General Tso's Tofu (Vegan)

General Tso's Tofu (Vegan) is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 196 calories per serving. Recipe by Morgane Recipes on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 11 min | Total: 36 min

Cost: $4.62 total, $1.15 per serving

Ingredients

  • 600 g Firm tofu (homemade) (pressed and cut into 1‑1.5 cm cubes)
  • 1 stalk Spring onion (green onion) (minced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated)
  • 3 tbsp Granulated sugar (white sugar)
  • 1 tsp Shaoxing cooking wine (optional, can use dry sherry)
  • 3 tbsp White rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Black rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Light soy sauce
  • 1 tsp Dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Chili paste (e.g., sambal oelek)
  • 0.25 tsp Ground black pepper
  • 100 ml Water
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch (to be mixed with 1 tbsp water for slurry)
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable oil (for frying) (neutral‑high‑smoke‑point oil)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable oil (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Cut the tofu

    Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1‑1.5 cm cubes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare aromatics

    Mince the spring onion, chop the garlic cloves, and grate the ginger.

    Time: PT4M

  3. Make the seasoning sauce

    In a mixing bowl combine 3 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp Shaoxing wine, 3 tbsp white rice vinegar, 1 tbsp black rice vinegar, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp chili paste, ¼ tsp ground pepper and 100 ml water. Stir until sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare cornstarch slurry

    Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water in a small bowl until smooth.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Fry the tofu

    Heat 3 tbsp oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for about 5 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Remove and set on a plate.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Sauté garlic and ginger

    Add 1 tbsp oil to the same skillet and turn heat to high. When the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high heat

  7. Add the seasoning sauce

    Pour the prepared seasoning sauce into the pan. Stir continuously for 1 minute to combine with the aromatics.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high heat

  8. Thicken the sauce

    Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for about 10 seconds, just until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

    Time: PT0M

    Temperature: high heat

  9. Combine tofu and sauce

    Return the fried tofu cubes to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium, toss to coat, and let the tofu soak in the sauce for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  10. Serve

    Transfer the General Tso’s tofu to a serving dish and enjoy with steamed jasmine rice.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
196
Protein
13 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free, Can be Gluten‑Free with tamari

Allergens: Soy, Gluten (if regular soy sauce is used)

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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General Tso's Tofu (Vegan)

Recipe by Morgane Recipes

A vegan twist on the classic Chinese-American favorite General Tso's chicken, using homemade firm tofu. Crispy tofu cubes are tossed in a sweet‑sour‑spicy sauce made with rice vinegars, soy sauces, and chili paste. Serve over jasmine rice for a quick, satisfying dinner.

EasyChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.62
Total cost
$1.15
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Frying the tofu until golden and crisp
  • Sautéing garlic and ginger without burning
  • Thickening the sauce with the cornstarch slurry

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a lid nearby and never leave unattended.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot skillet.
  • Garlic can burn quickly; stir constantly.

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