Orange Tofu

This Homemade Orange Tofu is a perfect healthy alternative when you are craving Chinese takeout.

The tofu version is a take on Orange Chicken, and is a delicious alternative for vegetarians and vegans, offering a similar taste and texture without sacrificing the flavors that made the original dish so beloved.

The dish typically consists of deep-fried tofu cubes coated in a tangy, sticky orange sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. Orange Tofu pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal. The vibrant colors and contrasting textures make it an eye-catching centerpiece, perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or enjoying a delightful meal at home!

If you follow Weight Watchers, this recipe costs 3 points per serving!

Why You Should Try This Orange Tofu Recipe

• Plant-based and nutritious. Tofu is a popular plant-based protein source that is low in calories and high in nutrients. It is an excellent option for individuals following a vegetarian or vegan diet or for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their routine. Tofu is rich in protein, iron, calcium, and other essential minerals, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.
• Flavorful and delicious. Orange Tofu is a savory and tangy dish that combines the subtle taste of tofu with the vibrant flavors of orange zest, juice, and other accompanying ingredients. The tangy and slightly sweet sauce creates a delightful balance of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.
• Easy to prepare. Orange Tofu is a relatively simple dish to prepare, even for those with limited cooking experience. The recipe typically involves coating the tofu in a cornstarch or arrowroot mixture, frying it until crispy, and then tossing it in the homemade orange sauce. With a few basic ingredients and some straightforward steps, you can create a flavorful meal in a relatively short amount of time.

Orange Tofu Recipe Overview

Prep time: 10 min

Cooking time: 15 min

Total time: 25 min

Serves: 4

Ingredients in Orange Tofu

• 1 (16-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Orange Sauce:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, minced
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

How to Make Orange Tofu (step by step)

1. Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, and place a weight on top, like a heavy book or a skillet, to remove excess moisture. Press for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch. Heat sesame oil in a frying pan over medium-high flame; cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Reserve.
3. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all the sauce ingredients.
4. Add the sauce to the pan and let it cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, whisking continuously.
5. Lastly, add the tofu to the pan, and toss everything together until well coated.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice noodles, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition facts:

Serving: 206g | Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 14.9g | Protein: 12.8g | Fat: 11.3g | Saturated Fat: 1.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6.7g | Sodium: 356mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 1.1g | Sugar: 8.1g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Calcium: 239mg | Iron: 2.8mg

Orange Tofu Variations/Substitutions

• Instead of the orange sauce, prepare a spicy and savory General Tso’s sauce. It typically includes soy sauce, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red chili flakes. Adjust the heat level according to your preference.
• Swap the orange flavor for a zesty lemon twist. Prepare a lemon sauce using freshly squeezed lemon juice, soy sauce or tamari, garlic, agave syrup, and a touch of cornstarch for thickening.
• For a tropical twist, substitute the orange flavor with pineapple. Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a sweetener like brown sugar or maple syrup to create a sweet and tangy sauce.
• If you prefer a savory and umami flavor, replace the orange sauce with a classic teriyaki glaze. Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (or dry sherry), ginger, garlic, and a touch of sugar or agave syrup. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
• Swap out the citrus flavors and go for a smoky BBQ sauce. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade vegan BBQ sauce to coat the crispy tofu, and bake or grill it until caramelized.
• Add a fiery kick to your tofu by tossing it in a spicy sriracha sauce. Combine sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, agave syrup, and a touch of cornstarch for thickening. Adjust the spice level to your preference.

Orange Tofu Tips and Tricks

• Opt for firm or extra-firm tofu when making orange tofu. These varieties hold their shape better and have a firmer texture, which works well with the sauce.
• Before frying the tofu, toss the pieces in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. The cornstarch helps create a crispy outer layer when the tofu is fried or baked.
• You have the option to either pan-fry or bake the tofu. If you prefer baking, arrange the coated tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at around 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Taste the orange sauce and adjust the sweetness and tanginess according to your preference. Add more sweetener if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or more rice vinegar for extra tanginess.
• Once the tofu is cooked and the orange sauce has thickened to your liking, gently toss the tofu in the sauce until it’s well-coated. Be careful not to break the tofu pieces while stirring.
• For added flavor and presentation, garnish your orange tofu with orange zest and sliced green onions. The orange zest will provide a burst of citrus aroma, while the green onions add a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve immediately – Orange Tofu is best enjoyed fresh and hot! Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and consider adding some steamed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a complete and balanced meal. Enjoy!

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