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Crispy General Tso’s-Style Tofu

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 Chinese 🇨🇳 Low-CarbVegetarian 🥦Vegan 🌱Plant-Based 🌻Halal 🕌Kosher ✡️Comfort-Food

Crispy General Tso’s-Style Tofu features golden pan-fried tofu coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze that balances heat from sambal oelek with the deep savoriness of soy and a hint of maple. Each bite is crunchy on the outside and tender inside, perfect over steamed rice or with stir-fried veggies. Serve for a weeknight dinner when you’re craving a bold, takeout-inspired centerpiece.

  • Prep10 mins
  • Cook10 mins
  • Serves4
  • DifficultyEasy
Crispy General Tso’s-Style Tofu
  1. 1

    Set the tofu on a plate lined with several layers of paper towels; cover with more paper towels and another plate. Place a 3- to 5-pound weight on the top plate and press the tofu for 30 minutes. Drain and discard any liquid that collects.

  2. 2

    Put the tofu cubes in a shallow bowl. Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil; gently stir to coat. Let stand until the tofu has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, whisk 3 tablespoons soy sauce, maple syrup, green onions, sambal oelek, rice wine vinegar, garlic, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch together in a bowl. Set the sauce aside.

  4. 4

    Drain and discard any remaining liquid from the tofu. Put 5 tablespoons cornstarch in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Add the tofu, press out excess air, and seal; gently shake until the tofu is coated with cornstarch.

  5. 5

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu; cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes more. Transfer the tofu to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.

  6. 6

    Add the sauce to the skillet; cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the tofu, and toss to combine.