General Tso's Tofu Stir-Fry
Try this General Tso's Tofu Stir-Fry recipe.
Try this General Tso's Tofu Stir-Fry recipe.
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
- optional: sesame seeds for garnish
- 3-4 cups (474-632 g) cooked white or brown rice
- steamed broccoli
- 12 ounces (340 g) extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) tamari or soy sauce (tamari for gluten-fre
- 4-5 tbsp (28-35 g) cornstarch
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) neutral oil (such as grape seed or canola)
- 2 large cloves garlic minced (~1 heaping tbsp or 7 g)
- 1 tbsp (6 g) ginger minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar (or sub white vinegar)
- 1/4 cup (48 g) coconut sugar or maple syrup plus more to taste (i used 2 tbsp coconut sugar, 2 tbsp maple syrup)
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) tamari or soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) water
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
- 1 bundle green onions bulbs removed, roughly chopped
- 4-7 dried red chilies (optional for heat or sub 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce | more or less to taste)
- Carbohydrate 8.50450584893335 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 9.37605233405904 g
- Fiber 2.51953432700223 g
- Protein 2.84916553706517 g
- Saturated Fat 1.31919551629263 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -3 (279g)
- Sodium 32.0596676321958 mg
- Sugar 5.98497152193112 g
- Trans Fat 0.664644887040404 g
- Calories 121 calories
Step-by-step
- If serving with rice and broccoli, begin preparing at this time. Otherwise, move onto the next step.
- Wrap tofu in a clean, absorbent towel and set something heavy on top to wick away moisture, such as a cast iron skillet. Let rest for about 10 minutes.
- Prep/chop green onions, garlic, and ginger at this time. Set aside.
- While tofu is pressing, prepare sauce by combining sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, coconut sugar or maple syrup, tamari or soy sauce, and water in a small mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly to combine. If using coconut sugar, make sure it’s dissolved before proceeding. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Heat a large metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat. In the meantime, unwrap tofu and cut into even pieces, about 3/4-inch cubes.
- Add tofu to a shallow mixing bowl and top with tamari or soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup. Toss to combine. Let rest 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use a slotted spoon or fork to transfer tofu to a quart-size or large freezer bag. Add cornstarch 1 Tbsp at a time and toss to coat. Continue adding more cornstarch and tossing until tofu is coated in a gummy, white layer - about 5 Tbsp.
- To the hot skillet, add 2 Tbsp grape seed oil and let warm for 30 seconds. Then use a slotted spoon or fork to add tofu to the pan (leaving any excess cornstarch behind).
- Cook on all sides for 1 minute, or until light golden brown. Remove tofu from pan as it’s finished browning. Set aside.
- Return skillet to burner and increase heat to medium-high. Add 1 Tbsp sesame oil, chopped green onions, and dried red chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the sauce and tofu. Cook, stirring frequently, to coat the tofu and vegetables for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Remove pan from heat and add sesame seeds (optional). Toss to coat.
- Serve with rice and steamed broccoli (optional), or other desired sides. Best when fresh, though leftovers keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Mastering General Tso's Tofu
As a busy marketing executive, my evenings are usually a blur of spreadsheets and deadlines. Cooking, while enjoyable, often feels like a luxury I can’t afford. I crave quick, satisfying meals that don’t involve elaborate preparations or countless ingredients. So when a friend raved about a General Tso’s Tofu stir-fry, I was initially skeptical. General Tso's? Tofu? It sounded like a recipe destined to fail, an ambitious project for a seasoned chef, not a time-strapped professional. But the tantalizing description of crispy tofu in a savory, slightly sweet sauce was enough to pique my interest. I decided to embark on this culinary adventure, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of a revelation.
The initial steps were surprisingly straightforward. Pressing the tofu, a step I initially dismissed as unnecessary, turned out to be crucial. It resulted in firmer, crispier tofu, a revelation that changed my perception of this often-maligned ingredient. The sauce was a symphony of flavors: the tanginess of rice vinegar dancing with the sweetness of maple syrup, the savory depth of tamari, and a subtle warmth from the ginger and garlic. I loved how the recipe allowed for customization; I added a touch more chili garlic sauce for an extra kick, a personal preference that elevated the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. The process of coating the tofu in cornstarch and pan-frying it until golden brown was oddly therapeutic. The sizzle of the oil, the satisfying crunch of the tofu – it was a miniature culinary meditation, a welcome escape from the relentless demands of my work life.
The final dish was a masterpiece. The tofu, surprisingly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, was perfectly complemented by the vibrant sauce. The subtle sweetness balanced the savory notes, and the heat from the chili garlic sauce added a delightful zing. I served it over brown rice with a side of steamed broccoli, a simple yet elegant accompaniment that elevated the dish even further. This recipe was more than just a meal; it was a journey of unexpected discoveries, a testament to the fact that even the most time-constrained individuals can create culinary magic in their own kitchens. This wasn't just a quick weeknight dinner; it was an experience that reignited my passion for cooking and reminded me of the simple joys of creating something delicious and satisfying.
Beyond the taste, this recipe offered something more profound. It demonstrated the versatility of tofu, an ingredient I often overlooked. It proved that healthy eating doesn't have to be bland or boring. And it underscored the power of simple, well-executed recipes to bring joy and satisfaction to even the busiest of lives. The leftover General Tso’s Tofu was just as amazing the next day – reheated perfectly in the microwave, it made a quick and flavorful lunch. I’ve since shared this recipe with colleagues and friends, spreading the gospel of delicious, quick, and surprisingly easy tofu cuisine. It’s become a regular fixture in my meal rotation, a testament to its convenience, flavor, and unexpected ability to bring a touch of culinary adventure into the life of a busy professional.
Ingredients you might need: This recipe calls for pantry staples you might already have, saving you a trip to the store. However, having sesame oil, rice vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, and maple syrup on hand significantly simplifies the process. If you're new to cooking with tofu, selecting extra-firm tofu will give the best results. Remember, the quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference, so choose the best you can afford. Experiment with different types of oil for pan-frying. I found grape seed oil worked wonderfully, but feel free to explore other options that fit your preferences and dietary needs.
Tips for Success: Properly pressing the tofu is paramount. The more moisture you remove, the crispier your tofu will be. Consider using a heavy skillet or weight to press the tofu effectively. Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the tofu; it's better to work in batches to ensure even browning. Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preferred spice level. I like a decent kick, but you might prefer a milder version. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to add your own flair. Try adding different vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, or incorporating other sauces to personalize the dish to your liking.
This General Tso's Tofu Stir-fry is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the transformative power of food. It’s a quick, easy, and healthy meal that fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle, proving that culinary adventures are within everyone’s reach. So, go ahead, embrace the challenge, and enjoy the delicious results!
