I found this recipe for General Tao’s Tofu on VegWeb.com a couple years ago and have made it many times since with great success. It’s a great version of the General Tao’s chicken dish that is offered at many Chinese restaurants. The tofu has a nice crispy yet chewy texture. It’s a dish that you can serve to someone who doesn’t generally eat tofu, and they’ll love it. Really! Oh, and you may want to double the sauce because it’s so good!
I recommend that you cook your rice beforehand, especially if you’re using brown rice. From there, you have to work fairly quickly to prepare the veggies, tofu and sauce at the same time, but it’s definitely worth it in the end. Be ready to serve/eat this right away as the sauce does make the tofu a bit soggy after a while. You want it to be drenched in sauce but still crisp to the bite. Oh, and the sauce isn’t very spicy, so you may want to add more chili if you like things really hot.
Yes, it’s fried… and it contains sugar. But it’s a great option when you feel like being a little bit naughty but not feeling like take-out. Oh, and if you serve it with brown rice, tons of veggies, it’s really isn’t that bad…
There you are! I’m all for fried, every now and then ;)
I’m back, baby! And yes, from time to time, it’s nice to indulge… ;)
general’s “chicken” has always been one of my fav’s. whole foods in the states carries a vegan version that is awesome, but it comes with a hefty price. i’m always wishing i could find or make a version. if you vouch for this, than its a def for me :)
Thanks Brian, let me know if you decide to make it. It’s a bit tricky to get everything ready at the same time (rice, veggies, tofu, sauce), but I think it’s definitely worth it!
Is this recipe best made with silken tofu or regular?
Hi Debbie – Good question! I’ve always used regular firm but now that you bring it up, I’m thinking that silken firm would also be really great. Let me know if you try it! :)