general tao tofu recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best general tao tofu recipe

I’ve been making General Tao Tofu for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite recipes. The dish is a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, and its origins date back to the early 20th century.

The name ‘General Tao’ is believed to refer to Zuo Zongtang, a Chinese general who was known for his bravery and military prowess. This dish is a testament to the culinary creativity of Chinese immigrants who brought their flavors and techniques to the United States.

When I cook General Tao Tofu, I love the way the crispy tofu and vegetables are coated in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. It’s a flavor combination that never fails to impress my family.

My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and watching the sauce come together in a wok or large skillet. It’s a fun and interactive meal that we all look forward to.

The key to making this dish is in the technique – you have to get the right balance of crispy and tender textures, as well as a deep, rich flavor from the sauce. I’ve found that using firm tofu and pressing it before cutting it into small cubes helps it hold up better in the cooking process.

Using fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli also adds depth and color to the dish. When I’m feeling adventurous, I like to add some dried red chili flakes or Szechuan peppercorns to give it an extra kick of heat and spice.

General Tao Tofu

General Tao Tofu

4.9 from 1929 votes

A vegan twist on the classic Chinese takeout dish. Crispy tofu is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Tofu

1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For Serving

2 cups steamed white rice
2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

👨‍🍳Directions

1Press the tofu block between paper towels with a heavy object for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes, then toss them in a bowl with cornstarch and salt until evenly coated.
3Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
5In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, and ginger until the sugar dissolves.
6Set the sauce mixture aside.
7Reduce the skillet heat to medium and pour the sauce mixture over the crispy tofu.
8Stir gently to coat, then add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu.
9Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
10Serve immediately over steamed rice.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or wok
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 16g

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, double-coat the tofu by tossing in cornstarch, dipping in water, then tossing again. Adjust sriracha to control spiciness.

Watch Video Of How General Tao Tofu Works

This recipe has become a staple in our household – not only because it’s delicious but also because it’s incredibly versatile. We love serving it at family gatherings or as a quick weeknight dinner option.

For storage ideas, I recommend keeping leftover General Tao Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezing it for up to 2 months. When reheating leftovers, make sure they’re heated through thoroughly before serving.

Some of our favorite ways to serve General Tao Tofu include over rice or noodles for added carbs and protein.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About General Tao Tofu

Q: What is General Tao Tofu?

General Tao Tofu is a popular Chinese-American dish made with cubed tofu, vegetables, and a savory sauce.

Q: What ingredients do I need for this recipe?

You’ll need firm tofu, your choice of vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli), soy sauce, vinegar, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, sugar, cornstarch, and red chili flakes (optional).

Q: How do I make the sauce for General Tao Tofu?

The sauce is made by combining soy sauce, vinegar, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.

Q: Can I use different types of protein instead of tofu?

Sure! You can substitute chicken or beef for tofu if you prefer.

Q: How do I store leftover General Tao Tofu?

You can store leftover General Tao Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

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