Tofu, it isn't just for Vegans!

General Tao's Tofu

Okay, so anytime I mention Tofu, people shutter! No reason!!!!!! My picky eaters all love it, and as long as you have no allergies to it, it's a great way to cut your fat and calories down on your favorite foods! One of my family's favorite is the General Tao's Tofu! It's super yummy and you don't feel like you are being too terribly bad. The key is firm or extra firm tofu. Make sure you drain it and put it in a white towel to dry! It's super important! Check out this website for a video of instructions. http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=8769.0

Ingredients (use vegan versions):

• 1 box of extra firm tofu
• egg substitute for 1 egg
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• vegetable oil for frying
• 3 chopped green onions
• 1 Tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic (I use the already minced in water)
• 2/3 cup vegetable stock
• 2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 4 Tablespoons sugar
• red pepper to taste
• 1 Tablespoon sherry (optional) I love this though and wouldn't leave it out.
• 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
• steamed broccoli (I buy the steamable bags)

I sometimes put this over brown rice too!

Directions:

Drain, dry and cut tofu into 1 inch chunks. You can freeze tofu the night before to get a more chicken-like consistency, but it isn't necessary.

Mix the egg replacer as specified on the box and add an additional 3 tablespoons water.

Dip tofu in egg replacer/water mixture and coat completely.

Sprinkle 3/4 cup cornstarch over tofu and coat completely. Watch out that the cornstarch doesn't clump up at the bottom of the bowl.

Heat oil in pan and fry tofu pieces until golden. Drain oil.

Heat 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil in pan on medium heat.

Add green onions, ginger and garlic, cook for about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn garlic.

Add vegetable stock, soy sauce, sugar, red pepper and vinegar.

Mix 2 Tablespoons water with 1 Tablespoon cornstarch and pour into mixture stirring well.

Add fried tofu and coat evenly.

Serve immediately with steamed broccoli over your choice of rice.

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 Minutes