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General Tsao’s Tofu: A Vegan Take on a Classic

The aroma of General Tsao’s Chicken always brings me back to late-night college study sessions. Fueled by caffeine and the collective stress of impending exams, we’d order in, and that sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce was the ultimate comfort. Years later, as a committed vegan, I wanted to recapture that nostalgic flavor without compromising my values. This General Tsao’s Tofu is the perfect solution – crispy baked tofu bathed in that irresistible sauce, proving that plant-based versions can be just as satisfying (if not more so!) than the original.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2
Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

12 ounces extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, minced (or pressed)
2 inches grated ginger
1⁄4 cup water
1 tablespoon tamari soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (check ingredients for vegan compliance)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with
2 tablespoons water
4 cups steamed broccoli florets

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Greased baking sheet

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). This ensures the tofu gets nice and crispy.
In a large bowl, toss the tofu cubes with the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. The cornstarch helps to create a coating that will crisp up beautifully in the oven. Make sure all sides of the tofu are evenly coated.
Place the cornstarch-coated tofu on a greased baking sheet. Ensure the tofu isn’t overcrowded on the sheet, as this will steam the tofu instead of baking it. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tofu is slightly brown and firm to the touch. Flip the tofu halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it; ovens vary.
While the tofu is baking, prepare the sauce. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about two minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Add the water, tamari soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sriracha to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will act as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly with a whisk. Continue stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. It should thicken up within a minute or two. If it becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
Once the tofu is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately toss it with the prepared General Tsao’s sauce in a large bowl. Make sure each piece of tofu is well coated with the sauce.
Serve the General Tsao’s Tofu over brown rice or quinoa. Add piles of freshly steamed broccoli florets for a complete and balanced meal.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Pressing the Tofu: Pressing the tofu is crucial for removing excess water, which allows it to crisp up properly in the oven. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in paper towels, place it on a plate, and weigh it down with heavy objects for at least 30 minutes.
Crispy Tofu Secret: For extra crispy tofu, consider lightly spraying the baking sheet with cooking spray before placing the tofu on it. You can also use an air fryer for even faster and crispier results; cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Adjusting the Spice Level: The amount of sriracha can be adjusted to suit your spice preference. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Make-Ahead Sauce: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in a saucepan before tossing it with the tofu.
Hoisin Sauce Check: Not all Hoisin sauces are vegan. Some may contain honey or fish sauce, so please read the ingredient label and make sure it is 100% vegan.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the General Tsao’s Tofu immediately after tossing it with the sauce to maintain its crispiness. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the tofu will lose some of its crispiness as it sits in the sauce. To reheat, gently warm the tofu in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. Adding a bit of fresh broccoli when reheating can also freshen the meal up. Freezing is not recommended as it will drastically affect the tofu’s texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	400 kcal	20%
Total Fat	18g	28%
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	800mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	45g	15%
Dietary Fiber	5g	20%
Sugars	15g	–
Protein	20g	40%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Ensure you use gluten-free tamari soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Sweetener Alternatives: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Medley: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the broccoli for a more diverse and colorful dish.
Nutty Twist: Sprinkle some roasted peanuts or cashews over the final dish for added crunch and flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I bake the tofu without pressing it first?
A: While you can, pressing the tofu is highly recommended. It removes excess water, allowing the tofu to become much crispier in the oven.

Q: Can I use a different type of tofu?
A: Extra-firm tofu is the best choice for this recipe because it holds its shape well during baking. Silken tofu will not work.

Q: My sauce is too thick. What can I do?
A: Add a tablespoon of water at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition.

Q: Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
A: Since this recipe is vegan, honey is not suitable. Maple syrup or agave nectar are good alternatives.

Q: Is it possible to make this recipe oil-free?
A: You can try baking the garlic and ginger with a splash of water to prevent sticking, or use an oil-free cooking spray. Note the flavour may not be as strong.

Final Thoughts

This General Tsao’s Tofu is a delightful and satisfying way to enjoy a classic dish in a plant-based form. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; the process is straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort. I encourage you to try this recipe, adjust the spice level to your liking, and share your creations with friends and family. Serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or a chilled glass of green tea for a complete and memorable meal. Happy cooking!

General Tsao’s Tofu(Vegan) Recipe