Can I use extra-firm tofu instead of firm tofu?

Absolutely! Extra-firm tofu works great, just make sure to press it well to remove as much water as possible before cooking.

How do I make the tofu extra crispy?

Press your tofu for at least 30 minutes, then coat it in cornstarch before frying. Fry slowly over medium-low heat to get a golden, crispy crust without burning the outside.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and double-check your cornstarch packaging to ensure it’s gluten-free.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover Crispy Orange Tofu?

Reheating in a skillet over medium heat works best to bring back the tofu’s crispiness and rewarm the sauce evenly. Avoid microwaving alone if you want to preserve texture.

Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe - Bright & Crunchy Plant-Based Dish

Description

This crispy orange tofu recipe features perfectly fried tofu cubes coated in a tangy and sweet orange sauce, making it a delicious vegetarian main course that's packed with flavor and easy to prepare at home.

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 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)

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Instructions

Press the 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 the soy sauce, salt, and white pepper to the tofu cubes and gently mix. Sprinkle half of the cornstarch over the tofu, mix well, then add the remaining cornstarch and mix again. Set aside.
Fry Tofu: Heat the 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 pan and set aside.
Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and orange zest. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet used for frying tofu, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Add additional oil if needed. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Cook Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a boil.
Thicken Sauce: Mix warm water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk this mixture into the simmering sauce in the skillet. Allow the sauce to thicken, stirring frequently, for about 6 to 8 minutes.
Combine Tofu and Sauce: Add the cooked tofu and toasted sesame oil to the thickened sauce. Stir gently until tofu is fully coated. Adjust salt to taste.
Serve: Serve the crispy orange tofu over rice, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Extra-firm tofu can be used as an alternative for a firmer texture.
This orange tofu is best served with Jasmine rice and steamed or roasted broccoli for a complete meal.
You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar or coconut sugar if preferred.
Make sure to press tofu well to ensure crispiness during frying.
Adjust the red chili flakes according to your desired spice level.
Use avocado oil or another high smoke point oil for frying to get the perfect crisp on the tofu.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg