My Skinnyish General Tso's Shrimp and Tofu is a lighter version of General Tso's classic Chinese recipe! Still full of amazing flavor, this lower-fat version is not battered and deep fried, but stir-fried with my special sweet and spicy sauce.
This "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! No chicken either in this recipe, which is the classic Chinese version (always trying to change history, LOL!).
So much flavor in this sauce, like garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes that compliment the shrimp and tofu so well. The cornstarch gives the sauce a nice thickness without weighing it down. 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!
What ingredients you'll need for this skinnyish general tso's shrimp and tofu:
- Block of extra-firm tofu
- Large shrimp
- Canola oil
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Red pepper flakes
- Black pepper
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Steamed white or brown rice
For the sauce:
- Reduced-sodium soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Hoisin sauce
- Water
- Brown sugar
- Corn starch
- Chopped green onions
I always use extra-firm tofu in stir-fry dishes so the tofu won't fall apart. I often use Trader Joe's sprouted tofu, which has a dense texture. 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. Then, cube them up!
TIP: Want an easy and quick way to soak up the liquid in the tofu? You might want to take a look at this tofu press on Amazon! I have one of these and it's works great!
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!
Steps to make this recipe:
- Stir-fry the tofu cubes until golden brown. Throw in the shrimp and stir-fry until partially cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- 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.
Serve this General Tso's Shrimp and Tofu with a side of steamed white or brown rice and your dinner will rock! This lower-fat dish is perfect for the family, or impressive to serve to your dinner guests. So, that's the "skinny" on this one!
Tips and tricks
- 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!
Want more recipes like this general tso's shrimp and tofu?
If you liked this recipe, you’re going to want these similar shrimp and tofu recipes too!
- Easy Tofu Pad Thai
- Healthy Shrimp Fried Rice
- Miso Tofu Bok Choy Stir Fry
- Shrimp Sambal with Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpeas and Ginger
- Coconut Curry Tofu and Shrimp
Update Notes: This post was originally published on February 12, 2018, but was republished with slight text changes and additions, like step-by-step instructions and tips, in August 2021.
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Skinnyish General Tso's Shrimp and Tofu
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!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce block extra firm tofu
- ½ 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
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions, green & white parts
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ 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!
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 327
- Sugar: 8.2 g
- Sodium: 892.9 mg
- Fat: 16.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.8 g
- Protein: 24.8 g
- Cholesterol: 91.5 mg
Rebecca Gottberg says
Delicious recipe! I broke the rules and added some veggies. Only made a great recipe better. Added a touch of sweet chili sauce as I was low on Hoisin.
Asian Inspired Eats says
You're recipe modifications are so perfect, Rebecca! That's the beauty of home cooking, am I right? Keep that feedback coming. Really appreciate it!
Ed B says
Made this last night and it was very good. Thanks for the recipe. I over-cooked the tofu a little so it was a bit chewy. I will do a lighter fry on it next time and there will definitely be a next time! Glad to have found your site.
Asian Caucasian says
Thanks so much, Ed! And glad you liked this shrimp and tofu recipe. I like to use a firm tofu so it holds up. Maybe extra firm tofu is too chewy in this recipe. Love the feedback!
Deanne says
I love that this is a healthier version. We've been trying tofu in recipes more and more!
Asian Caucasian says
That's great! I'm a tofu freak so I love experimenting with tofu recipes. You need to try my Crispy Salt & Pepper Tofu. It's to-die-for!
Patty says
General Tso is one of my favorite recipes, need to try your way with tofu and shrimps, sounds exquisite!
Asian Caucasian says
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!
Lizet says
Shrimp and tofu sound good to me. And I love how your recipe has 6 garlic cloves. Everything is better with more garlic. 😋
Asian Caucasian says
Could no agree more! I always add extra garlic to recipes. Thanks, Lizet!
Brian Jones says
I love the sound of this, such great flavour combinations. The addition of tofu is genius.
Asian Caucasian says
I love tofu, so just had to include it in this recipe! Thank you!
Caroline says
Looks tasty, I like that you've made it lighter but still with plenty flavor.
Asian Caucasian says
Thanks, Caroline! You would never know it's less calories! No compromise on flavor whatsoever!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
I'm loving the combo of tofu and shrimp. Such a quick and delicious dinner!
Asian Caucasian says
Thank you, Amanda! This recipe is a keeper and one for the entire family!