Oil-Free General Tso’s Spicy Sweet Tofu

This recipe for Oil-Free General Tso’s Spicy Sweet Tofu features a bold Chinese stir-fry sauce with tamari, hoisin, and chili paste. A healthier, plant-based version of the classic take-out recipe, enjoy with steamed rice and veggies for a satisfying 30-minute meal.

Enjoy the Baked Sesame Tofu on its own. Or, serve it with Oil-Free Cauliflower Fried Rice, Black Forbidden Rice Asian Bowls, Spicy Broiled Szechuan Green Beans, or Quick Oil-Free Chinese Eggplant Stir-Fry.

What is in Chinese General Tso’s Tofu?

A traditional recipe for General Tso’s will include soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, red chili, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic. This combination creates a spicy-sweet combination packed with bold flavor. Whether you’re using chicken or tofu, the protein is often stir-fried in oil to create a crispy, browned exterior.

How to you Make a Healthier, Plant-Based, Oil-Free Version of General Tso’ Tofu?

A healthy, plant-based General Tso’s sauce is the perfect recipe for adding lots of flavor to your whole foods ingredients. While it’s easy to buy a store-bought sauce, many of these are ultre-processed and loaded with salt, sugar, and oil. Plus, it can be quite expensive buying a big jar when you only need a small amount.

Rather, this healthier, plant-based, oil-free version of General Tso’s sauce requires a few basic Asian ingredients. First, swap out the soy sauce for tamari to keep the recipe gluten-free. Then, build that tangy bite with rice vinegar and fresh ginger. A bit of coconut sugar adds a touch of sweetness. Then, garlic, vegetable broth, and chili paste add depth.

Measuring with a kitchen scale makes it quick and accurate for creating delicious sauces — no more messing with measuring spoons!

Why is it Called General Tso’s?

General Tso’s Chicken originated in the Hunan region of China though it has now become a popular dish for American palates. The name for the dish comes from the 19th-century general, Tso Tsung-t’ang (now often transliterated as Zuo Zongtang). However, the dish was created long after the general died, by Peng Chang-kuei, an acclaimed Hunanese chef. He developed the dish with flavors typical of Hunanese cooking: “heavy, sour, hot, and salty”.

In 1973, Peng moved to New York, where he opened his first restaurant on 44th Street. Peng’s food attracted the attention of officials from the nearby United States Headquarters, including Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. From there, he began adapting his dishes for his American customers. While the original version of General Tso’s contained no sugar, Chef Peng started adding sugar to appease American diners.

Can I Use this Spicy Sweet General Tso’s Sauce on Something Besides Tofu?

Absolutely! This spicy-sweet stir-fry sauce would work great in any plant-based stir-fry. Try it with pieces of Japanese eggplant, white mushrooms, carrots, peppers, onions, or green beans. It would also be delicious with stir-fried chickpeas, edamame, tempeh, or seitan.

What About Adding Toasted Sesame Oil?

Toasted Sesame Oil is often used for depth of flavor and an extra toasted flavor. While this recipe doesn’t call for any, you can add 1 teaspoon off the heat, just before serving. This might help when serving non-vegans or those just starting to transition to the world of tofu.

As the name suggests, though, sesame oil is 100% oil and 100% fat. A little goes a long way (often 1 teaspoon is plenty). If you’re looking for that same toasted flavor, you can add toasted nuts or seeds like sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, or roasted cashews.

Chef’ Katie’s Plant-Based, Oil-Free Tips:

Use Extra Firm High Protein Tofu: I love the Wildwood brand extra firm high protein tofu for this recipe. It has an incredibly firm texture and holds up well with the sauce.

Serving Suggestions: You can enjoy this General Tso’s Tofu on its own However, I like serving it with brown rice, steamed quinoa or Super Veggie Oil-Free Fried Rice

Freezing Tofu: You can freeze tofu either before or after cooking. Freeze it before (in the sauce), then thaw and bake before eating. Or, freeze it after it’s cooked and simply reheat before eating.

Oil-Free Mission: I’m on a mission to get rid of empty calories, and oil is the most calorie-dense food. For this recipe, roasted almond butter adds rich, nutty flavor, while also bringing healthy fiber and key nutrients. You can substitute with other roasted nut or seed butter. For a less calorie-dense option, swap out the almond butter for 1 cup of chickpeas.

Tamari vs. Soy Sauce: Tamari is similar to soy sauce, but it is gluten-free. If gluten isn’t a concern for you, you can use them interchangeably in recipes.