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)
- 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.
- 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.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all the sauce ingredients.
- Add the sauce to the pan and let it cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, whisking continuously.
- Lastly, add the tofu to the pan, and toss everything together until well coated.
- 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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Orange Tofu
Ingredients
- 16 oz block of extra firm tofu, drained and cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Orange Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all the sauce ingredients.
- Add the sauce to the pan and let it cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, whisking continuously.
- Lastly, add the tofu to the pan, and toss everything together until well coated.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice noodles, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 206gCalories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 14.9gProtein: 12.8gFat: 11.3gSaturated Fat: 1.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 6.7gSodium: 356mgPotassium: 328mgFiber: 1.1gSugar: 8.1gVitamin A: 131IUCalcium: 239mgIron: 2.8mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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