General Tso's Tofu, ready in just 30 minutes! It’s spicy-sweet, healthier than the classic Chinese takeout dish, and one of my favorite tofu recipes.
This General Tso's Tofu is a healthier and lighter version of the classic General Tso's Chicken. Besides, it's made with tofu instead of chicken and the tofu is not deep-fried, just sautéed in a little bit of oil.
For those of you who don't know General Tso's chicken, it's a sweet, deep-fried chicken dish that is served in North American Chinese restaurants.
I've used only a little bit of oil to cook the tofu and also made a less spicy version, but add as much oil and red pepper flakes as you want.
You can also make this recipe oil-free (just read the pro tips or recipe notes) and omit the red pepper flakes if you're not into spicy food.
As you can read in the recipe description, this is one of my all-time favorite tofu recipes, but it's also one of the most popular recipes on the blog!
How to make General Tso's tofu – Step by step
- Place the tofu cubes in a bowl or shallow dish (photo 1).
- Add the marinade ingredients (2 tablespoon of tamari and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar), stir and let rest for at least 5 minutes, preferably overnight (photo 2).
- Drain the tofu (photo 3) and discard the marinade.
- Transfer ⅓ of the tofu cubes to a freezer or plastic bag with 2 tablespoon of cornstarch and toss to coat (photo 4). Repeat this step with the rest of the tofu cubes and cornstarch. Add more cornstarch if needed.
- Once the tofu cubes are coated with the cornstarch (photo 5), heat some oil in a skillet and add the tofu cubes (photo 6). I used extra virgin olive oil, but any oil will do.
- Cook the tofu cubes over medium-high heat until all sides are golden brown (photo 7). Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the garlic to the skillet (photo 8) with a little bit of oil if needed and cook over medium-high heat for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown (photo 9). Set aside.
- Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl (photo 10). Set aside.
- Add the sauce to the skillet where you had your cooked garlic and cook over medium-high heat until it thickens, stirring frequently (photo 11).
- Finally, add the tofu cubes, stir and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes (photo 12).
- Serve with some cooked white rice and garnish with some sesame seeds and chopped chives (optional). Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Pro tips
- Depending on your taste buds and the type or brand or vinegar you're using, you may want to add less vinegar to the sauce. Some readers love the recipe just like this, but others prefer the sauce with less vinegar. Add only 1 tablespoon of vinegar at first and add more vinegar if needed.
- I never press my tofu because I prefer to save some time and also think it's not necessary, but it's up to you. I just drain the tofu and discard the liquid.
- Firm or extra firm tofu works great. I've never tried to use soft or silken tofu myself, but I don't think it's going to work.
- If you don't want to use a freezer or plastic bag, just add the cornstarch to a shallow dish, then the tofu cubes and toss to coat.
- If you don't eat soy, you could use cauliflower instead. I’ve seen some recipes online, but I’ve never tried it myself. Tamari or soy sauce can be replaced by coconut aminos.
- For an oil-free version of this recipe, bake the tofu at 350ºF or 180ºC until golden brown.
- Feel free to use any type of vinegar, starch or sugar you have on hand.
What foods go well with General Tso's tofu?
- For a complete meal, I like to serve my General Tso's Tofu with some type of carb and also with veggies.
- My favorite carb to serve Chinese food with is rice, especially white rice, but brown rice or any other grain will do.
- Any dish of veggies is okay, but I prefer to serve it with some Chinese or Asian-style vegetable dish, like bok choy or Thai cucumber salad.
- Another good choice, if you don't want to eat any carb, is to serve this with some cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
What type of tofu should I use to make General Tso's tofu?
You should use firm or extra firm tofu. I've always used firm tofu, but extra firm is also okay. Silken tofu is so delicate, so it will fall apart and it hasn't the texture we're looking for either.
Looking for more tofu recipes?
Did you make this General Tso's tofu recipe?
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📖 Recipe
General Tso's Tofu
General Tso's Tofu, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s spicy-sweet, healthier than the classic Chinese takeout dish, and one of my favorite tofu recipes.
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Servings: 2
Ingredients
For the general Tso’s tofu
- 10 ounces firm tofu, cubed
- 2 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 6 tablespoon cornstarch
- Oil of your choice, I used extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
For the sauce
- 3 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, see notes
- 3 tablespoon vegetable stock or water
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Place the tofu cubes in a bowl or shallow dish.
- Add the marinade ingredients (2 tablespoon of tamari and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar), stir and let rest for at least 5 minutes, preferably overnight.
- Drain the tofu and discard the marinade.
- Transfer ⅓ of the tofu cubes to a freezer or plastic bag with 2 tablespoon of cornstarch and toss to coat. Repeat this step with the rest of the tofu cubes and cornstarch. Add more cornstarch if needed.
- Once the tofu cubes are coated with the cornstarch, heat some oil in a skillet and add the tofu cubes. I used extra virgin olive oil, but any oil will do.
- Cook the tofu cubes over medium-high heat until all sides are golden brown. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the garlic to the skillet (add more oil if needed) and cook over medium-high heat for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown. Set aside.
- Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl (tamari or soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, vegetable stock or water, sugar, cornstarch and red pepper flakes). Set aside.
- Add the sauce to the skillet where you had your cooked garlic and cook over medium-high heat until it thickens, stirring frequently.
- Finally, add the tofu cubes, stir and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes.
- Serve with some cooked white rice and garnish with some sesame seeds and chopped chives (optional). Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Depending on your taste buds and the type or brand or vinegar you're using, you may want to add less vinegar to the sauce. Some readers love the recipe just like this, but others prefer the sauce with less vinegar. Add only 1 tablespoon of vinegar at first and add more vinegar if needed.
- I never press my tofu because I prefer to save some time and also think it's not necessary, but it's up to you. I just drain the tofu and discard the liquid.
- Firm or extra firm tofu works great. I've never tried to use soft or silken tofu myself, but I don't think it's going to work.
- If you don't want to use a freezer or plastic bag, just add the cornstarch to a shallow dish, then the tofu cubes and toss to coat.
- If you don't eat soy, you could use cauliflower instead. I’ve seen some recipes online, but I’ve never tried it myself. Tamari or soy sauce can be replaced by coconut aminos.
- For an oil-free version of this recipe, bake the tofu at 350ºF or 180ºC until golden brown.
- Feel free to use any type of vinegar, starch or sugar you have on hand.
- The amount of sodium is not accurate, as you're going to discard part of the tamari or soy sauce of the marinade.
- Nutritional info has been calculated by using 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 357kcal | Carbohydrates: 45.3g | Protein: 16.6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2.2g | Sodium: 2589mg | Fiber: 2.1g | Sugar: 15.1g
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below and let me know how it was!
Update Notes: This post was originally published in December of 2017, but was republished with new photos, step by step instructions and tips in June of 2019.
Susan Denis says
This is one of my son's favorite recipes!!! I have made it dozens of times.
I add diced green onioin and ginger to the sauce. Thank you!!
Iosune says
Hi Susan! So glad to hear that 🙂 Sounds great!
Tierney says
Super easy recipe to make. Easy to incorporate any vegetables (I tossed zucchini in right after the garlic with 1 tablespoon of water, cover, and steam). Seriously delicious and simple recipe. Thanks!
Iosune says
Hi Tierney! Thanks a lot 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it!
Pam says
I don't usually rate recipes, but I thought this one would be worth my time to do so. For several years, this has become my #1 go-to recipe for a quick, flavorful meal. I think I have the recipe memorized at this point, and I genuinely make it a point to always have the ingredients for this stocked up. I have made this meal for at least five different people, because it takes like 30 minutes and always impresses. It's ALSO my go-to meal when people say "tofu tastes like sponges!!" or whatever. I will say "try MY tofu" and then I make this for them. Literally this has become such a staple for me, I highly recommend anyone who is new to trying tofu dishes out give this one a shot. It's easy, delicious, super quick, and there are no crazy or expensive ingredients involved.
Iosune says
Hi Pam! Thank you so much for your comment 🙂 Have a nice day!
Cassi O. says
i have made this recipe like 10 times, i love it! the only change i make is using white or rice vinegar instead of apple. i sometimes add cooked broccoli, if i do that i double the sauce.
Iosune says
Hi Cassi! So glad you love it 🙂
KayDubb says
Great basic recipe. I agree with all the other reviewers that the vinegar amount should be cut — something worth considering changing in the original recipe? It’s also really heavy on cornstarch so use your judgment when tossing tofu so it’s coated, but not powdery. I doubled the sauce ingredients, adding ginger and garlic, but would cut the sauce cornstarch in half if doing it again.
Iosune says
Hi! Thank you very much 🙂 I appreciate the suggested adjustment to the vinegar amount in the recipe. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce the amount accordingly.
Tina says
We are not vegan. We just try to cut back on meat. It was very satisfying to us! The sauce is what makes it! Thank you!
Iosune says
Hi Tina! I'm glad you guys liked it 🙂
Lain says
This is hands-down my favorite meal I make for my family! The tofu is crispy and delicious and the sauce hit allll the tastebuds. Yum. Bonus points because my often-picky preschoolers eat it every time. Thank you for the recipe!
Iosune says
Hi Lain! Wow, thank you so much for your kind words 🙂
michaluna says
My teen daughter made this recipe yesterday and she made the marinade and just set it aside, forgetting to soak the tofu in it. (She's not a careful reader and directions aren't her strong suit, LOL). The cornstarch didn't adhere as well to the tofu, but it still got really crunchy. She just dumped the marinade into the whole thing at the end. I might try it again this way to see if I can skip the marinade step and make the recipe easier.
Iosune says
Hi! Well, hope you like even more next time 🙂
LaShaun says
I love this recipe as is, the act kick is delicious only thing is I double the sauce because I like the extra for the rice and broccoli. This is a mainstay in our house. Thank you!
Iosune says
Hi! Thank YOU for your comment 🙂
michaluna says
I've made lots of tofu stir fries and several General Tso's tofu recipe, and this will be my new go-to! I did make a few changes: used rice wine vinegar in place of ACV since I had it on hand and that's what I always use for stir-fries. I also added several TBSP of minced fresh ginger with the garlic, and I used dried chile peppers (D' Arbol) in place of the crushed red pepper. Yum!
Iosune says
Hi! Sounds amazing 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it!
Jay says
Good recipe! Non-vegan picky eater liked it and would want it again. Served it with jasmine rice, steamed broccoli and bok choi, and edamame. Very rich flavors. I reduced vinegar to half like others suggested. I’m looking for other recipes on your blog now! Thank you.
Iosune says
Hi Jay! SO glad to hear that 🙂
Chris Jackson says
I LOVE THIS RECIPE! I have made it two days in a row. The first time I made it, I followed the recipe. The second time I added grated ginger to the sauce. It needs an omami flavor but neither anchovies nor fish oil are vegan. Any suggestions?
Iosune says
Hi Chris! Sounds great 🙂 You could try seaweed. Hope it works!
Kate says
This is a great recipe! I doubled the sauce and added broccoli in as well and the whole family really enjoyed it.
Iosune says
Hi Kate! Thank you so much 🙂
Holly says
I NEVER review recipes that I find online (just has felt like a time-waster to me in the past,) but for this, I must. This was so awesome, and I though I would use less ACV in the recipe (I followed the recipe to a T) it was my favorite tofu I've ever made, and I've been making tofu for a little over a couple years now. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Loved it!! Will definitely make again.
Iosune says
Thanks again Holly 🙂
Barbara Buckley says
Thank you. Great recipe. As in comments halved as suggested the ACV.
It was delicious. Would make again.
Iosune says
Hi Barbara! So glad you liked it 🙂
Kathy says
I’m new to cooking with tofu. This turned out great, the tofu was crispy and the sauce delicious. I did double the sauce and decreased the vinegar as some of the other reviewers suggested . Will definitely make again.
Iosune says
Hi Kathy! So glad you liked it 🙂
Blair says
This was delicious! I did end up using less vinegar. I will definitely be making this again! Thank you for this recipe!
Iosune says
Hi Blair! So glad you liked it 🙂
Amber says
This was pretty good! I used maple syrup because I did not have sugar, used only 1 tbsp of ACV in the sauce, and used a different kind of broth. I also added a little miso paste for the umami flavor. Thank you for the recipe!
Iosune says
Hi Amber! Sounds great 🙂 So glad you liked it!
Rich says
Made this recipe and loved it!
Iosune says
Hi Rich! So glad you loved it 🙂 Have a nice day!
Rabbit says
Hi..I'm hoping you can help..the first time I made it - great and yummy. The 2nd time I'm not sure what happened it was too salty and the sauce got very thick and gluggy?
Does using stock powder instead of water make it salty?
Rabbit
Gina Bisaillon says
Thank you for the recipe. I always freeze my tofu first. For this kind of recipe, I prefer to use the sauce as a dip to keep the tofu crisp. But when I use seitan instead, then I do mix it with the sauce.
Nayely vazquez says
Such a great Kid friendly vegan option!! 11yo & 4yo both asked for seconds. We've been making this recipe often. I would recommend to double the recipe to have enough leftovers and save time on your next meal!
Iosune Robles says
Thanks for your kind comment 🙂
Lori Cole says
WOW was this dish delicious!!!! I’m relatively new to your site and made 3 recipes (so far) and all have been so tasty and impressed the family and friends I served to. You’ve opened up my mind, kitchen and tummy to a whole new world. Love the ease of your site. Like the easiest to follow!!!!!!!!!!!
Iosune Robles says
Hi! Thank you so much for your kind comment 🙂
Sheri says
I have made this a few times now. I actually triple the sauce amount, and add any veggies I have on hand in with the tofu. I skip the rice for less calories and carbs. We love this recipe.
Nicki says
This was absolutely scrumptios!
My husband, the I hate tofu guy, said it was delicious.
Thank you!
Iosune Robles says
Hi Nicki! Really? I'm so glad he liked it 🙂