Crispy Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe | YumAndJoy

Crispy Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe

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

  1. 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.
  2. Cube the Tofu – Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
  3. Coat the Tofu – In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with soy sauce, garlic powder, and cornstarch until fully coated.

Step 2: Cook the Tofu

  1. 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.
  2. Air-Fryer Method – Spray tofu with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. Combine the Tofu and Sauce – Add the crispy tofu to the pan with the orange sauce. Toss until fully coated.
  2. 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

Crispy Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 23 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

Units Scale

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Coat the Tofu – Cut tofu into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, toss with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well coated.
  3. 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:

  1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
  2. 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).
  3. Coat the Tofu – Add the crispy tofu to the pan and toss until fully coated in the orange sauce.

Serve & Enjoy:

  1. 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
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