the major share in the global Tofu market.

How often do Asians eat tofu? ›

While average Japanese intake is 1 to 1 ½ servings, the surveys reveal that the upper range among older Japanese—who would be expected to eat a more traditional diet—is about 3 servings of soyfoods per day. It's much harder to determine soy intake in China because diets vary greatly across regions.

What is tofu made of in China? ›

Tofu is made from dried soybeans that are soaked in water, crushed, and boiled. The mixture is separated into solid pulp (okara) and soy “milk.” Salt coagulants, such as calcium and magnesium chlorides and sulfates, are added to the soy milk to separate the curds from the whey.

Is bean curd the same as tofu? ›

Tofu is the name and spelling used most often for bean curd, but it is actually the Japanese word for a Chinese invention - doufu.

What is crispy tofu made of? ›

Crispy Tofu Method: Dredged in Cornstarch and Pan-Fried

You simply cut the tofu into sort of flat squares by cutting the block in half lengthwise, then cutting those halves crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick pieces. After quickly dredging the pieces in cornstarch, you pan-fry them in a little oil.

What's the difference between fried tofu and tofu? ›

Fried tofu is exactly what it sounds like: squares of tofu fried and pre-packaged for your easy consumption. It's not as crispy as you might suspect, nor is it as compact and crumbly as firm tofu, but instead has a spongy, airy texture perfect for absorbing sauces.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Margart Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 5495

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Margart Wisoky

Birthday: 1993-05-13

Address: 2113 Abernathy Knoll, New Tamerafurt, CT 66893-2169

Phone: +25815234346805

Job: Central Developer

Hobby: Machining, Pottery, Rafting, Cosplaying, Jogging, Taekwondo, Scouting

Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.