Orange Tofu

Orange Tofu is a vibrant, flavorful dish that features crispy, golden tofu tossed in a zesty, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. This dish combines the perfect balance of citrusy sweetness with savory flavors, making it a delightful vegan alternative to traditional orange chicken. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Orange Tofu is the perfect combination of crispy, golden-brown tofu with a glossy, tangy orange sauce that’s both sweet and savory. The tofu provides a wonderful texture, absorbing all the bright flavors of the sauce, while the sauce adds a fresh citrusy punch. It’s a delicious, plant-based alternative to take-out-style orange chicken that’s healthier but just as satisfying. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, this dish is a great way to add some exciting flavors to your meals!

Ingredients

For the tofu:

• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For the orange sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp orange zest

• 1/2 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place something heavy on top for about 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

2. Coat the tofu: In a shallow bowl, toss the tofu cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.

3. Fry the tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.

4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, orange zest, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

5. Thicken the sauce: Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) to the sauce and stir. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

6. Combine tofu and sauce: Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat the tofu in the thickened orange sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the tofu is well-coated and heated through.

7. Serve: Serve the orange tofu over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2-3
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a more substantial dish.

• Spicy Orange Tofu: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

• Maple Syrup Substitute: You can swap the maple syrup for agave nectar, coconut sugar, or brown sugar if you prefer a different sweetener.

• Tofu Alternatives: Try using tempeh instead of tofu for a slightly firmer texture.

• Baked Tofu: For a less oily version, bake the tofu cubes at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy, and then toss them in the sauce.

Storage/reheating

Store any leftover Orange Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use extra-firm tofu for this recipe?

Yes, extra-firm tofu works great for this recipe as it holds up well during frying and absorbs the sauce nicely.

Can I make the orange sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the orange sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to use, heat it up and add the tofu.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute to make this dish gluten-free.

How do I make the tofu extra crispy?

Press the tofu thoroughly to remove moisture, and coat it evenly with cornstarch before frying. You can also fry it in smaller batches to ensure it gets crispy.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can use honey, agave nectar, or coconut sugar as a substitute for maple syrup.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as long as you use maple syrup and plant-based ingredients like soy sauce.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even a chopped chili to the orange sauce for extra heat.

Can I bake the tofu instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through. This is a great option if you want a healthier version without frying.

What can I serve with Orange Tofu?

Orange Tofu is delicious served over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also pair it with sautéed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If your sauce is too thin, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the sauce while it’s simmering to thicken it.

Conclusion

Orange Tofu is a delightful, vibrant dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy tofu and a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s quick, easy, and customizable, making it a perfect option for any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a healthy vegan dinner or a delicious way to enjoy tofu, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying, flavorful meal that everyone will love!