General Tso’s Tofu
If you’re looking for a way to make tofu taste great, this General Tso’s Tofu recipe is the answer. It’s got a delicious flavor—sweet, savory, and a little bit of heat and stays nice and crunchy! It’s a simple, filling meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner over rice.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 block firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil (canola, olive, or vegetable)
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
General Tso's Sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider, rice, or white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- garnish sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Clean the kitchen area and wash hands with soap and water.
- Airfryer: Preheat to 375°F.
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F.
Prepare Tofu
- Carefully cut open the plastic film on the tofu container over the sink. Pour out the packing liquid and remove the block of tofu. Wash hands with soap and water.
- Wrap the tofu block in a clean, lint-free kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze out the excess moisture.
- Place the wrapped tofu on a flat plate or cutting board. Set another flat object, like a second cutting board or a plate, on top. Place a heavy item, such as a large canned good or a pan, on top of the upper plate.
- Let the tofu sit for 15 to 30 minutes. You’ll see the towels becoming saturated as the water is pressed out.
- Cut tofu into bite-sized 1-inch cubes.
Prepare Tofu Before Cooking
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch, oil, and pepper, and toss tofu cubes until evenly coated.
Cook Tofu
- Airfryer: Place the tofu in an air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes. After 8 minutes, remove the basket and shake the tofu around. Place the basket back in the airfryer and continue baking until the tofu is golden and crisp.
- Oven: Place the tofu cubes on a greased or lined baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren't touching. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flip the tofu after about 15 minutes, and continue baking until they are golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
Make Sauce and Add to Tofu
- Start making the sauce when the tofu is cooking.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Combine soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. A simmer is when the rapid bubbling stops and only small bubbles remain.
- Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring often.
- Once tofu is done cooking, place it in a bowl, pour the sauce over it, and toss to coat the tofu pieces evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional).
Storage
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours. Consume leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
Notes
- Suggest serving tofu over white or brown rice.
- For more information about food and beverage storage, go to the FoodKeeper Website or App (FoodSafety.gov).
