Hey there, it’s Wendy, and today I’m excited to share my recipe for Vegan Orange Tofu Delight. This dish is all about bringing together crispy tofu and a delicious orange sauce that’s sticky, sweet, and tangy. It’s perfect when you’re craving a quick, flavorful meal without the hassle.
To start off, gather your ingredients for the orange sauce: fresh orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Mix them together until smooth, then set aside. Next, prepare your tofu by tearing it into chunks and coating them evenly with cornstarch.
Heat up your cast iron skillet with a splash of vegetable oil. Once it’s hot, add the tofu and cook until each piece is golden brown and crispy. Now, pour in that vibrant orange sauce you made earlier. Let it bubble and thicken, coating every inch of tofu with its sticky goodness.
Finally, serve your Vegan Orange Tofu Delight over a bed of fluffy rice. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some chopped green onions and a bit of orange zest for extra flavor. Voila! Dinner’s served in just 20 minutes, and it’s packed with plant-based protein and vibrant flavors. Enjoy this easy, homemade takeout any night of the week!
Check out more high protein vegetarian meals here!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Vegan Orange Tofu Delight
- Draining Tofu: Properly drain the tofu to remove excess water, which helps in achieving a crispy texture when frying.
- Coating Tofu: Coat tofu evenly with cornstarch before frying to create a crispy exterior that absorbs the sauce well.
- Frying Technique: Fry tofu over medium-high heat to ensure it browns evenly on all sides, giving it a crunchy texture.
- Sauce Thickness: Adjust the cooking time after adding the orange sauce to achieve the desired thickness—cook longer for a thicker sauce.
- Garnishing: Garnish with green onions and orange zest just before serving to add freshness and color to the dish.
Vegan Orange Tofu Delight
Get ready to be wowed by this Vegan Orange Tofu Delight! It’s a healthier, tastier alternative to takeout that you can whip up in just 20 minutes using one pan. Tofu is enveloped in a sweet, tangy, and sticky orange sauce and served over rice for a quick, delicious dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something special without the fuss!
4
servings5
minutes10
minutes320
kcal15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the Orange Sauce
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (or ¾ teaspoon ground ginger)
3 cloves garlic, finely minced (or ¾ teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Tofu
1 block (12.3 oz) extra-firm tofu, drained and torn into chunks
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons light vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower)
For Garnish (Optional)
2 green onions, finely chopped
Zest of one orange
- Alternative Ingredients:
Tofu Substitute: Cauliflower florets store-bought vegan chicken pieces, or rehydrated soy curls.
Oil Substitute: For an oil-free version bake the tofu instead of frying.
Sugar Substitute: Brown sugar agave syrup, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
Directions
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, granulated sugar, tamari (or soy sauce), cornstarch, minced ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
- Prepare the Tofu: Tear the drained tofu into roughly 1-inch chunks for a more chicken-like texture. Place the tofu chunks in a bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Cook the Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu chunks and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the skillet with the tofu. Stir to coat the tofu evenly and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a sticky consistency.
- Serve: Serve the orange tofu over a bed of rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of orange zest if desired.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- cast iron skillet
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 515mg
- Potassium: 331mg
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 19g
- Protein: 16g
- Vitamin A: 258IU
- Vitamin C: 33mg
- Calcium: 94mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQ- Vegan Orange Tofu Delight
Can I use other proteins instead of tofu?
Yes, you can substitute tofu with cauliflower, store-bought vegan chicken, or rehydrated soy curls for a different texture.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount according to your taste preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components separately and combine just before serving to maintain crispiness.
What should I serve with Vegan Orange Tofu Delight?
It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles and a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
Can I bake the tofu instead of frying?
Yes, for an oil-free version, you can bake the tofu in the oven until crispy before tossing it in the orange sauce.
