General Tso’s Tofu

Introduction: General Tso’s Tofu is a vegetarian twist on the classic General Tso’s Chicken, offering a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Crispy tofu cubes are coated in a delicious sauce, making this dish a favorite for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Let’s create https://www.dynasty2wi.com/ this flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

For the Tofu:

• 1 block (14-16 ounces) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the General Tso’s Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2-3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tofu:
   • Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
   • In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
   • Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture until well coated.
2. Fry the Tofu:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (180°C).
   • Carefully add the coated tofu cubes to the hot oil, in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding.
   • Fry until the tofu turns golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
   • Remove the tofu with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Set aside.
3. Make the General Tso’s Sauce:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, granulated sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Set the sauce aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
   • In a clean wok or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the diced red and green bell peppers and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
5. Combine Tofu and Sauce:
   • Return the fried tofu cubes to the wok with the stir-fried vegetables.
   • Pour the prepared General Tso’s Sauce over the tofu and vegetables.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Toss everything together to coat the tofu and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
   • Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Transfer General Tso’s Tofu to serving plates.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy your homemade General Tso’s Tofu over steamed rice or noodles. It’s a delightful vegetarian version of a classic Chinese favorite that’s both flavorful and satisfying.