Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: This General Tso’s Tofu Sheet Pan Dinner brings together crispy tofu, flavorful roasted vegetables, and a delectable sticky, sweet-and-spicy sauce for an easy and satisfying meal.
How long it takes: Approximately 1 hour, plus 30 minutes for pressing the tofu.
Equipment you’ll need: A sheet pan, mixing bowls, and parchment paper.
Servings: 4
Discover the Joy of Tofu
Tofu has become a favorite ingredient recently. There’s something about its versatility and ability to absorb flavors that makes it incredibly appealing.
What’s truly exceptional about this recipe is its simplicity and efficiency. It’s a perfect “lazy pro” approach to cooking—roasting the vegetables and tofu together on a single pan until the tofu is wonderfully crispy. The sauce is effortlessly whisked in a bowl and then poured over everything.
Say goodbye to standing over a hot wok and dealing with messy oil splatters!
Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:
- Tofu that’s actually irresistible. Often, improperly prepared tofu can be bland, uninteresting, and mushy. In this sheet pan dinner, the tofu crisps up beautifully in the oven, allowing the flavorful sauce to cling to every piece.
- A perfect balance of bold flavors. This General Tso’s sauce offers just the right amount of zing to make things exciting without overwhelming spiciness.
- An incredibly easy one-pan dinner. Cleanup is a breeze, saving you precious time and effort.
Explore More Delicious Tofu Recipes
If you’re looking for more tofu recipes that are sure to impress, check out my baked sesame tofu and tofu sheet pan dinner with peanut sauce. These recipes offer diverse flavors and easy preparation methods.
Ingredients Spotlight
See below for the complete recipe with measurements! This section highlights essential ingredients, along with helpful tips and potential substitutions.
- Extra-firm tofu: The tofu is coated with oil and cornstarch to ensure a crispy texture during baking. Adding coarsely ground black pepper enhances its flavor.
- Colorful vegetables: This recipe features a vibrant mix of broccoli, carrots, and red bell pepper. The vegetables are lightly seasoned with oil and kosher salt to bring out their natural flavors.
- Signature sauce: The General Tso’s sauce is a harmonious blend of low-sodium chicken broth and soy sauce, balanced with ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and a touch of sriracha for heat. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Serving suggestions: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Step-by-Step Guide to General Tso’s Tofu Sheet Pan Dinner
Press the tofu. Begin by pressing the tofu to eliminate excess moisture, using either a tofu press or another effective method. Allow it to drain for approximately 30 minutes, then cut it into uniform cubes.
Essential Recipe Tip
Don’t skip pressing the tofu! This crucial step ensures that the tofu becomes crispy in the oven rather than steaming, and it also significantly enhances its flavor.
Prepare the rice. If you plan to serve this dish with rice, begin cooking it before you start baking the sheet pan dinner.
Prep the pan. Preheat your oven and line a large, rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can use nonstick spray or a light coat of olive oil.
Season the tofu. In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated. Add the oil and black pepper, and toss again to ensure each piece is seasoned. Spread the tofu in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.
Season the vegetables. Using the same bowl, toss the broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper with oil and salt. Spread the vegetables on the remaining space on the sheet pan.
Bake. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the tofu achieves a crispy texture.
Prepare the sauce. While the tofu and vegetables are baking, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl or liquid measuring cup.
Combine with sauce. Remove the sheet pan from the oven, stir the tofu and vegetables, then pour the prepared sauce over them, stirring to coat everything evenly. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sauce becomes thick, sticky, and bubbling. Stir once more before serving.
Serve. Add a scoop of rice to individual bowls and generously top with the General Tso’s tofu and vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired, for an enhanced flavor and presentation.
Top-Rated Sheet Pans
I rely on these sheet pans for virtually everything! I own four, and they are constantly in use, moving from my oven to my sink to my cupboard. They are durable, easy to clean, and provide even heat distribution, making them perfect for sheet pan dinners.
Customize Your Recipe
- Vegan option. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this recipe entirely vegan.
- Protein alternatives. Tempeh provides a nutty flavor and firmer texture, or use rinsed and drained canned chickpeas. For meat eaters, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces also work well.
- Vegetable swaps. Adapt the recipe to seasonal produce. Asparagus or snap peas are excellent in spring; eggplant and green beans are great during summer.
- Enhance the crunch. Sprinkle cashews or peanuts for added texture when incorporating the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice dishes. Complement the flavors by serving with Instant Pot jasmine rice or Instant Pot brown rice. Substitute with Instant Pot quinoa for an extra protein boost.
- Noodles options. Pair with rice noodles or soba noodles.
- Fresh salads. A fresh Asian salad or a mandarin orange salad makes a perfect side, adding an extra layer of nutrients to the meal.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover General Tso’s Tofu Sheet Pan Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: To freeze, place leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave until warmed through, or use a nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.