Description
This Crispy Orange Tofu recipe features firm tofu fried to golden perfection and coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. It’s a delightful vegan dish perfect for serving over rice with garnishes of green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Tofu
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of white pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil, for frying
Sauce
- 2/3 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2½ tablespoons 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 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- ¼ cup sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Press and Prepare Tofu: Press the tofu for 30 minutes to 1 hour to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut into 1-inch cubes and transfer to a large bowl.
- Season and Coat Tofu: Add soy sauce, salt, and white pepper to the tofu and gently mix to combine. Sprinkle half of the cornstarch over the tofu and mix, then add the remaining cornstarch and mix again. Set aside.
- Fry Tofu: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove tofu from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, stir together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and orange zest. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add garlic, grated ginger, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Add additional oil if needed. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add and Boil Sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a boil in the skillet.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix warm water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk this mixture into the simmering sauce and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Tofu and Sauce: Add the fried tofu cubes and toasted sesame oil to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the tofu evenly with the sauce. Adjust salt seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the crispy orange tofu over rice, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Extra-firm tofu can be used as a substitute for firm tofu for a firmer texture.
- This orange tofu pairs wonderfully with Jasmine rice and steamed or roasted broccoli for a full meal.
- If you prefer, white sugar or coconut sugar can replace brown sugar as the sweetener.
- Pressing tofu adequately is key to getting a crispy texture when frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
