General Tao Tofu

INGREDIENTS:

Crispy Tofu

1 lb firm tofu, pressed for 30 minutes and cubed

2 tsp soy sauce

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp black pepper

2 tsp cornstarch

2 tsp sesame oil

General Tao Sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp fresh ginger, grated

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)

2 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water

½ tsp sesame seeds

1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

½ cup water

½ cup vegetable broth

¼ tsp red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS:

Crispy Tofu

1. In a medium-size bowl place the pressed and cubed tofu. Add in soy sauce/liquid aminos and toss to coat. Add in the garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper and cornstarch and toss to thoroughly combine.

2. Heat a pan or wok over medium-high heat, and add the sesame oil. When hot, add the tofu and toss to crisp up on all sides until the tofu is cooked and crisped on all sides, about 8 minutes. 

General Tao Sauce & Putting It All Together

3. In a pan over medium heat, heat the sesame oil. Add in the ginger and the garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and sizzling.

4. Pour in all the other sauce ingredients (soy sauce, sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch slurry, sesame seeds, rice wine vinegar, water, vegetable broth), whisking together immediately to help incorporate the cornstarch slurry. Bring to a boil, then to a simmer for about 4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken up. Whisk frequently so the cornstarch doesn’t thicken up in spots but instead mixes evenly throughout the sauce. Taste test and add more sugar if you want it sweeter. Remove from heat until needed.

5. Add in the crispy tofu into the simmering sauce. Stir to coat the tofu fully in the sauce, then and allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes in the sauce.

6. Remove from heat and top with extra sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

7. Serve with steamed or sautéed vegetables of choice and rice. Enjoy!

*Note: You can follow this same process but with chicken if you prefer.
 

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ESTIMATED NUTRITION (Per Serving, Based on 4 servings)

Calories: 300 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Carbohydrates: 25 g |  Fibre: 2 g | Sugars: 16 g | Fat: 15 g