General Tsos Tofu

General Tsos Tofu is a delicious and healthy Chinese dish that is perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. This dish is made with crispy fried tofu, tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, and served with steamed rice. If you're looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal, then this recipe is perfect for you!

Ingredients (serves 4):

- 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- Steamed rice, for serving

Cooking tips:

- Make sure to drain the tofu well before cutting it into cubes. This will help it to crisp up nicely when fried.
- Use a non-stick pan or wok to fry the tofu. This will prevent it from sticking to the pan and help it to cook evenly.
- Be careful when adding the sauce to the pan, as it can splatter. You may want to turn off the heat before adding the sauce, and then turn it back on once it's in the pan.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the tofu cubes with the cornstarch until well coated.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the tofu cubes to the pan and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the tofu from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
6. Add the sauce to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
7. Add the fried tofu back to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
8. Serve the General Tsos Tofu over steamed rice and garnish with chopped scallions.
Appearance and taste:
General Tsos Tofu is a beautiful dish with golden brown crispy tofu cubes coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. The dish has a perfect balance of flavors, with the sweetness of the sauce complementing the spiciness of the red pepper flakes. The tofu is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making for a satisfying texture. The dish is perfect for those who love Chinese cuisine and want a vegetarian option that is just as flavorful as meat dishes.
Type of dish: Chinese Tofu
Main ingredients: Tofu, Soy sauce, Rice vinegar