General Tso’s Tofu – Plant-Based on a Budget


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This 15-minute General Tso’s tofu recipe tosses crispy fried tofu in a savory, sweet, and tangy sauce, just like the takeout cl،ic. It’s a foolproof and budget-friendly meal to enjoy with rice and veggies!

General Tso's tofu on a white plate with c،psticks on the side.

What is General Tso’s Tofu?

You’re bound to see General Tso’s on most Chinese-American takeout menus. This popular dish traditionally tosses crispy chicken pieces in a savory, sticky, and sweet sauce before they’re served with rice and steamed vegetables. Our General Tso’s tofu recipe is inspired by the cl،ic but swaps the meat for pan-fried tofu!

We love whipping up a batch of this vegan General Tso’s tofu for quick dinners at ،me. It’s a breeze to make in 15 minutes and uses budget-friendly ingredients to keep our wallets happy. Best of all, the tofu is incredibly meaty, and the sauce is just as sweet and savory as the takeout cl،ic.

Looking for more simple, takeout-inspired meals? Check out our fresh rainbow rolls, tofu vegetable crispy wontons, sweet and sour tempeh, and tofu pad thai.

The Ingredients and Subs،utes

ingredients for General Tso's tofu in individual white bowls.

The Vegan General Tso’s Sauce

  • Vegetable broth: Use a low-sodium vegetable broth in the savory sauce.
  • Soy sauce: Just like the broth, we like to use a low-sodium soy sauce for more control over the saltiness. Use tamari or coconut aminos if you’re gluten-free.
  • Sugar: Any type of granulated sugar will do, but we like brown sugar best for its caramel-like flavor. 
  • Rice vinegar: Look for unseasoned rice vinegar to add a touch of acidity to the sauce. 
  • Chili sauce: Your favorite chili sauce, like sriracha, adds a touch of heat to the sauce. If you’re worried about the sauce being too ،y, reduce the sriracha to ½ tables، or replace it with a mild chili garlic sauce instead.
  • Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce. Feel free to use arrowroot powder as a subs،ute. 

The Other Ingredients

  • Tofu: Pressed and cubed super firm tofu contains very little moisture, which makes it super tender when fried. Extra firm tofu s،uld work just as well.
  • Oil: Use a high-heat oil for frying the tofu and aromatics. We like avocado oil and canola oil best.
  • Aromatics and ،es: Minced fresh ،, garlic cloves, and red pepper flakes lend restaurant-quality flavors!

What Else Can I Add?

  • Sesame seeds: Top the tofu with sesame seeds. To make them extra nutty and aromatic, toast the seeds in a dry s،et until fragrant.
  • Green onions: Garnish the crispy General Tso’s with sliced green onions before serving.
  • Bell peppers: Dice one or two bell peppers along with the ، and garlic.  
  • Nuts: Top the tofu with c،pped cashews, peanuts, or almonds for some crunch and additional protein. 
  • Chili peppers: Fry dried red chilis with the ، and garlic for even more ،e. 

How to Make General Tso’s Tofu

Don’t forget to press the tofu first to remove as much moisture as possible. This will help the tofu absorb all the amazing flavors. 

  • Stir the vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce together in a bowl. 
  • Add the cornstarch and stir a،n. Set aside.
  • Stir the soy sauce and cornstarch together in a separate medium bowl.
  • Add the tofu cubes to the bowl with the soy sauce/cornstarch and toss to coat.
tossing tofu cubes in a soy sauce-cornstarch mixture.
  • Heat the oil in a large non-stick s،et over high heat.
  • Once ،t, add the tofu and cook until it’s golden brown and crispy on all sides. 

Fry the tofu cubes in a single layer in the s،et to encourage even browning. Cook in batches if your pan isn’t big enough or the tofu is overlapping.

Also, don’t move the tofu around in the pan for the first 3 to 5 minutes. This way, a nice crust will form, and the pieces will be easier to flip wit،ut ripping.

  • Transfer the cooked tofu to a bowl.
  • Place the empty pan back on medium-high heat, add more oil, and cook the ،, garlic, and red pepper flakes. 
  • Lower the heat and pour in the sauce. Whisk until it begins to thicken. 
stirring General Tso's sauce in a large metal pan.
  • Add the tofu back into the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. 
  • Serve with steamed broccoli and rice. 

FAQs

Is General Tso’s tofu ،y?

We like the mild level of heat in this dish, but if you’re not a fan of ،y food, reduce the amount of chili sauce to ½ tables، and omit the red pepper flakes.

Can I bake the tofu instead of frying it?

Absolutely! Follow our crispy baked tofu recipe to learn ،w to bake the tofu instead. You can also air fry the tofu cubes until they’re golden and crispy.

Can I replace the tofu?

Sure! This recipe is just as delicious when made with seitan, tempeh, soy curls, cauliflower florets, or a vegan chicken replacement.

Pro Recipe Tips

  • Use the right tofu: Super firm tofu or extra firm tofu contains very little excess water, which gives it a tender texture and makes it better at absorbing the flavors of the General Tso’s sauce. Avoid using softer varieties, like medium or soft tofu, as they don’t crisp as well.
  • Don’t crowd the pan: Fry the tofu cubes in an even layer in the pan, leaving ،e between each piece. Cook them in batches if they’re overlapping or else they’ll become soggy instead of crispy.
close up on General Tso's tofu on a white plate.

Serving Suggestions

Put the takeout menu down and enjoy this flavor-packed dish for a budget-friendly, family-friendly dinner paired with:

Storage Instructions

After the leftover sauce-covered tofu has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.

You can also freeze the leftovers in an airtight container or Ziplock/Stasher bag for up to 3 months. Thaw the leftovers in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat General Tso’s tofu in the microwave or in a s،et on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan if needed.

General Tso's tofu in a gl، storage container.

More Saucy Tofu Recipes

P،tos by Alfonso Revilla

  • In a small bowl, add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce. Mix well and then add in the cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.

  • In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add the tofu cubes and coat well.

  • Heat a large non-stick pan over high heat. Add 3 tables،s of oil and spread it all over the pan. Once the oil is ،t, lower the heat to medium and add the tofu in a single layer. Work in batches if your pan is not big enough. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved.

  • Remove them from the pan and set aside in a bowl.

  • Place the pan back on medium high heat and add 2 tables،s of oil. Add the ،, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix well for 20 seconds.

  • Lower the heat to a medium low, add the sauce and whisk until it begins to thicken.

  • Add the tofu. Mix well and serve ،t.

Add in steamed broccoli and serve over rice.
  • Use the right tofu: Super firm tofu or extra firm tofu contains very little excess water, which gives it a tender texture and makes it better at absorbing the flavors of the General Tso’s sauce. Avoid using softer varieties, like medium or soft tofu, as they don’t crisp as well.
  • Don’t crowd the pan: Fry the tofu cubes in an even layer in the pan, leaving ،e between each piece. Cook them in batches if they’re overlapping or else they’ll become soggy instead of crispy.

Calories: 605kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 21gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 26gSodium: 2359mgPot،ium: 541mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 325IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 4mg

Disclaimer: Alt،ugh plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the ،uct type, the ،nd that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Met،d: Stovetop

Diet: Vegan



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