General Tso’s Tofu Recipe

General Tso’s Tofu is an Asian-inspired vegan delight!

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When I started my career in digital marketing, I was coincidentally working for a lot of food brands. Restaurants, consumer packaged goods, even a couple Food Network chefs (though I won’t name-drop!). One of my more notable clients was the Asian-American fusion food chain, Pei Wei Asian Kitchen. It was there, oddly enough, that I tried tofu for the first time!

To say I became obsessed would be an understatement. I fell in love with tofu, and took it upon myself to learn how to cook it, initially pulling inspiration from my favorite Pei Wei dishes. I loved the wide and colorful array of sauces, the healthiness of tofu served on a bed of steamed rice, and, of course, the way the chefs cooked it to crispy perfection. Well, years later, General Tso’s tofu is still one of my favorite weeknight meals. So, I thought I’d share my copycat recipe with all of you!

Though I discovered General Tso’s tofu through my work with Pei Wei, it is by no means a Pei Wei original. In fact, General Tso’s chicken, from which this tofu dish is derived, was created in the 1950s by Chef Peng Chang-kuei. The dish was inspired by Peng’s Hunanese heritage and named after a famous Hunanese general, Zuo Zongtang (commonly known as General Tso). After Peng moved to New York in 1973 and opened up his own restaurant, he adapted the recipe to suit American tastes, which led to the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor profile that we recognize today as General Tso’s chicken.

And speaking of flavor, boy is General Tso’s tofu loaded with it! The tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, soaking up the sauce in the dish. Each bite is a burst of flavors that come together in perfect unison. Whether you’re vegan or just enjoying a meatless Monday, General Tso’s tofu will surely become a favorite.

Is General Tso’s Tofu Healthy?

General Tso’s tofu is a tasty and relatively healthy vegan meal, especially if served with nutritious sides like steamed or sautéed vegetables and brown rice. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, which is why it’s such a great meat replacement for vegans and vegetarians. If needed, you can easily replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos, which is both lower in sodium and gluten-free.

The Key to Crispy Tofu

The tricky part about tofu is getting that perfectly crispy texture, which is why I’ve always loved the tofu dishes at Pei Wei. To achieve that crispiness at home, start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture—this step is crucial. To press it, wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then place a heavy object (like a pan or books) on top for about 20–30 minutes. Once the tofu is pressed, coat it in cornstarch and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

14 ounces extra-firm tofu
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/4 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil for frying
Cooked rice, for serving
Green onions, sliced for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare

Press, cube, and fry tofu.

Sauce

Combine sauce ingredients, cook, and coat tofu.

Serve

Serve over rice with garnishes.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Though the tofu can be pressed the night before (keep it in the fridge!), this dish tastes best freshly made. Once cooked, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The dish cannot be frozen as this will make the tofu spongy.

WHAT IS TOFU?

Tofu is a plant-based protein made from condensed soy milk that is curdled and then pressed into blocks. The process of making tofu is similar to making cheese: soy milk is coagulated, and the curds are pressed into varying levels of firmness, ranging from silken to extra-firm (which is used in this recipe). Tofu is a versatile ingredient that easily absorbs flavor. It’s an excellent substitute for meat and rich in protein, making it ideal for those eating a vegetarian or plant-based diet. And, did you know that tofu can even be used in desserts? That’s right! Silken tofu works beautifully in vegan cheesecakes, for example!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with either Vegetable Fried Rice or Honey-Garlic Instant-Pot Noodles (or if you’re like me, a little of both). You can also keep it simple by serving it with some Steamed White Rice. Also, perhaps an idea for the future, General Tso’s tofu would also be an amazing protein for lettuce wraps.