general tao tofu recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best general tao tofu recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite General Tao Tofu recipe. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason.

It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be served as a main course or as a side dish. The combination of crispy tofu, savory sauce, and crunchy vegetables is a winner in my book.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. Whether we’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, General Tao Tofu is always a good idea.

And the best part? It’s incredibly healthy, making it a great option for those of us who are watching our waistlines.

I love serving this dish over rice or noodles, and it’s also delicious as a vegetarian option at barbecues and potlucks. The secret to making great General Tao Tofu lies in the technique of cooking the tofu just right – not too crispy, not too soft.

It’s all about achieving that perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Crispy General Tao Tofu

4.6 from 872 votes

A crispy and flavorful tofu dish inspired by the classic General Tao’s chicken. Perfect for a vegetarian twist on a takeout favorite.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Tofu

1 block (450g) extra-firm tofu
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

For the Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tbsp ginger (minced)

For Frying

2 cups vegetable oil

For Garnish

2 green onions (chopped)
1 tbsp sesame seeds

👨‍🍳Directions

1Press the tofu to remove excess water.
2Cut into cubes and set aside.
3In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4Add tofu cubes and toss to coat evenly.
5Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
6Fry the tofu cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
8In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, honey, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
Set aside.
9In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
10Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
11Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and bring to a simmer.
12Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
13Remove from heat and set aside.
14Add the crispy tofu to the pan with the sauce.
15Gently toss to coat the tofu evenly with the sauce.
16Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tofu is heated through and the sauce is well combined.
17Transfer the tofu to a serving plate.
18Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
19Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Frying pan
Deep fryer or deep pot
Baking sheet
Sieve

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: Ensure the tofu is pressed and drained well to achieve the best crispiness. Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of Sriracha.

Watch Video Of How Crispy General Tao Tofu Works

This General Tao Tofu recipe is truly one of our favorites – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and works well for any occasion. Whether we’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe is always a hit.

And the best part? It’s incredibly healthy, making it a great option for those of us who are watching our waistlines.

We love serving this dish over rice or noodles, and it’s also delicious as a vegetarian option at barbecues and potlucks.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy General Tao Tofu

Q: What is General Tao Tofu?

General Tao Tofu is a Chinese-inspired dish that typically consists of crispy fried tofu, vegetables, and a savory sauce.

Q: What type of tofu should I use?

I recommend using firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe, as it holds up well to the crispy coating.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Q: How do I achieve the perfect crispy coating on the tofu?

To get the perfect crispy coating, make sure to dry the tofu thoroughly before breading it with cornstarch or potato starch.

Q: Can I store leftover General Tao Tofu in the fridge?

Yes, leftover General Tao Tofu can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to serve.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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