An alarming portion of my teenage income was funneled directly into Chinese takeout. Three lunches a week, my BFF Katie and I would drive to the fancy grocery store by our high school, which offered a selection of hot, takeout-style meals. Katie always ordered the broccoli beef. I rotated between the shrimp lo mein and whichever sticky-looking chicken entree was on special that day. We split the fried rice. This may not surprise you, but General Tso’s Tofu was not a menu option.
Two things about this scenario.
One: We didn’t actually split the fried rice. I insisted on ordering my own.
Two: Even if General Tso’s Tofu had been on the menu, I don’t think I would have been brave enough to try it.
What is General Tso’s Sauce Made of?
Today’s delicious General Tso’s sauce is made from a mixture of water, low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, fresh ginger, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
The sauce is a sticky, sweet, and has just a hint of spice. It’s incredibly addicting, and you’ll love the rich flavor. While I love sauce on tofu in this recipe, it’s also tasty with chicken, pork, beef, and vegetables.
About This General Tso’s Tofu
Like the benefits of shopping for accessories at a store other than Claire’s and the fact that no one remembers what I wore to prom, I’ve been clued into many wonderful revelations since the age of 17.
Tofu is an excellent example. Despite my worst teenage fears, I have learned that, when cooked properly, tofu can be absolutely delicious. It’s become one of my favorite proteins both to order out and to cook at home. It’s inexpensive, versatile, freezes like a dream, and is a lifesaver on busy weeknights too.
If you’ve been holding out on trying tofu (or if you tried it in the past and were disappointed), let today’s recipe for General Tso’s Tofu be your gateway.
With its sticky-sweet sauce, familiar, addictive takeout taste, and delightful texture, you’ll tiptoe right into tofu bliss in the yummiest of ways.
I can’t even remember the last time I ordered a General Tso’s stir fry dish in a restaurant, due partly to a personal change in taste (restaurant and takeout versions now taste too sugary and oily to me) and partly to having a clearer idea of what is in them (it’s not good).
Fortunately, with a few ingredients that you can find in the Asian section of almost any grocery store, it’s a snap to make your own healthy General Tso’s stir fry at home. Last year, I made General Tso’s Chickpeas, and I think I love today’s General Tso’s Tofu even more. (Craving another takeout flavor? Tofu Stir Fry or Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken are other tasty options!)
The sauces in the two recipes are similar, but today’s General Tso’s Tofu leans a bit more spiced, while the chickpea version is a little fruitier, due to its addition of apricot jam.
Instead in place of jam, for the General Tso’s Tofu, I used honey and hoisin, which I more regularly have on hand. Try both recipes, and let me know which one is your favorite!
One of the biggest keys to General Tso’s Tofu success (or any tofu recipe success for that matter) is the cooking of the tofu itself. To ensure it’s pleasantly firm with golden, crispy edges, be sure to follow this guide for How to Cook Crispy Tofu. I promise it will be worth it!
Recommended Tools for Making This Recipe
General Tso's Tofu
Ingredients
FOR THE TOFU:
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu frozen for at least 3 hours if time allows—see recipe Step 1 for more details
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce gluten free if needed, or substitute tamari
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce (Sambal Oelek)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey swap light agave nectar to make vegan
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
FOR THE SAUCE:
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
FOR THE STIR FRY:
- 3 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil divided
- 12 ounces broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (about 1 small head)
- 1 medium red bell pepper seeded and thinly sliced
- 5 large green onions ( or 7 small green onions) white parts (bulbs) removed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 bunch)
- Prepared brown rice for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds optional for serving
Instructions
- Prepare tofu through Step 3 according to How to Cook Crispy Tofu. Once cubed, lightly pat it dry with a paper towel. (Note: If you do not have time to freeze the tofu, you can skip Step 1.) While the tofu cooks, prepare and chop the other ingredients.
- Place the tofu in a separate medium bowl. Top with the 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 1/2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce, 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil, and honey. Transfer to a large ziptop bag and sprinkle with 5 tablespoons cornstarch. Tightly seal the bag and shake until the tofu is evenly coated in a gummy white layer.
- In a small bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the sauce ingredients: water, soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, chili-garlic sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- In a large nonstick skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons canola oil over medium. Once the oil is shiny and hot, using a slotted spoon, add the tofu to the pan a few pieces at a time, discarding any excess cornstarch. Cook the tofu for 3 to 4 minutes, turning often so that it is golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Increase the heat to medium high. Add the remaining tablespoon canola oil and let heat 30 seconds, then add the broccoli and bell pepper. Cook until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the chopped green onions and continue for 1 to 2 additional minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the sauce and tofu. Stir to coat the tofu in the sauce and continue cooking, stirring often, for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens and the ingredients are warmed through. Taste and add additional chili-garlic sauce if desired. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve hot with prepared rice.
Notes
- Make it ahead: Tofu can be prepared through Step 1 and stored in the refrigerator for 1 day.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave.
Nutrition
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Looks like all the Chinese takeout places have some competition now!!
You know it! ;)
This sounds so delicious! I think you’ve made me a tofu believer just by reading this. I can’t wait to try. I’ll keep you posted on if I become fully converted lol
I’d love to hear updates, Emily! :) I hope you enjoy the recipe if you do give it a try!
Love how you made your version less sweet – there’s always so much sugar at Chinese restaurants! Have you seen that documentary The Search for General Tso? (if not, check it out, it’s a really fun one).
Thanks, Jeanine! I’ll have to check it out!
Oh gosh this is such a wonderful recipe. As a teenager, I also loved Chinese takeout! I only had it maybe once a week (I didn’t have much $$) but I loved it so much! And general tso’s chicken was always on the menu of this spot I frequented. I do have to admit, I never order it as an adult, because my tastes have also changed. I find I don’t like the deep fried chicken as much, as the sauce IS very sugary.
So I love this idea – I cook a lot with tofu, but have never used it frozen before and it seems SO MUCH EASIER. I can’t believe I never thought of it before.
Thanks so much, Danielle! I hope you love this recipe if you do decide to give it a try. :)
This was absolutely delicious! We are a mixed vegetarian and nonveg family and today I am glad because I will get all the leftovers to myself. Even though the toasted sesame seeds were still on the counter at the end of dinner, it was still great! Thanks for a great recipe.
I am so happy to hear how much you enjoyed it Vivian! Thanks for taking time to leave this wonderful review too!
I used the recipe for the sauce and used it with beef strips instead of tofu. The sauce is SO delicious. I made it for a friend and she raved too! Thanks for the great recipe.
Deidre, it’s great to know how well the sauce pairs with other proteins. I am so happy that you and your friend enjoyed it!
Loved the recipe! Though, mine looked nothing like your photo haha. Obviously, a user error on my part. Taste was great though and that’s what matters ?
Meghan, I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for giving it a try and reporting back. :)
I made this last night (used chicken instead of tofu) and it was delicious! My whole family agreed it was our favorite homemade stir fry sauce! Thank you!
YAY Gilliane, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review! I’m so happy to hear it was a hit.
I made this tonight and found the directions somewhat complicated, especially the beginning regarding the crispy tofu. Erin, maybe you should have had it one way or the other. The boiling did not go well. I think, maybe a better way to go would be to air fry it. My dish looks kinda bad, but it does taste ok. I was kind of disappointed.
I’m sorry you had trouble with this recipe, Beth. The tofu method has worked well for me (and many other readers), so I wish it would’ve been a hit for you too. I’m happy you were able to enjoy the flavors!