How to Make the Perfect Crispy Orange Tofu
Chinese-American · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
This crispy orange tofu is a vibrant vegan take on the beloved takeout classic with a tangy citrus glaze. Every bite of this vegan dish delivers a perfect balance of crispy texture and bold orange flavor.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Orange Tofu recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 block extra-firm tofu pressed and cubed
- 0.5 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch divided
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Press and Coat Tofu
Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into bite-sized cubes and toss with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.
Step 2: Pan-Fry the Tofu
Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
In the same pan reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds. Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange zest, and remaining cornstarch then pour into the pan. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Return the crispy tofu to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the orange sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until the glaze clings to the tofu. Serve over steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh orange juice → store-bought orange juice plus extra zest for more flavor
- soy sauce → coconut aminos for a gluten-free and lower sodium option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping pressing the tofu which leads to soggy non-crispy results
- Overcrowding the pan when frying which causes tofu to steam instead of crisp up
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 18g protein, 38g carbs, 10g fat, 3g fiber.
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