General Tso's Tofu Recipe (Bake Or Air Fry) (2024)

Craving takeout? This easy General Tso’s Tofu recipe is ready in less than 45 minutes and tastes just like it’s from a restaurant! With a quick homemade sauce and ultra-crispy baked (or air fried) tofu, we can’t get enough of this easy weeknight meal!

In today’s edition of “Recipes That Make Tofu Actually Taste Good”…General Tso’s Tofu!

This delicioustofu recipesquickly satisfies your cravings for Chinese takeout (and the leftovers the next day are as crave worthy as takeout leftovers – if you know you know). It’s:

• Ready in under 45 minutes
• Packed with flavor
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping

General Tso’s Tofu Ingredients

There are two components to this recipe – the crispy tofu and the General Tso’s sauce. All together, you should be out of the kitchen within 45 minutes.

• Extra Firm Tofu: This forms the heart of the dish, providing a protein-rich base. Pressing it removes excess moisture, ensuring it crisps up beautifully when cooked.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth to both the tofu and the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Oil: Coats the tofu, facilitating even browning and lending a crisp texture.
• Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating on the tofu. It’s a crucial element for achieving that delightful crunch!
• Rice Vinegar: For the General Tso’s sauce, it introduces a tangy note that balances the sweetness and saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Provides the characteristic sweetness of General Tso’s sauce, harmonizing with the savory elements.
• Hoisin Sauce: Offers a complex, sweet-savory flavor, elevating the overall taste of the sauce.
• Fresh Ginger: Infuses a bright, aromatic kick, adding depth and freshness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Contributes a robust, pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients in the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Give the sauce a little heat!

How to make General Tso’s Tofu

Making this general tso tofu is incredibly simple. You’ll just:

1. Pressthe tofu
2. Tearit into chunks
3. Bake or air frythe tofu until crispy
4. Stir together the sauce on the stove
5. Serve!

See Also

Healthy Tartar Sauce Recipe without MayoRecipe This | Slimming World Enchiladas In The Air Fryer11 Recipes that Make Me Want to Use an Air Fryer50 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

FAVORITE SHEET PAN

This large nonstick sheet pan is one of my everyday favorites!

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Is General Tso’s Sauce Chinese?

General Tso’s sauce is believed to have originated from Chinese-American cuisine. It is named after a Qing dynasty military leader, General Tso Tsung-tang, but it’s important to note that the dish and the sauce are not traditional Chinese dishes. They were created in the United States and have become popular in American Chinese restaurants. The exact origin of the sauce is a subject of some debate, but it’s generally associated with Hunan or Taiwanese-style cuisine.

Air Fry It

To make this General Tso’s Tofu in the air fryer, prepare the tofu as instructed, then simply air fry it at 375F for 10 to 15 minutes (like we do in our famous air fryer tofu recipe).

Meal Prep Tips

This tofu is great as a protein in meal prepping. Simply make the recipe as instructed, and portion into meal prep containers (you may want to double the recipe to make 4 to 5 good sized servings). When ready to eat, microwave until hot and serve.

FAQs

Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of honey as an alternative.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure that the cornstarch you use is certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze General Tso’s Tofu?

Freezing tofu is actually a great way to improve its texture! We recommend freezing it before you assemble it in this recipe though, as the sauce will now thaw well.

How can I make it more authentic?

For a more authentic touch, you can add Szechuan peppercorns for a numbing sensation or use Chinese black vinegar instead of rice vinegar.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until heated through.

Serve It With

This general tso tofu pairs well with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it over a bed of quinoa or alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Check out all of ourChiniese recipesfor serving inspiration, but some of our favorites are:

• Steamed Broccoli
• Sautéed Eggplant
• Cauliflower Fried Rice