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General Tso's sticky Tofu with sweet and sour sauce

General Tso’s Sticky Tofu

Author: Bianca Zapatka
This General Tso’s Sticky Tofu recipe is a vegan and healthier take on the popular sweet & spicy Asian takeout chicken dish. It’s quick and easy to make in under 20-minutes, loaded with plant-based protein and can be easily made gluten-free by using tamari sauce!
5 from 36 votes
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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Course Appetizer, Lunch & Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 457 kcal

Ingredients

Crispy Tofu

  • 1 block firm tofu cubed (300 g)
  • 6 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari sauce (if GF)
  • 1-2 tbsp oil + more for frying

Sweet & Sour Sauce

  • ½ cup water 120 ml
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tsp oil *see notes
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger or more to taste
  • ½ tsp chili pepper flakes or 1 tsp sriracha to taste
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste *see notes
  • 4 tbsp agave or maple syrup or sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari sauce (if GF)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

To serve (optional)

Instructions 

Sweet & Sour Sauce

  • Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Heat the 2 teaspoons of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and chili pepper flakes and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Then whisk in the remaining sauce ingredients and the cornstarch mixture and bring to a boil. Cook for a minute until thickened, then remove from the heat and set aside while you make the tofu.

Crispy Tofu (*see step-by-step photos above)

  • Drain and press the tofu as instructed above (or use a tofu press), then cut into cubes. (I highly recommend reading my blog post for helpful tips on making the best crispy tofu!)
  • Transfer the tofu cubes to a bowl, add the cornstarch, soy sauce (or tamari) and oil, and mix well.
  • Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for about 3 minutes each side, until golden brown and crispy all over.
  • Add the sauce, toss to coat and cook for about 1-2 minutes over low-medium heat until hot.
  • Serve the tofu over rice and garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can basically use any oil, starch, vinegar or sweetener you like.
  • Tomato paste can be substituted with tomato purée or ketchup.
  • Use tamari sauce for a gluten-free option.
  • The instruction time does not include the time you may need to press the tofu.
  • The nutrition facts do not include rice.
  • Please read my blog post for "Crispy Tofu Tips" and further helpful details!
Nutritions
Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 457kcal | Carbohydrates: 45.2g | Protein: 25.7g | Fat: 18.6g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Fiber: 2.8g
Nutrition is calculated automatically and should be used as estimate.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @biancazapatka or tag #biancazapatka!