Baked General Tso’s Tofu with Spicy-Sweet Glaze

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-03 · Updated 2026-05-03

Crisp baked tofu cubes coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet General Tso’s style sauce, perfect as a flavorful vegan main or appetizer. This chinese-inspired vegan ready in about 40 minutes pairs extra firm tofu pressed and cubed, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving

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Ingredients

14 oz extra firm tofu pressed and cubed
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves minced
1 tsp ginger minced
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup water
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water)
2 sliced scallions
1 tsp sesame seeds

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss 14 oz pressed extra firm tofu cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch until fully coated.
Step 2: Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tbsp vegetable oil; bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are crispy and golden.
Step 3: While tofu bakes, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup water; bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Whisk in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 6: Remove tofu from oven and gently toss with the sauce until evenly coated.
Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tsp sesame seeds; serve warm over steamed rice or greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked General Tso’s Tofu with Spicy-Sweet Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked General Tso’s Tofu with Spicy-Sweet Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked General Tso’s Tofu with Spicy-Sweet Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked General Tso’s Tofu with Spicy-Sweet Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked General Tso’s Tofu with Spicy-Sweet Glaze vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.