This easy vegan twist on orange chicken features golden tofu nuggets tossed in a zesty, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this flavorful dish is perfect served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and flavorful – The tofu is perfectly golden and coated in a bold orange sauce.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Better than takeout – A delicious homemade alternative to restaurant-style orange chicken.
- Vegan and protein-packed – A plant-based dish that’s both nutritious and filling.
- Customizable – Adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crispy Tofu:
- Extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- Cornstarch
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Garlic powder
- Neutral oil (for frying)
For the Orange Sauce:
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Maple syrup or agave
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
- Press the Tofu – Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it press for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cube the Tofu – Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- Coat the Tofu – In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with soy sauce, garlic powder, and cornstarch until fully coated.
Step 2: Cook the Tofu
- Pan-Fry Method – Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook until all sides are golden and crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
- Air-Fryer Method – Spray tofu with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Oven-Baked Method – Place tofu on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
- Mix the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the Sauce – In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the sauce until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Combine the Tofu and Sauce – Add the crispy tofu to the pan with the orange sauce. Toss until fully coated.
- Serve – Plate over rice or noodles, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 3-4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Orange Tofu – Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Extra Crispy – Double-coat tofu in cornstarch before frying.
- Nutty Twist – Add toasted cashews or peanuts for crunch.
- Low-Sugar Option – Reduce maple syrup or use a sugar-free sweetener.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as tofu may become chewy when thawed.
- Reheating – Warm in a pan over low heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Yes, but fresh orange juice gives the best flavor.
How do I make the tofu extra crispy?
Press out as much moisture as possible and use cornstarch for coating.
Can I use frozen tofu?
Yes! Freezing and thawing tofu changes its texture, making it chewier.
What type of oil should I use for frying?
Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil.
Can I make this soy-free?
Yes! Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water and stir.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely! If you love extra sauce, double the ingredients.
What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots make great additions.
Can I skip the cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps create a crispy tofu texture and thickens the sauce, but you can use arrowroot powder as a substitute.
How can I serve this besides rice?
Try it over quinoa, noodles, or lettuce wraps for variety.
Conclusion
Crispy Vegan Orange Tofu is a bold, flavorful dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a healthier take on takeout or a quick plant-based meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, homemade alternative to orange chicken!
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Crispy Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a vegan twist on orange chicken with this Crispy Vegan Orange Tofu! Golden, crispy tofu nuggets are tossed in a zesty, sweet, and tangy orange sauce, making this dish a flavor-packed, plant-based favorite. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Tofu:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed & cubed
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (for frying)
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
For Serving:
- Steamed rice or noodles
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Crispy Tofu:
- Press the Tofu – Wrap tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it press for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Coat the Tofu – Cut tofu into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, toss with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well coated.
- Pan-Fry Until Crispy – Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over medium heat. Add tofu and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Orange Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Thicken the Sauce – Pour the sauce into the same pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Coat the Tofu – Add the crispy tofu to the pan and toss until fully coated in the orange sauce.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Plate It Up – Serve over steamed rice or noodles, then garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
- Want it even crispier? Bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- For a spicy kick, add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Vegan, Asian-Inspired
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese, Vegan