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Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) Recipe

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3.9 from 11 reviews

This Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) recipe offers a crispy, flavorful plant-based alternative to traditional orange chicken. Featuring golden-fried tofu nuggets coated in a tangy, sweet, and spicy orange sauce, it’s a satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice for a delicious vegan meal.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Tofu:

  • ½ cup neutral oil (canola oil recommended)
  • 1 package firm tofu (16 oz / 454 g)
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • ¼–⅓ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Sauce:

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ⅓–½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • 2 teaspoons crushed ginger
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Press and Prepare Tofu: Press and pat dry the tofu to remove excess moisture. If using Trader Joe’s High Protein Tofu, pressing is not necessary. Break the tofu into small 1-inch nuggets; rough edges help the batter adhere and create a crispy texture.
  2. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt. Gradually add water while whisking until a slightly runny batter forms. The consistency should be thin enough to coat the tofu evenly but not too watery.
  3. Coat the Tofu: Add the tofu pieces to the batter and toss gently to evenly coat each nugget.
  4. Fry the Tofu: Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the battered tofu pieces one at a time. Fry each side for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove the tofu and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine orange juice, sugar, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sriracha (if using), crushed ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and orange zest. Mix until smooth.
  6. Cook the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into a clean skillet over medium heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Ensure the skillet is free of excess oil from frying for best texture.
  7. Toss Tofu in Sauce: Add the crispy fried tofu to the thickened sauce. Stir gently to coat all tofu pieces evenly with the orange glaze.
  8. Serve: Serve the Vegan Orange Chicken over steamed white or brown rice, making sure to spoon some extra sauce over the top. Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying vegan meal!

Notes

  • Pressing tofu helps it absorb less oil and gets it crispier but is optional if using high-protein tofu.
  • Adjust Sriracha to control the spiciness of the sauce or omit for milder flavor.
  • Using a skillet you haven’t used for frying will prevent excess oil from thinning the sauce.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture; tofu may lose crispiness if left too long in sauce.
  • Experiment with using tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Vegan Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/vegan-orange-chicken-tofu-recipe/