Vegan Orange Tofu

Vegan Orange Tofu

Vegan Orange Tofu

This vegan orange tofu recipe is a delightful mix of crispy tofu coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s perfect for pairing with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

  • Tofu:
    • 1 lb extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
    • 2-3 tbsp cornstarch
    • 1 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • Vegan oil for frying (if pan-frying)
  • Orange Sauce:
    • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
    • 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 2 tbsp maple syrup
    • 1 tsp chopped ginger
    • 1 clove garlic, grated
    • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • Optional:
    • 1/2 chopped onion
    • Orange slices for garnish
    • Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tofu:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F if baking.
  • Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
  • In a bowl, mix tofu with cornstarch, soy sauce, olive oil, and salt to coat evenly.

2. Cooking Methods:

  • Oven Method:
    • Place tofu cubes on a parchment-lined baking tray.
    • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden.
  • Pan-Frying Method:
    • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
    • Fry tofu for 10-12 minutes, flipping every few minutes until all sides are crispy and golden.

3. Prepare the Orange Sauce:

  • In a nonstick pan, add orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar. Simmer on low heat for 5-6 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch to make a slurry.
  • Slowly add the slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens.

4. Combine and Serve:

  • Add the cooked tofu to the sauce, stirring gently until all the tofu is coated.
  • Serve hot with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies. Garnish with orange slices or chopped green onions, if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Pair with steamed rice, noodles (like soba or udon), or a side of vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots.

Tips:

  • For extra crispiness, bake tofu for 30 minutes.
  • Adjust spice level by adding red chili flakes or hot sauce.
  • Use fresh oranges for the best flavor.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: You can pack the orange tofu’s in airtight bags. Place these airtight bags in a fridge for 3-5 days.
Freezer: I wouldn’t suggest freezing this dish because tofu and sauces are used which will impart a bad taste.
Reheating: You may reheat the dish in two different ways :
Microwave oven: Rewarm it for 20-30 seconds.
Stovetop: heat pan over a slow flame and warm the orange tofu’s for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

How we can garnish this dish?
You can add chopped green onions, scallions, chives, or sesame seeds as a topping.

Can I use any alternative of tofu?
Chickpeas, seitans, and baked cauliflower are good alternatives to tofu. The taste of every ingredient will vary.

Is any substitute available for soy sauce?
Add coconut amino or low-sodium gluten-free tamari sauce instead of soy sauce if it’s unavailable at any local market.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 203 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Magnesium: 18mg
  • Iron: 2mg