Craving the satisfying crunch and sweet and savory flavor of General Tso's chicken, but looking for a plant-based alternative? Look no further! This recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful General Tso's Tofu that's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Forget dry, bland tofu – this recipe uses a clever double-frying technique and a vibrant, umami-rich sauce to create a truly unforgettable dish. We're talking perfectly crispy exterior, tender interior, and a sauce that’s bursting with the classic General Tso's tang and sweetness. Prepare to impress yourself and your guests with this delicious and satisfying vegan masterpiece.
This recipe uses readily available ingredients and simple techniques to achieve restaurant-quality results. Forget complicated steps and long prep times; this version is streamlined for efficiency. Ready to dive into the flavorful world of crispy General Tso's Tofu? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Paper towels
- Bowls
- Frying pan
- Cooling rack
- Saute pan
- Bamboo chopsticks
Ingredients
- Extra-firm tofu: 350g
- Soy sauce: 2 tsp
- Maple syrup: 2 tsp
- Toasted sesame oil: 1 tsp
- Flour: 1.5 cups
- Water: 0.75 cups
- Avocado oil: 2.5 cups
- Garlic: 3 cloves, finely chopped
- Ginger: small piece, finely chopped
- Chili oil: 1 tbsp
- Dried red chilies: 10
- Plant-based oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Dark soy sauce: 1 tsp
- Black vinegar: 1 tsp
- Potato starch: 1 tsp
- White sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Coat the Tofu
- Pat dry 350g of extra-firm tofu with a paper towel.
- Break the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate tofu with 2 tsp soy sauce, 2 tsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Set aside for a few minutes.
- one with 1 cup flour (dry station), and one with 0.5 cup flour and 0.75 cups water (wet station).
- Add half the tofu to the dry station and coat evenly.
- Transfer the tofu to the wet station, coat gently.
- Transfer back to the dry station and coat again.
- Repeat steps 5-7 with the remaining tofu.
Step 2. Fry the Tofu
- Heat 2.5 cups of avocado oil in a frying pan over medium heat until a chopstick placed in the oil creates fast-moving bubbles.
- Carefully fry the tofu in batches for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the fried tofu to a cooling rack.
Step 3. Make the General Tso's Sauce
- In a saute pan, saute finely chopped garlic and ginger in 1 tbsp chili oil for a few minutes. Add 10 dried red chilies and saute for another couple of minutes.
- Add 1.5 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp plant-based oyster sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, and 1 tsp black vinegar to the pan.
- Cook for about a minute. Make a slurry with 1 tsp potato starch and a couple of tbsp water, then stir into the sauce to thicken.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add the crispy tofu to the sauce and coat gently. Do not overcook.
- Plate the tofu, sprinkle with white sesame seeds, and serve with steamed rice or fries.
Read more: Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp: A Simple Chinese Prawn Recipe
Tips
- Different brands of extra-firm tofu have varying moisture content; choose one with minimal moisture for optimal results.
- The irregular shape of the tofu helps create extra crispy edges.
- Adjust the amount of flour or water in the batter as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying; fry in batches for even cooking.
- The tofu will continue cooking slightly on the cooling rack.
- Be cautious when working with hot oil.
- You can bake the tofu instead of frying it at 400 degrees, occasionally flipping until golden brown.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use firm or extra-firm tofu instead of silken tofu?
Yes! Firm or extra-firm tofu will work best for achieving a crispy exterior. Press the tofu well to remove excess water before proceeding with the recipe.
2. What can I do if my tofu isn't getting crispy?
Ensure your tofu is pressed well to remove excess moisture. Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before frying. Don't overcrowd the pan during frying.
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving.
This recipe proves that delicious, plant-based comfort food doesn't have to be complicated. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and unforgettable flavor of this crispy General Tso's Tofu – a perfect dish for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Now go forth and create your own culinary masterpiece!