Light General Tso’s Tofu

A lighter version of the Chinese-American classic: golden (not deep-fried) tofu coated in a punchy sweet and sour sauce. Crisp and tasty, it is an indulgent plant-based dinner that is much lighter than the original.

Prep time: 15 min  |  Cooking time: 15 min  |  Servings: 2  |  Difficulty: Easy

Calculated per portion from the Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, using the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 269 kcal · 21 g protein · 20 g carbohydrate · 12 g fat

Ingredients

• 250 g tofu (firm)
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or syrup
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Method

1. Coat the cubed tofu in cornflour.
2. Brown it in a frying pan (or in the oven) until crisp.
3. Make the sauce: soy sauce, honey, ginger and garlic.
4. Coat the tofu in the sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with rice.

Nutritional benefits

Tofu provides complete plant protein for few calories. Browned in a pan or the oven rather than deep-fried, and with a homemade sauce that keeps the sugar in check, this plant-based General Tso’s is much lighter than the restaurant version. An indulgent, high-protein dinner that is 100% plant-based.

Variations and substitutions

• With chicken for a classic version.
• Spicier: chilli, sriracha.
• With stir-fried broccoli on the side.
• With tempeh instead of tofu.

Storage and making ahead

Best fresh and crisp; keeps for 2 days. Reheat in a frying pan.

💡 Good to know

Press the tofu well and coat it in cornflour before cooking: this is what makes it crisp without deep-frying.

Related reading

Discover more vegetarian recipes · vegan recipes · high-protein recipes · lactose-free recipes.

Foods in this recipe: tofu · cornflour · soy sauce · honey · ginger.

You might also like these recipes: Baked falafels · Chickpea crackers · Scrambled tofu.