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close up of saucy vegan orange tofu in a bowl with rice

Orange Tofu

  • Author: Chris @ Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This vegan take on a classic orange chicken recipe checks all the boxes with crispy pan-fried tofu smothered in a zesty orange sauce. This vegan orange tofu recipe is gluten-free, easy to make, and ready in about an hour.

Ingredients

Base Tofu

  • 1 block firm tofu, pressed
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoon avocado oil, for frying

Sauce

  • 2/3 cup orange juice
  • 3 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 3 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2½ tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (or zest of 1 small orange)

Remaining Ingredients

  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger, packed
  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Once pressed, cut into 1-inch cubes and transfer to a large bowl.
  2. Add the soy sauce, salt, and white pepper, and gently mix. Sprinkle over half of the cornstarch, mix, add the second half, and mix. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-low, add the oil. Once heated, add the tofu and fry until golden brown. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.
  4. To a small bowl, stir together all of the ingredients for the sauce. Set aside.
  5. In the same skillet that you fried the tofu, add in the garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Add additional oil as needed. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add the sauce and bring to a boil.
  7. In a small bowl, mix together the warm water and cornstarch until smooth. Add it to the simmering sauce and whisk through. Allow the sauce to simmer, mixing often, until thick, about 6-8 minutes.
  8. Add in the cooked tofu and sesame oil. Mix until well combined. Season with additional salt as needed.
  9. Serve over rice with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Extra-firm tofu should also work for this recipe.
  • Our favorite way to serve this easy orange tofu recipe is with Jasmine rice and steamed or roasted broccoli.
  • White sugar or coconut sugar can also be used as the sweetener in this recipe.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: North American Chinese

Keywords: Panda Express, Orange, Tofu, Plant based, Vegan, Entree, sweet, savory

Find it online: https://sweetsimplevegan.com/orange-tofu/