Orange Tofu

Gluten-free option, Nut-free

Here, we pair crispy panfried tofu with a sticky, sweet and tangy orange sauce that is sure to change the mind of any tofu-hater. Enjoy this tofu on its own or serve it with Easy Steamed Broccoli and Perfect White Rice.

Orange Tofu is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the crispy goodness of tofu with a tangy and sweet orange sauce. This dish perfectly captures the balance between savory and sweet flavors, making it a favorite among those who enjoy plant-based cuisine. With its vibrant colors and delicious taste, Orange Tofu is not only satisfying to the palate but also visually appealing, making it a great option for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

The dish begins with cubes of firm or extra-firm tofu that are coated with cornstarch and pan-fried until they turn crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. This gives the tofu a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the velvety and flavorful orange sauce.

The orange sauce is the star of this dish, providing a burst of zesty and sweet flavors that are perfectly balanced by the addition of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and aromatic ingredients like fresh ginger and garlic. The combination of orange zest and juice, along with maple syrup or agave, creates a sauce that is both bright and rich, making it an ideal accompaniment to the crispy tofu.

To serve, the crispy tofu is generously coated in the homemade orange sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The dish is often garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, which add a fresh crunch and a hint of nuttiness to each bite. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes can be added as well, providing a gentle kick of spiciness.

Orange Tofu is versatile and can be enjoyed as a main dish when paired with rice or noodles, or it can be served alongside steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Its combination of protein-packed tofu and the bright, citrusy flavors of the orange sauce make it a crowd-pleaser for both vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re looking to add more plant-based options to your diet or simply seeking a flavorful and satisfying meal, Orange Tofu is a fantastic choice that delivers on taste and visual appeal.

PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus inactive time to press tofu

COOK TIME: about 20 minutes

YIELD: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

CRISPY TOFU

• 1 (14- to 16-oz [396- to 453-g]) block firm or extra-firm tofu
• ⅓ cup (40 g) cornstarch
• ¼ cup (60 ml) canola oil

ORANGE SAUCE

• 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch
• 2 tbsp + ¼ cup water (90 ml), divided
• 1½ tsp (3 g) orange zest
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) pure maple syrup or agave
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 (½” [1.3-cm]) piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced (can substitute for ¼ tsp ground ginger if needed)
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced, or 1 tsp jarred minced garlic

FOR SERVING

• Chopped green onion
• Sesame seeds
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. PREPARE THE CRISPY TOFU 
   • Drain the tofu and slice lengthwise into four long, equal slices. Press the slices to remove excess moisture, then cut each slice into ½- to 1-inch cubes.
   • In a large bowl, coat the tofu pieces with cornstarch by gently shaking the bowl. Alternatively, you can coat each tofu piece separately.
   • Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Transfer the cornstarch-coated tofu to the pan, leaving excess cornstarch behind. Cook the tofu, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 10 minutes until crispy on all sides.
2. MAKE THE ORANGE SAUCE 
   • In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and set aside.
   • In a large skillet over medium-low heat, whisk together ¼ cup of water with orange zest, orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, granulated sugar, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
   • Increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and whisk well. Lower the heat to low, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes.
3. COMBINE TOFU WITH ORANGE SAUCE 
   • Once the sauce is thickened, add the crispy tofu to the pan. Mix well to coat the tofu with the sauce.
4. SERVE
   • Serve the crispy orange tofu topped with chopped green onion, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.