Description

This Crispy Orange Tofu recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy tofu cubes coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. Perfectly browned tofu is tossed in a vibrant sauce made from fresh orange juice, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes, creating a vegetarian dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Ideal for a quick 20-minute meal, this recipe pairs beautifully with steamed rice and vegetables for a delicious plant-based dinner.

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
1 2-inch piece ginger (minced)
Zest of 1 navel orange
1 1/2 cups fresh squeezed orange juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes

Tofu Ingredients

1 14-ounce block firm or extra firm tofu
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Pinch of salt

Garnish

1/4 cup scallions (chopped)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, ginger, orange zest, fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and crushed red chili flakes until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
Press and cube the tofu: Gently press the tofu block using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible, which helps in achieving crispiness. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Brown the tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook the tofu until each side is golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with a pinch of salt while still warm.
Cook the sauce: In the same skillet, add the prepared orange sauce and cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. As the sauce heats, it will thicken slightly, becoming glossy and ready to coat the tofu.
Toss tofu with sauce: Return the browned tofu cubes to the skillet and gently toss them in the thickened orange sauce until each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful glaze.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped scallions and sesame seeds over the coated tofu. Serve the crispy orange tofu hot over a bed of steamed rice accompanied by your favorite steamed or stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

Pressing the tofu thoroughly helps achieve a crispy texture by removing excess moisture.
Adjust red chili flakes quantity to make the dish milder or spicier according to your preference.
Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor; bottled juice may alter the taste.
The dish pairs well with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a balanced meal.
To make the dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.