Vegan General Tso's Tofu Sandwich
The Vegan General Tso's Tofu Sandwich uses marinade-soaked tofu baked in a homemade sweet and tangy General Tso's sauce. The tofu slices are layered on toasted buns with greens and blanched broccoli or broccoli slaw, optionally garnished with toasted sesame seeds. The sauce contains soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, sugar, sesame oil, and spices like fresh ginger and garlic, creating a thick coating that flavors the tofu throughout.
Ingredients
Sandwich:
- 14 oz tofu sliced into 8 slices
- greens
- broccoli blanched or broccoli slaw
- sesame seeds optional, toasted
- burger bun or tortillas
General Tso's Sauce:
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 to 4 tbsp sugar or coconut sugar or other sweetener
- 1/4 cup soy sauce use tamari to make gluten-free, low-sodium
- 1 tbsp mirin rice wine
- 2 to 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1.5 tsp sesame oil toasted
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp. sambal oelek chile paste optional or sriracha or pepper flakes to taste
- 2 tsp ginger grated fresh
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Press the tofu in a tofu press or in paper towels for atleast 10 mins. Slice and place in baking dish in one layer.
- Mix all ingredients for the sauce. mix well. I use a small blender to blend everything except garlic, then mix in minced garlic. If not using veggie broth, add a generous pinch of salt to the sauce.
- Pour in the baking dish and let sit to marinate for 15 mins or overnight for make ahead.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F / 200ºc. Bake for 25 mins or until the sauce thickens.
- Prep the sandwich ingredients. Toast the bread or burger buns on a skillet over medium heat. Layer Greens, blanched broccoli slices or broccoli slaw. Thinly slice the broccoli if needed. Place the tofu slices. Pour some of the extra sauce over the tofu, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds (optional) and serve immediately.
- Other additions to the sandwich instead of broccoli can be thinly sliced crunchy veggies like cucumber, carrots or cabbage,some cilantro, sliced jalapeno.
Make it in a Saucepan:
- Press the tofu and slice or cube. Heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook until golden on some sides, 5 to 7 mins. Flip a few times in between.
- Prep the sauce and add to the skillet. You can also add some veggies with the sauce. Bring to a boil. Taste and adjust salt, sweet and heat. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve in a burger, or wraps or make a bowl with cooked rice/grains, and blanched broccoli
Notes
- Add a teaspoon of tomato paste or ketchup to the General Tso's sauce for a deeper, richer flavor.
- This recipe yields four servings, not including buns.
- To enhance flavor, marinate tofu overnight or at least 15 minutes before baking.
- Press tofu well using a tofu press or paper towels for at least 10 minutes prior to slicing to remove excess moisture.
- Optional crunchy vegetables like cucumber, carrots, cabbage, cilantro, or jalapeño can be added to the sandwich for more texture and flavor variety.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 134
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 134kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Sodium | 618mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 230mg | 5% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 0.7mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 39mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1.4mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.