Chicken or tofu? Discover General Tao dinner: a delicious meal that brings the family together
Friday 9 October 2026 15:30 - Christelle Gary
With General Tso’s Chicken, there’s another way. We start with the same culinary vision: golden bites, a glossy sauce that’s sweet and savory with a hint of spice, rice, and a few vegetables. Then everyone chooses their version: chicken or tofu.
The idea, then, isn’t to serve a main dish alongside a “vegetarian alternative.” It’s to place two dishes (each just as delicious as the other) in the center of the table, with the same side dishes, and let everyone put together their own plate.
General Tao is, first and foremost, a sauce that everyone loves
Even before we talk about chicken or tofu, there’s one thing that unites these two dishes: a glossy, sweet-and-salty sauce, flavored with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, and slightly spicy.
It’s this sauce that gives the dinner its shared identity. The principle is simple: brown the bite-sized pieces, then coat them with the sauce until they’re generously glazed.
The result: the same world of flavors, the same urge to mop up every last drop of sauce, but two different ways of putting the dish together.
It’s this sauce that gives the dinner its shared identity. The principle is simple: brown the bite-sized pieces, then coat them with the sauce until they’re generously glazed.
The result: the same world of flavors, the same urge to mop up every last drop of sauce, but two different ways of putting the dish together.
Chicken: golden, crispy bites
For those who choose meat, the chicken is cut into pieces, coated in cornstarch, and then pan-fried. This step creates a nicely browned surface that helps the sauce cling to the meat.
The inside remains tender while the outside soaks up General Tao sauce. Served with rice and a few green vegetables, this simple dish makes for a great centerpiece and is easy to share.
Homemade crispy general tso's chicken
General Tao Chicken , also known as General Tso’s Chicken , is all about crispy golden chicken coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce. Sweet, salty, tangy and slightly spicy, it’s the kind of homemade dish that feels extra indulgent. Served with rice...
As for tofu: the same indulgent spirit, without the meat
The tofu is prepared in much the same way here: it, too, is cut into bite-sized pieces, coated in cornstarch, and then pan-fried until golden brown and crispy.
Once coated in sauce, it retains a tender center and a well-coated exterior. This isn’t a “substitute” dish served alongside the real dinner: it’s simply a second version of General Tso’s chicken served at the table.
Once coated in sauce, it retains a tender center and a well-coated exterior. This isn’t a “substitute” dish served alongside the real dinner: it’s simply a second version of General Tso’s chicken served at the table.
General tao tofu
Golden, crispy and full of flavor, this General Tao tofu is coated in a slightly spicy sweet-and-salty sauce. With its crunchy coating and melt-in-your-mouth center , it proves that plant-based cooking can be just as indulgent. Served with rice...
The real secret to eating together: sharing the side dishes
To avoid the impression that you’re preparing two separate meals, everything that accompanies the two dishes can remain the same.
In the center of the table, for example, place a large bowl of jasmine rice or white rice, steamed or sautéed broccoli, finely sliced scallions, and (for those who like spicier flavors) a little hot sauce on the side.
Everyone then serves themselves as they like: rice, vegetables, then chicken or tofu. The table remains the same; only the choice of bites changes.
In the center of the table, for example, place a large bowl of jasmine rice or white rice, steamed or sautéed broccoli, finely sliced scallions, and (for those who like spicier flavors) a little hot sauce on the side.
Everyone then serves themselves as they like: rice, vegetables, then chicken or tofu. The table remains the same; only the choice of bites changes.
How can I make both versions without having to cook twice?
The easiest way is to plan the meal around common elements.
1. Start with the rice and vegetables.
They’ll serve as sides for both dishes, so there’s no need to prepare two different side dishes.
2. Prepare the bites separately.
Cut the chicken on one side and the tofu on the other, then coat them with cornstarch.
3. Cook them simultaneously.
Using two skillets saves time and prevents the dishes from coming into contact with each other if your vegetarian guests prefer it that way.
4. Serve everything at the same time.
The goal is to ensure that no one has to wait for their “special dish” while the others start eating.
1. Start with the rice and vegetables.
They’ll serve as sides for both dishes, so there’s no need to prepare two different side dishes.
2. Prepare the bites separately.
Cut the chicken on one side and the tofu on the other, then coat them with cornstarch.
3. Cook them simultaneously.
Using two skillets saves time and prevents the dishes from coming into contact with each other if your vegetarian guests prefer it that way.
4. Serve everything at the same time.
The goal is to ensure that no one has to wait for their “special dish” while the others start eating.
Why the two dishes are consistent despite having different ingredients
Chicken and tofu obviously don’t have the same texture or taste. Yet, in these two dishes, the cooking technique creates a real connection between them.
In both cases, the process is the same: bite-sized pieces, starch, quick-frying, then a coating sauce.
Chicken remains meatier; tofu offers a more tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. But the crispy exterior and the shared sauce ensure that both dishes clearly belong to the same meal.
This is precisely what makes this idea interesting when entertaining guests with different dietary preferences.
In both cases, the process is the same: bite-sized pieces, starch, quick-frying, then a coating sauce.
Chicken remains meatier; tofu offers a more tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. But the crispy exterior and the shared sauce ensure that both dishes clearly belong to the same meal.
This is precisely what makes this idea interesting when entertaining guests with different dietary preferences.
What if no one really wanted to choose?
Once the two dishes are placed in the middle of the table, something quite natural can happen: the boundaries become less important.
Some will choose only the tofu, others only the chicken, and the more curious might take a few bites of each.
It’s also a simple way to introduce tofu to someone who doesn’t usually eat it: it isn’t presented as a requirement or a substitute, but as a second, delicious dish to try.
Some will choose only the tofu, others only the chicken, and the more curious might take a few bites of each.
It’s also a simple way to introduce tofu to someone who doesn’t usually eat it: it isn’t presented as a requirement or a substitute, but as a second, delicious dish to try.
General Tao dinner to be placed in the center of the table
To put together this meal, there’s no need to make a lot of different dishes.
In the center: a large dish of rice and green vegetables.
On one side: the chicken version, golden brown and generously glazed.
On the other side: the tofu version, crispy and just as glossy.
Add some scallions, perhaps some sesame seeds, and a spicy condiment on the side. Then let everyone assemble their own plate.
This presentation instantly turns the meal into a moment of sharing: two choices, but one table.
In the center: a large dish of rice and green vegetables.
On one side: the chicken version, golden brown and generously glazed.
On the other side: the tofu version, crispy and just as glossy.
Add some scallions, perhaps some sesame seeds, and a spicy condiment on the side. Then let everyone assemble their own plate.
This presentation instantly turns the meal into a moment of sharing: two choices, but one table.
Bringing everyone together without requiring everyone to eat the same thing
People often assume that a dinner with vegetarians and non-vegetarians requires either serving a vegetarian menu to everyone or preparing a special dish for some of the guests.
These two General Tao dishes show a third option: sharing the same meal without necessarily eating exactly the same thing.
Same rice, same vegetables, same glossy sauce, same atmosphere at the table. Some will choose chicken, others tofu, and a few will probably have a little of both.
In the end, perhaps the most important thing wasn’t choosing between chicken and tofu, but managing to bring everyone together around General Tao.
These two General Tao dishes show a third option: sharing the same meal without necessarily eating exactly the same thing.
Same rice, same vegetables, same glossy sauce, same atmosphere at the table. Some will choose chicken, others tofu, and a few will probably have a little of both.
In the end, perhaps the most important thing wasn’t choosing between chicken and tofu, but managing to bring everyone together around General Tao.
Christelle GaryAs a fitness enthusiast and vegetarian, I love taking on a challenge: making plant-based meals that are packed with protein—without breaking the bank! My mission at Ptitchef? To prove that legumes can be delicious, creative, and truly irresistible. Chickpeas, lentils, and beans better watch out!
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