I’m often asked how to get adequate protein in a vegetarian diet. Tofu is a great source of protein. For every serving, you get 9g of protein, 4g carbs and 3g fat (2.5g unsaturated, 0.5g saturated). Frying the tofu adds more fat but also adds a ton of flavor. Worth it!
We love this as a quick weeknight dinner. Serve with fried brown rice and steamed broccoli. Let me me know what you think!
General Tso's Tofu
Try serving with fried rice and broccoli!
Servings: 3 people
Ingredients
Tofu
- 10 oz extra firm tofu (pressed)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- vegetable, canola or peanut oil (for frying)
Sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable, canola or peanut oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 2 tbsp light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 stalk green onion
Instructions
Tofu
- To press the tofu, drain the tofu and wrap it in a cloth or paper towel. Set the tofu on a plate and place another plate on top of the tofu. Place a heavy object on the top plate and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, preferably overnight.
- Drain the pressed tofu and slice into 1/2 inch slices.
- Combine 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a shallow dish. Marinate the tofu in this mixture.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat. You want about half of the tofu slice to be submerged in the oil.
- Coat each slice of tofu with cornstarch. I find the easiest way to do this is to sift the cornstarch onto the tofu. Flip and repeat for the back side.
- Cook the tofu slices in the oil until golden brown. Flip and repeat. Remove and drain on a paper towel or wire rack.
Sauce
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium low heat.
- Combine soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, white sugar, brown sugar and cornstarch.
- Saute the garlic and red paper flakes for 30 seconds - 1 minute. Make sure not to burn the garlic!
- Add the liquid mixture to the pan. Cook until just boiling and until thickened.
- Add chopped green onions and serve over the tofu.
