Vegan Orange Tofu transforms simple tofu into a bright, flavorful main dish coated in a sweet, tangy and lightly spicy orange-ginger sauce. Pan-fried tofu strips become golden and crisp, then are tossed in a glossy homemade sauce that rivals restaurant orange chicken. This plant-based dish is fast, satisfying and ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep or anyone looking for fresh tofu recipe ideas.
Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cook Time: ~15 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into strips or cubes
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil
Orange Sauce: - ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Optional: red pepper flakes
For Serving: - Cooked rice or noodles
- Green onions, sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
➜ Press tofu for 10–15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into strips or cubes.
➜ Season with salt and pepper, then toss in cornstarch until well coated.
➜ Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and pan-fry until each side is crispy and golden. Remove and set aside.
➜ Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, orange zest, ginger and garlic in a small bowl.
➜ Pour the sauce into the same skillet. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir until thickened and glossy.
➜ Add tofu back into the skillet and toss until evenly coated in sauce.
➜ Serve over rice or noodles topped with sesame seeds and green onions.
Pro Tips (FAQ-style)
How do I get the tofu crispy?
Press the tofu well, coat it evenly in cornstarch and cook in a hot skillet without moving it too much.
Can I bake or air-fry the tofu?
Yes—bake at 400°F for 25 minutes (flipping halfway) or air-fry at 390°F for 12–14 minutes before tossing in the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Nutrition Summary
Crispy tofu coated in a sweet-tangy orange sauce for a high-protein vegan main dish.
Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar
1 bowl | ~360 kcal | ~15 g | ~40 g | ~15 g | ~2 g | ~20 g
Nutrition facts are estimated.
