General Tso’s Tofu

I had a post ready for tonight, but then Toto went flying by and took our power and internet with him.

IT IS SO WINDY.

Anyway. I’m mostly competent at posting from my phone, but only if I get to keep it short and stick to exactly one photo. Alas, I’m reposting from a few years ago because I can’t do a recipe post in just a few words and with photo limits. It’s better this way.

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My kids are tofu freaks. Both of them. If I so much as *think* the word tofu, they both magically show up in the kitchen with their hands out, begging to be fed.

It's weird.

But, you know what? When tofu is made well, it really is pretty fantastic. Like WOAH.

General Tso's Chicken is great and all, but knocking the chicken to the curb and inviting tofu to the table is a solid way to win over my girls.

General Tso's Tofu
2 packages extra firm tofu
Vegetable oil
2 cloves minced garlic
Red pepper flakes
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
Sesame seeds
3 cups white rice, cooked

1. Let's fry some tofu, shall we? Press it then slice it into strips, making sure you dab off as much of the water as you can. Pour about 1/4" of vegetable oil into a skillet, heat it with high heat, and toss that tofu in there. Turn it over every few minutes and cook it until it is lightly browned on all sides. Once it's done, place the tofu on some paper towels to drain the excess oil.

2. In another large skillet, let's make some sauce. Place a tablespoon of vegetable oil in the pan along with the garlic and some red pepper flakes. The more red pepper flakes you use, the hotter your dinner is going to be. I use about a teaspoon of them and end up with what I would call a "3" on the hot scale.

3. Saute the garlic and pepper flakes for about two minutes then pour that broth in there. Stir, stir, and stir. Then throw in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and lime juice. Stir! Toss in the cornstarch and stir some more. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes or until it begins to thicken.

4. Add in the broccoli and carrots. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes or until the carrots are as soft as you like them.

5. Throw the tofu in the sauce and stir to coat it well.

6. Serve over white rice and top with sesame seeds.

7. Can I have the first 20 or so years of my life back? I didn't spend nearly enough of my time eating tofu back then.