General Tao Tofu Recipe

Name: General Tao Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 20 ounces firm tofu 2 blocks chopped into 1 inch squares; 1/2 cup flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 eggs; grape seed oil or vegetable oil for frying; 3 garlic gloves finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh ginger finely chopped; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 3 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon sambal oelek Chinese chili sauce; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons water; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 green onion thinly sliced, for garnish

Servings: persons

20 ounces firm tofu 2 blocks chopped into 1 inch squares
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 eggs
grape seed oil or vegetable oil for frying
3 garlic gloves finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh ginger finely chopped
2 teaspoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon sambal oelek Chinese chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons water
1/2 cup sugar
1 green onion thinly sliced, for garnish

1
Blend the cornstarch and flour in a bowl
2
Dredge the tofu pieces in the mixture and transfer to a plate.
3
In a bowl slightly beat 2 eggs.
4
Dip the floured tofu pieces in the beaten eggs
5
Dredge each piece a second time in the cornstarch/ flour mixture
6
Fry the tofu pieces in hot oil until golden.
7
Transfer the cooked tofu onto paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Set aside while preparing the General Tao sauce
8
In a bowl, whisk the cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons water, fresh ginger, garlic, sambal oelek and paprika. Set aside.
9
In a large skillet bring 3 tablespoons of water and 1/2 cup of sugar to a boil. Do not stir while it is cooking.
10
Cook until the sugar water mixture turns golden
11
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet.
12
Stir and simmer until a syrupy consistency.
13
Toss in the tofu making sure that the pieces are covered with the sauce
14
Serve with basmati rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

453

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 20 ounces firm tofu 2 blocks chopped into 1 inch squares, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 2 eggs, and more.

Yes, General Tao Tofu falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

General Tao Tofu

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions