General Tso Tofu is a dish I’ve made so many times that I can practically make it blindfolded. (Although, I’m going to take a guess that cooking blindfolded probably isn’t generally advised.) When my husband went vegan, we set out to recreate his favourite Asian-inspired dishes, from Air Fryer Orange Tofu to Korean (Gochujang) Tofu Rice Bowls and Vegan Thai Red Curry with Tofu. We love them all, but it’s General Tso Tofu that we find ourselves making again and again… and again! There are two steps involved in this recipe: making the sauce and making the divinely crispy tofu. The sticky General Tso sauce is made with easy-to-find ingredients and it comes together in a snap. It’s sweet, tangy, and thick—and the thickness is key because it coats the crispy tofu so well, without making it soggy. Who needs takeout when it’s this easy to make General Tso Tofu at home?!
How Spicy Is General Tso?
This recipe for General Tso Tofu is as spicy as you want it to be! It calls for dried chillis or red pepper flakes, and you can use as much or as little as you like. You can also omit it altogether, in which case the recipe won’t be spicy at all.
Notes on Ingredients
Please note that this is important information on the ingredients and instructions and the FULL recipe with amounts and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.
For the Crispy Tofu:
Tofu – I recommend using firm or extra-firm tofu. (Learn more: How To Cook Tofu 101 + Best Tips on Making the Most Delicious Tofu)Light soy sauce or liquid aminosGarlic powderSea saltBlack pepperCornstarchSesame or regular oil
For the General Tso Sauce:
Sesame oilGarlicFresh gingerLight soy sauce or liquid aminosRaw unrefined brown sugar or coconut sugarHoisin sauce Cornstarch – You’ll combine this with water to make a slurry, which thickens the sauce.Sesame seedsRice wine vinegar – Don’t buy the seasoned variety, which is sweetened.Water or brothWhole chillies or red pepper flakes – Whole peppers are more authentic, but red pepper flakes work too!
What Are the Red Peppers in Chinese Food?
The most common hot peppers used in Chinese food are Tien Tsin peppers. If you live near an Asian market, you might be able to find them there, but if not, use another variety of red pepper or simply substitute red pepper flakes.
How to Make General Tso Tofu
In less than the time it takes to get carryout, you can have General Tso Tofu on the table ready to eat! Here’s what you need to do.
Make the Crispy Tofu:
Coat the tofu. Place the cubed tofu in a medium bowl. Add the liquid aminos and toss to coat. Add the garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and cornstarch; toss again, making sure the tofu is evenly coated. Cook the tofu. Heat a pan or wok over medium-high heat, and add the oil. When hot, add the tofu and cook on all sides until golden and crispy, about 8 minutes total.
Make the General Tso Sauce:
Cook the aromatics. Heat the oil in a pan set over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic; cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant and sizzling. Add remaining ingredients. Pour the remaining sauce ingredients into the pan and whisk to dissolve the cornstarch slurry. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens, whisking frequently. Taste test and add more sugar if you want a sweeter sauce. Finish. Add the tofu to the sauce. Stir to coat, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
Tips for Success
Here’s how to get perfect takeout-style General Tso Tofu at home—plus some tips for making it your own!
Use the right kind of tofu. You’ll need to get refrigerated firm or extra-firm tofu, not shelf-stable silken tofu, which has a different texture that doesn’t work for this recipe.Be patient. If you flip the tofu too quickly, it won’t get that beautiful crispy exterior! Let it sit for several minutes and only when it’s golden should you flip it.Switch things up. You can add pineapple, mushrooms, tempeh, or cauliflower (see: General Tso Cauliflower Wings) to this recipe in addition to or instead of the tofu.
What Goes Well With General Tso Tofu?
There are so many ways to enjoy this dish! Since it’s so saucy, it goes well with:
NoodlesWhite rice, brown rice, or cauliflower riceSteamed broccoliQuinoa or other cooked grainsStir fry veggies (follow the same method in the linked recipe, but use this sauce)
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftover General Tso Tofu, it will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat it in a skillet with a splash of oil or in the microwave.
Can This Recipe Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Microwave it from frozen or let it thaw in the refrigerator first and heat it on the stovetop with a splash of oil or in the microwave. Enjoy friends! If you make this vegan General Tso Tofu recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
