General Tso Chicken [Plant-based]

Introducing our Plant-based General Tso Chicken. This vegan twist packs all the flavor + satisfaction of the traditional dish, with cauliflower providing a hearty and filling alternative. Tossed in the same sweet + spicy, deliciously saucy, sticky flavors, get ready to enjoy every bite of this delicious plant-powered rendition! Gluten-free Option.

A couple of weeks ago, I tried my hand at a Healthy Weeknight General Tso's Chicken, and it was a hit! It was so tasty that I knew I had to whip up a plant-based version for all of you to enjoy. This vegan version is as tasty as the original, if not better! I like serving it over fluffy rice, making it a healthier option compared to the classic Chinese takeout dish.

I went with cauliflower as the 'meat' option, and it's hands down one of my favorite cauliflower recipes! If you're new to cooking with cauliflower or exploring more plant-based options, consider trying Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings, Nashville Hot Cauliflower + Kale Grits, and Plant-based Sesame ‘Chicken' + Noodles.

The star of this Plant-based General Tso Chicken is the sauce, it's—sticky, flavor-packed, and bursting with the bold flavors you love. It's got a bit of spice, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness, striking the perfect balance between sweet + savory. This dish is the ultimate meatless delicious weeknight dinner, sure to be a hit with the whole family!

What Is General Tso's Chicken?

General Tso's Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. It typically consists of deep-fried pieces of chicken that are coated in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, and red chili peppers.

The dish is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1970s and is named after General Tso, a Qing dynasty military leader. It has since become a beloved favorite in many Chinese restaurants across the country and is often served with steamed rice or fried rice.

How To Make Plant-based General Tso Chicken?

There are 2 main elements to Plant-based General Tso Chicken-- Baking the 'chicken' chunks aka cauliflower + making the sauce, and then finally combining the two!

Ingredients

CAULIFLOWER

• Cauliflower. Chopped in medium chunks
• Panko breadcrumbs. Either store-bought or homemade.
• Cornflakes. This gives the perfect level of crispiness.
• All-purpose flour. Used to coat the cauliflower.
• Almond milk. At room temp. You can use your fave plant-based milk
• Sea salt + black pepper. Enhances the overall flavor.
• Garlic powder. Adds a delightful garlicky taste.
• Herbs + spices. Smoked paprika, dried basil + dried parsley

GENERAL TSO SAUCE:

• Sesame oil. Adds such a nice nutty flavor.
• Garlic + minced ginger. These aromatic ingredients infuse the sauce with delightful and zesty notes.
• Pure maple syrup. A natural sweetener that brings a distinct sweetness to the dish, balancing out the spiciness and tanginess.
• Tamari sauce. You can also use soy sauce.
• Hoisin sauce. Adds a wonderful blend of sweetness and savory flavors to the sauce, giving it a traditional General Tso's essence.
• Rice Vinegar. Provides tangy notes.
• Chili paste. Add less or more depending on your spice level preference.
• Organic brown sugar. Light or dark.
• Vegetable stock. Use store-bought low-sodium broth or make your own!
• Red pepper flakes
• Cornstarch + warm water. Creating a slurry with arrowroot starch and water helps thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS PLANT-BASED DISH!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this Plant-based General Tso Chicken Everything from my fave pans, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Why You Will LOVE Plant-based General Tso Chicken?

• Guilt-free vegan + plant-based comfort food with a sticky + spicy kick!
• A big crowd-pleaser
• The perfect balance of soft + crunchy.
• Explosive savory + sweet + spicy flavors in every delicious bite.
• A healthier twist on a classic favorite.
• Quick + easy recipe for a weeknight dinner!

Is Plant-based General Tso Chicken Healthy?

You bet! vegan General Tso Chicken brings a bunch of health perks to the table. For starters, the 'chicken'—aka cauliflower—is baked in the oven instead of being deep-fried, so it's lighter on the oil + fat. This method keeps things crispy without the extra grease. Plus, the sauce gets its sweetness from maple syrup. And let's not forget about the veggie goodness! With cauliflower and other veggies in the mix, you're getting a hefty dose of nutrients and fiber.

What Can You Serve With This Plant-based General Tso Chicken

Here are my favorite things to serve with this vegan General Tso Chicken

• Steamed White or Brown Rice.
• Stir-fried rice like this quinoa fried rice
• Stir-Fried Veggies.
• Sautéed Broccoli
• Mixed Green Salad like this Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad 
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles).
• Sesame Green Beans.
• Garlic Ginger Bok Choy.

Can I Substitute the Cauliflower in this Recipe?

You can absolutely substitute the cauliflower chicken in this recipe for another meat alternative altogether such as:

• Vegan/ Plant-based chicken alternatives like Gardein
• Mushrooms
• Tofu
• Tempeh

How to Make 'Fried' Cauliflower Chicken in an Air Fryer?

To make your General Tso’ cauliflower in an air fryer, it's very similar to doing it in the oven. The only difference would be the cooking time and adding them to a basket versus a baking sheet.

Once you've seasoned, dusted, and coated your cauliflower, add them to your air fryer basket, spray with cooking oil, and cook them at 360 degrees for 15-20 minutes. NOTE: You might want to spray your basket with cooking oil to ensure that your cauliflower doesn't stick to it during cooking.

Plant-based General Tso Chicken Q + A's

More Delicious Plant-based Recipes to Try!

Now that you love this Vegan General Tso’ Chicken recipe, give these other meatless weeknight dinner recipes that your entire family will love a try next:

• Vegan Jamaican Power Bowl
• Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos
• Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
• Vegan BBQ Meatballs with Creamy Polenta
• Spicy Pumpkin Pasta Bake
• BBQ Cauliflower Tacos
• Roasted Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Cajun Sweet Potato Grits with Crispy Chickpeas
• Homemade Vodka Pizza

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this vegan General Tso Chicken [Plant-based] recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

General Tso Chicken [Plant-based]

March 3, 2024 •

By Shanika

5 from 1 vote

Introducing our Plant-based General Tso Chicken. This vegan twist packs all the flavor + satisfaction of the traditional dish, with cauliflower providing a hearty and filling alternative. Tossed in the same sweet and spicy, deliciously saucy, sticky flavors, get ready to enjoy every bite of this delicious plant-powered rendition! Gluten-free Option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 35 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Serves: 4 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

CAULIFLOWER:

• 1 head Cauliflower, chopped in medium chunks
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup cornflakes, organic
• ½ cup organic all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Almond milk, at room temp. (You can use your fave plant-based milk)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

GENERAL TSO SAUCE:

• 2 Tbsps sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsps minced ginger
• 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
• 3 Tbsps Tamari sauce (You can also use soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tsps chili paste
• 4 Tbsps organic brown sugar, light or dark
• 1 cup vegetable stock, organic
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 Tbsps water

GARNISH:

• Chopped green onions (aka scallions)
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

TO MAKE THE CAULIFLOWER:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. NOTE: Doing this step is a MUST to prevent sticking.
• In a medium bowl, add the milk, flour, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, basil, and smoked paprika, and whisk together until combined. Set aside.
• In ziplock bag, add the crushed corn flakes and breadcrumbs together and shake them together until well combined and blended.
• Now, dip each cauliflower into batter (shaking off any excess) and then add it into the coating mixture within the ziplock bag, shaking everything together until cauliflower bite is well coated. Then lay each cauliflower side by side on the baking sheet (about an inch apart). Repeat until all cauliflower are coated.
• Spray tops lightly with cooking spray and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and “crunchy” looking. NOTE: If not crispy enough, turn on broil and bake for another 5-10 minutes.

TO MAKE THE SAUCE + ASSEMBLY:

• In a medium skillet (10-inch) or wok over medium-high heat, add the sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, rice vinegar, Tamari sauce, hoison sauce, chili paste, red pepper flakes, and veggie stock and whisk everything together until it begins to boil. Reduce heat to low-medium and let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes or so, stirring occasionally. Add in the mixed cornstarch + water and continue to stir until the sauce begins to thicken.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and once cauliflowers are crisp, remove from oven and toss them in the sauce until fully coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• To serve, add your favorite side (noodles, balsamic rice, etc.) to a bowl or plate followed by general tso' cauliflower. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired. Repeat for all servings.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Place any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to serve again.
• GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make this dish GF-friendly, simply ensure that the breadcrumbs, cornflakes, veggie stock and side dish are gluten-free. The best GF-friendly sides include balsamic rice, cauliflower rice, wild rice, quinoa, GF noodles or pasta, or other roasted veggies.

Nutrition

Calories: 343kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 1987mg | Potassium: 623mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 456IU | Vitamin C: 71mg | Calcium: 195mg | Iron: 4mg

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