General Tso's Tofu and Broccoli

 GENERAL TSO’S TOFU AND BROCCOLI

(Andrew Olson of One Ingredient Chef)

Ingredients:

    • 16 oz firm tofu

    • 1/3 cup cornmeal

    • 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour

    • 1/4 teaspoon salt

    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

    • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

    • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

    • 2 cloves garlic, minced

    • 3 green onions

    • 2 cups broccoli

    • Sesame seeds, for garnish

    • Brown rice, for servin

Instructions:

NOTE: You can either cook the tofu in an air fryer at 370º for 10 minutes, or bake at 370º for about 15 minutes until crispy.

Step One

Break the tofu into small chicken-like chunks as shown. This is way cooler than just cubing the tofu because it gives you a more authentic look and more surface area for the batter. Then, make a breading from the cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Dip each piece of tofu (it should still be moist) into the batter and place in your air fryer (or a baking sheet in the oven). When all the pieces are coated cook at about 370º F until the batter has become really crispy and golden. 

Step Two

While the tofu cooks, turn your attention to the sauce. There are about as many variations of General Tso’s sauce as there are Chinese restaurants in America, but this one sticks with the basics: equal parts soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and maple syrup, with some minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Add all of this to a small bowl and stir until well mixed.

Step Three

When the tofu is crispy, sauté the final dish. In a large pan, add all the sauce along with some broccoli florets (ideally already cooked – frozen and microwaved is great), chopped green onions, and the crispy tofu nuggets. Toss repeatedly until coated and allow to simmer over medium heat (tossing occasionally) for 5-7 minutes until most of the sauce is absorbed and everything is warm and delicious. Serve with a garnish of sesame seeds and a side of brown rice. Store any leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days (they are amazing!)
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Andrew Olson is the creator of One Ingredient Chef. The recipes are not made up of one ingredient but they are 100% plant-based. Basically what he means is that he doesn’t use processed foods as ingredients. Each ingredient is one plant food, whole or lightly processed.

As Andrew explains it: “After some experimentation, I developed what I call the One Ingredient Diet and it has just one guideline – eat plant-based foods that start out as one whole ingredient. This is basic enough for a first-grader to understand, but powerful enough to change lives. “

We think you will love this recipe for General Tso’s Tofu and Broccoli.