How to make tofu extra crispy?

According to MenuCochon: Press tofu to remove water and coat with cornstarch before frying.

Can I use other proteins?

According to MenuCochon: Yes, replace tofu with tempeh or chicken for a non-vegetarian dish.

How to adjust the spice level?

According to MenuCochon: Modify the amount of chili flakes or add sambal oelek to taste.

Crispy General Tao Tofu Irresistible

Name: Crispy and Flavorful General Tao Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 portions
Cuisine: Québécoise
Ingredients: 14 oz firm tofu (well pressed); 1/2 cup cornstarch; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 4 tbsp soy sauce; 1/4 cup water; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tsp garlic (minced); 2 tsp fresh ginger (grated); 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)

FR|EN

Canada

Crispy and Flavorful General Tao Tofu

Prep15 min

Cook25 min

Servings6

DifficultyEasy

By Menucochon|

February 14, 2026

|Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Canada

Crispy and Flavorful General Tao Tofu

Prep15 min

Cook25 min

Servings6

DifficultyEasy

By Menucochon|

February 14, 2026

|Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Ah, General Tao Tofu! This reimagined classic is a burst of flavors and textures that can win over even the most reluctant tofu eaters. Picture crispy tofu, golden and coated in a velvety, spicy sauce infused with garlic and ginger. Inspired by Asian cuisine, this dish has become a favorite in Quebec kitchens for its perfect mix of comfort and sophistication. Those who love bold flavors will enjoy the balance of sweet and spicy that makes every bite a treat for the taste buds.

Ingredients

Servings

Crispy Tofu

General Tao Sauce

350 kcal15g protein18g fat30g carbs

Preparation

Instructions

0/6

Prepare the Tofu
Cut tofu into 2 cm cubes and press to remove excess water.
Use paper towels or a clean cloth to press the tofu.
Coat the Tofu
Roll tofu cubes in cornstarch until well coated.
Fry the Tofu
Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry tofu until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients and heat over medium, stirring until thickened.
Assemble the Dish
Add fried tofu to the saucepan and stir well to coat each piece.
Serve
Serve immediately with rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds or scallions if desired.
For a fresh touch, add some cucumber slices.

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Our Tips

Chef's tips for making this recipe

To make your tofu extra crispy, be sure to press out as much water as possible before cooking. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your taste by tweaking the amount of chilies or adding a touch of sambal oelek.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this General Tao Tofu with basmati rice or stir-fried noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. For added crunch and color, toss in vegetables like broccoli or red peppers. Feel free to tailor the recipe to your taste or that of your guests by experimenting with spices and ingredients. Each bite will be a flavorful journey, allowing you to create your own unique take on this delicious dish.