Description
This Easy Orange Tofu is crispy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Golden-fried tofu cubes are tossed in a sweet, zesty orange sauce made with fresh juice, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, then served over steamed rice. Inspired by American-Chinese takeout, this plant-based version is ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
For the crispy tofu:
250 g tofu, pressed and cubed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
For the orange sauce:
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1½ cups fresh orange juice
1 cup water or vegetable stock
Zest of 1 orange
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons cane sugar
1½ tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water (for slurry)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
For garnish:
1 scallion, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
4 orange slices
Instructions
- Prepare tofu: Wrap tofu in paper towels to remove water. Cube into medium pieces.
- Coat tofu: Toss cubes with five-spice powder and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Fry tofu: Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry in batches until golden and crispy. Drain and set aside.
- Make sauce: Heat oil in another pan. Add garlic and ginger, cooking 1–2 minutes. Stir in turmeric and cook 2 minutes more.
- Add liquids: Pour in orange juice, stock, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Simmer 4–5 minutes.
- Thicken: Mix cornstarch with water to form slurry. Stir into sauce and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine: Add fried tofu and sesame oil. Toss to coat.
- Serve: Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and orange slices. Serve over steamed rice.
Notes
- Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra crunch.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Bake tofu at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes for a lighter option.
- Air fry tofu at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Swap cane sugar with maple syrup or agave.
- Combine orange with lime juice for extra tang.
- Serve with quinoa or brown rice for added fiber.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fried
- Cuisine: Asian
