General Tso’s Tofu Stir Fry

• (2) 15-oz blocks of extra firm tofu (drained & pressed)
• 6 tbs low-sodium tamari
• 2 tsp chili garlic sauce
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbs maple syrup
• 6-7 tbs cornstarch
• 3-4 tbs grape seed oil

Sauce:

• 4 tsp sesame oil
• 4 tsp cornstarch
• 4 large cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbs ginger, minced
• 2 tbs rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 6 tbs tamari
• 2 tbs water

Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbs sesame oil
• 2 bundles green onions, bulbs removed, chopped
• 2 tbs chili garlic sauce
• sesame seeds for garnish, optional

Serve with:

• brown rice
• steamed broccoli (seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder)

Directions:

Prep the broccoli and cook the brown rice.

Tofu:

1. Cut the tofu in small squares and place in a shallow dish with a lid.
2. Add the tamari, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup.
3. Marinate for at least 5 minutes or place the lid and refrigerate until ready to use.

Sauce:

1. Mince the garlic and ginger in a small food processor.
2. Add in the sesame oil, cornstarch, rice vinegar, maple syrup, tamari, and water and pulse until combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Making the Stir-Fry:

1. Heat a large metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Add cornstarch to the tofu until it is well coated.
3. To the hot pan, add 3-4 tbs grape seed oil and let warm for 30 seconds.
4. If you want to keep the tofu in squares, don’t overcrowd. Otherwise, it will turn out like the picture above. Instead, cook in batches or use two pans.
5. Add the tofu to the pan and cook on all sides until light golden brown (approx. 1-2 minutes per side).  Remove from pan.
6. Return the skillet to the burner and increase the heat to medium-high heat.
7. Add 2 tbs sesame oil, green onions, and chili garlic sauce.
8. Saute for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
9. Add the sauce and the tofu. Cook to coat the tofu for 1-2 minutes, until warmed through and the sauce has thickened.
10. Remove from heat and stir in sesame seeds.
11. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli.