General Tso's Tofu Sub
Tyler Kord's General Tso's Tofu Sub is a delicious and creative take on the classic submarine sandwich. It features deep-fried panko-crusted tofu, layered with edamame puree, homemade pickled cucumbers, and a flavorful General Tso's sauce. The combination of crunchy, creamy, salty, sweet, and sour flavors makes for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Tyler Kord's General Tso's Tofu Sub is a delicious and creative take on the classic submarine sandwich. It features deep-fried panko-crusted tofu, layered with edamame puree, homemade pickled cucumbers, and a flavorful General Tso's sauce. The combination of crunchy, creamy, salty, sweet, and sour flavors makes for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup salt
- vegetable oil for deep frying
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 1 small chunk of ginger 1 1/2 inches long, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 small red dry chinese chilis
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum optional
- 1 small chunk ginger 1 inch long, peeled and sliced against the grain
- half a shallot roughly chopped
- 1 small red dry chinese chili seeded
- 1 scallion, in three-inch lengths sliced vertically into chiffonade
- 1 1/2 cucumbers, peeled seeded and sliced crosswise 1/8-inch thick
- 3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame thawed
- 8 ounces firm tofu drained and cut into 4 slices
- 2 subway (submarine) sandwich rolls
- Carbohydrate 120.377211297716 g
- Cholesterol 15.75 mg
- Fat 33.5403846100149 g
- Fiber 24.1115979505305 g
- Protein 58.0917268202071 g
- Saturated Fat 4.50525802369033 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1888g)
- Sodium 5464.09682802611 mg
- Sugar 96.2656133471854 g
- Trans Fat 18.8234855818576 g
- Calories 1024 calories
Step-by-step
- For the General Tso sauce: In a blender combine ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, vinegar, mirin, and sesame oil. Add chilis, salt, sugar, and xanthan gum, if using. Process until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl, and set aside.
- For the pickles: In a clean blender combine garlic, ginger, shallot, sesame oil, sugar, salt and chili. Blend until slightly smooth, but still mostly chunky. Transfer to a medium bowl, and add the vinegar, scallion and cucumbers. Mix, and set aside.
- For the edamame puree: In a clean blender puree edamame and just enough water to make a smooth paste. Transfer to a small bowl, and set aside.
- For the tofu: In a deep fryer, preheat vegetable oil to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together salt, sugar, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. Place the tofu on a plate, and sprinkle both sides of the tofu with about a tablespoon or more of the salt mixture, saving the rest for later use.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites and cornstarch until blended and smooth. Place panko in a shallow bowl. Dip the seasoned tofu slices into the egg white batter, gently shake off excess batter, and dip in panko, covering the tofu thoroughly. Deep-fry in the oil until deep golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove and drain.
- For assembly: Cut the subway rolls open lengthwise. Spread one side of each with edamame puree, and the other side with mayonnaise. Quickly dip both sides of the fried tofu in the General Tso sauce, and place two slices of tofu, end to end, on one side of each subway roll. Top the tofu with drained pickled cucumbers, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and finish by topping with the other side of the roll. Cut in half, and serve immediately.
A Culinary Adventure: Reimagining the Subway Sandwich
As a busy professional woman, juggling work deadlines, social engagements, and personal aspirations, finding time for elaborate cooking is a constant challenge. Yet, I crave delicious, satisfying meals that nourish both my body and soul. That's where the brilliance of simple, yet sophisticated recipes like Tyler Kord's General Tso's Tofu Sub comes in. This isn't just a sandwich; it's a culinary adventure that transforms the humble subway roll into a symphony of textures and flavors.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its efficiency. The preparation, while involving several components, is surprisingly straightforward. The blender becomes my secret weapon, effortlessly whipping up the vibrant General Tso's sauce and the smooth edamame puree. The quick-pickled cucumbers add a refreshing crunch and a delightful tang, perfectly balancing the richness of the fried tofu. And the tofu itself? Golden-brown and crispy on the outside, creamy and tender within – a testament to the power of a simple panko crust and a well-executed deep fry.
I love how adaptable this recipe is. On a weeknight when speed is paramount, I can easily adjust the steps. Pre-made edamame puree from the store saves precious minutes, and the pickles can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. But even with shortcuts, the final product retains its exquisite quality. The contrast between the crisp tofu, the smooth puree, and the tangy pickles is a delightful dance on the palate, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
The General Tso's Tofu Sub is more than just a lunch; it's a statement. It's a declaration that nutritious and flavorful food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a testament to my ability to create something extraordinary even with limited time and resources. It's a delicious reward for a hard day's work, a satisfying treat for a relaxing weekend, and a conversation starter at any gathering. This isn't just a sandwich; it's an experience.
Beyond its immediate gratification, this recipe has sparked a deeper appreciation for culinary creativity within me. It has shown me that even the most familiar ingredients – tofu, cucumbers, and a subway roll – can be transformed into something truly special with a little imagination and the right techniques. The carefully balanced sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes in the General Tso's sauce exemplify this culinary artistry.
Furthermore, the layered textures in this sandwich – the crispy tofu, the smooth puree, the crunchy pickles – create a multi-sensory experience that elevates it beyond a simple meal. Each bite offers a unique sensation, a delightful surprise that keeps me coming back for more. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the sophistication of the flavors and textures, a testament to the culinary skill involved.
The recipe has inspired me to experiment further. I've begun to explore other flavor combinations, experimenting with different types of pickles and sauces, and even trying different types of bread. The possibilities seem endless. This simple sandwich has opened a door to a world of culinary exploration, proving that even the most demanding schedules can accommodate delicious and exciting meals.
The General Tso's Tofu Sub isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary journey. It's a testament to the power of creativity in the kitchen and a celebration of flavorful, efficient, and satisfying meals. It's a recipe that I will return to again and again, a culinary constant in the ever-changing landscape of my life. And each time I make it, I'm reminded of the joy of transforming simple ingredients into something truly special, a small act of self-care in the midst of a busy life.
So, if you're a busy professional, a harried parent, or simply someone who appreciates delicious, easy-to-make meals, I highly recommend giving Tyler Kord's General Tso's Tofu Sub a try. It's a recipe that's sure to become a favorite, a culinary escape from the everyday, and a testament to the fact that extraordinary flavor doesn't require extraordinary effort.
