Getting ready to celebrate the “Year of the Ox!” The Chinese New Year is this week and we’ve dished up a lighter version of General Tso’s classic recipe — our Skinnyish General Tso’s Shrimp and Tofu! Still full of amazing flavor, this lower-fat version is not battered and deep fried, but stir-fried with our special sweet and spicy sauce. No chicken either in this recipe, which is the classic Chinese version (always trying to change history, LOL!). The cornstarch gives the sauce a nice thickness without weighing it down.
So many flavor bombs in this sauce like garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes that compliment the shrimp and tofu so well. You can use whatever protein floats your boat in this dish, but we’re obsessed with the shrimp and tofu combo, so that’s the “skinny” on this one!
Serve it with a side of steamed white or brown rice and your dinner will rock! Happy Chinese New Year everyone! 新年快乐
Our skinny-ish version of General Tso’s Shrimp and Tofu is a flavor bomb in your mouth! But, you’ll never know it’s lighter on the calories. There’s no battered and deep-frying in this dish!
The key to getting tofu that gorgeous golden brown is to remove all of the moisture first by wrapping the tofu block in a kitchen towel or paper towels. Then, cube them up!
First, stir-fry the tofu cubes until golden brown. Throw in the shrimp and stir-fry until partially cooked through.
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with this gorgeous, lower-fat General Tso’s Shrimp and Tofu dish! It’s perfect for the family or impressive to serve for your guests.
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Skinnyish General Tso’s Shrimp and Tofu
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A lighter version of General Tso’s classic recipe, this Skinnyish General Tso’s Shrimp and Tofu still packs a ton of flavor! It’s stir-fried, not deep-fried, and tossed in a yummy Asian sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 15–ounce block extra firm tofu
- 1/2 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail on)
For the Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 5 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions, green & white parts
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Black and white sesame seeds
- Steamed white or brown rice for serving
Instructions
- Wrap the tofu block with a kitchen towel or paper towels to thoroughly remove moisture. Let sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Cut the tofu into even ¾-inch cubes. Peel and devein the shrimp and set both the tofu and shrimp aside.
- To make the sauce: In a small mixing bowl whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, water, brown sugar, and corn starch until well-combined and not lumpy. Stir in some chopped green onions (if desired) and set aside.
- Heat the canola oil in a heavy wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the tofu until lightly browned on all sides. Add in the shrimp and partially cook, about 1 minute. Toss with salt and pepper and remove from the wok in a bowl and set aside.
- Add the garlic and ginger to the wok over medium-high heat. Sauté until fragrant. Toss with the red pepper flakes. Pour in the sauce and cook over low heat until it starts to thicken. (Add in more water if sauce gets too thick.) Toss together with the shrimp and tofu, coating well with the sauce. Cover for 1 minute until shrimp is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with a side of steamed rice.
Notes
- The key to getting tofu that gorgeous golden brown is to remove all of the moisture first by wrapping the block in a kitchen towel or paper towels and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
- You can use whatever protein floats your boat in this dish, but we’re obsessed with the shrimp and tofu combo. Steak or chicken would be equally as good!
- Want to make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free hoisin sauce instead!
Keywords: general tso tofu, general tso sauce, general tso shrimp, healthy general tso's
If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #AsianCaucasianBlog. We’d love to see your pics on Instagram and Facebook!
If you liked this recipe, try our Shrimp Sambal with Roasted Cauliflower.
General Tso is one of my favorite recipes, need to try your way with tofu and shrimps, sounds exquisite!
★★★★★
Thank you so much, Patty! I love the combo of shrimp and tofu! This is not as heavy as the traditional General Tso’s but just as yummy!
Shrimp and tofu sound good to me. And I love how your recipe has 6 garlic cloves. Everything is better with more garlic. 😋
★★★★★
Could no agree more! I always add extra garlic to recipes. Thanks, Lizet!
I love the sound of this, such great flavour combinations. The addition of tofu is genius.
★★★★★
I love tofu, so just had to include it in this recipe! Thank you!
Looks tasty, I like that you’ve made it lighter but still with plenty flavor.
★★★★★
Thanks, Caroline! You would never know it’s less calories! No compromise on flavor whatsoever!
I’m loving the combo of tofu and shrimp. Such a quick and delicious dinner!
★★★★★
Thank you, Amanda! This recipe is a keeper and one for the entire family!