Name: General Tso's Tofu
Prep time: 16 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: 16 ounces extra firm tofu ((450g)); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 0.125 tsp cayenne pepper; 4 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp sesame oil (for frying); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp minced ginger; 1 tsp crushed garlic; 0.25 tsp red chili flakes; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp soy sauce (*Use gluten-free soy sauce for gluten-free version.); 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (*Check for vegan friendly brands. Use gluten-free hoisin sauce for gluten-free version.); 1 tsp onion powder; 2 tbsp coconut sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 0.25 cup vegetable stock ((60ml))

Instructions

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1

Press the extra firm tofu (16 ounces) for 30 minutes. Use a tofu press or place it between plates with a heavy pot on top.
2

While the [tofu] is pressing, prepare the sauce. In a measuring jug, combine rice vinegar (1 tbsp), sesame oil (1 tbsp), soy sauce (2 tbsp), hoisin sauce (1 tbsp), onion powder (1 tsp), coconut sugar (2 tbsp), cornstarch (1 tbsp), and vegetable stock (0.25 cup). Whisk well and set aside.
3

Once pressed, cut the [tofu] into cubes and place them in a lidded container. Add sesame oil (1 tbsp), maple syrup (1 tbsp), and cayenne pepper (0.125 tsp). Seal and gently rotate to coat the [tofu] evenly.
4

Add cornstarch (4 tbsp) to the container, 1 tbsp at a time, gently tossing after each addition until the [tofu] is well coated.
5

Heat sesame oil (1 tbsp) in a frying pan. Add the battered [tofu] and fry until golden brown. Remove the [tofu] from the pan.
6

Add sesame oil (1 tbsp), minced ginger (1 tbsp), crushed garlic (1 tsp), and red chili flakes (0.25 tsp) to the frying pan. Fry until aromatic, then add the [tofu] back in.
7

Pour the prepared [sauce] over the [tofu] and flash fry for 1 minute to coat. Avoid over-frying to prevent the batter from coming off.
8

Serve with basmati rice and chopped chives.