Orange Tofu
Ready in only 30 minutes, this orange tofu recipe is a vegan version of a takeout favorite. It's made with tofu coated in an addictingly-good sticky orange sauce. This is one of THE BEST EVER sauces for tofu: it's perfectly thick, tangy, and sweet!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Servings: 4 servings
- 1 (14 ounce) package extra firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups fresh-squeezed orange juice (or bottled, from concentrate)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari sauce, coconut aminos)
- ¼ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar, maple syrup)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger (or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For Serving (Optional):
- Rice
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Prepare the tofu: drain & press the tofu.* Cut it into 1" cubes and then toss it in a large bowl or Ziploc bag with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Set aside.
Make the sauce: in a small bowl, stir together the ingredients for the sauce. Set aside.
Cook the tofu: add the oil to a large skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, cook the tofu for about 3 minutes on each side, until browned and slightly crispy. Drain any excess oil, remove the tofu and set it aside on a plate.
Simmer the sauce: pour the sauce into the skillet over medium heat and simmer for 4 - 5 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce should bubble, thicken and reduce.
Add tofu: add the tofu back into the skillet and toss in the sauce, cooking for 1 - 2 minutes more.
Serve: serve warm, optionally over rice (or noodles) and topped with green onions and sesame seeds.
- *How to press tofu: drain and press your tofu for 20 - 30 minutes before starting this recipe. Use a tofu press or wrap your tofu in paper towels (or a kitchen towel) and then press it between two cutting boards with a weight (like a heavy book) on top. This will remove moisture and help the tofu cook crispy.