Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

The Irresistible Aroma of Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Ever walked into a kitchen where the smell of sweet and savory orange sauce fills the air? Just imagine crispy tofu nuggets coated in a vibrant, tangy sauce that dances on the taste buds. This Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) recipe is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience. It’s quick, easy, and sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive in!

Why Make This Recipe

Why settle for boring dinner options when you can whip up this tasty treat? Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

• Easy Cleanup: With just one skillet, cleanup is a breeze. Less time scrubbing, more time savoring!
• Budget-Friendly: Tofu is super affordable, making this a delicious yet economical meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love it, even if they don’t know they’re eating tofu. Sneaky? Maybe. Effective? Definitely!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1/2 cup of neutral oil (I used canola)
• 1 package of tofu (16 oz / 454 g)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4-1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup of orange juice
• 1/3-1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (optional)
• 2 teaspoons crushed ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Directions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps for your Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu):

1. Press and pat dry the tofu. (No need to press if using Trader Joe’s High Protein Tofu.)
2. Break the tofu into small 1-inch nuggets. Rough edges help them get crispy!
3. In a mixing bowl, add flour, cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well.
4. Gradually add water and whisk until you form a slightly runny batter.
5. Coat the tofu chunks evenly in the batter.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
7. Once hot, gently place the tofu pieces in the skillet. Fry for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
8. In another bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and stir until well mixed.
9. Pour the sauce into the skillet (discard excess oil) over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes while stirring.
10. Once the sauce thickens, add in the crispy tofu and mix until well coated.
11. Serve over steamed rice and enjoy!

How to Make Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) (Overview)

It’s as easy as 1-2-3! First, make your crispy tofu by mixing the batter just right and pan-frying those delicious bites. Next, whip up the zesty orange sauce in the same skillet—hello, less mess! Finally, bring it all together by tossing the tofu in the rich sauce and serving it hot and steamy over rice. Pro tip: Don’t skip on that orange zest; it packs a flavorful punch!

How to Serve Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Feeling fancy? Serve it up in a bowl with steaming white or brown rice topped with colorful veggies. Imagine the bright orange sauce gleaming under the soft lighting, crunch from the tofu, and that irresistible aroma wafting through the room. People won’t just eat it; they’ll inhale it!

How to Store Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Got leftovers? Store your Vegan Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Prefer to freeze? Just pop it in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep for about 3 months. When it comes time to reheat, give it a quick sizzle in the pan or a whirl in the microwave. Get ready for the yum!

Tips to Make Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

1. Choose the Right Tofu: For the crispiest bites, opt for firm or extra-firm tofu.
2. No Flour? No Problem: You can swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if needed.
3. Add Heat: Crank up that spice level by adding more Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce if you dare!
4. Veggie Vibes: Consider throwing in some bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrients and crunch.

Variation

Want to switch it up? Add a twist by mixing in some pineapple or bell peppers to enhance the sweetness and color. Feeling adventurous? A splash of lime juice could give it a vibrant zing!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different protein instead of tofu?
Yes! You can swap tofu for tempeh or even chickpeas for a different texture and taste.

2. How can I make this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the sauce the night before and store it in the fridge. Just fry the tofu fresh for maximum crispiness when serving!

3. What’s a good substitute for sugar?
Try maple syrup or agave nectar for a natural sweetener that keeps it vegan-friendly!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

A delightful and budget-friendly vegan version of orange chicken made with crispy tofu and a tangy orange sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Vegan

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the tofu

• 1 package 1 package of tofu (16 oz / 454 g) Use firm or extra-firm tofu for best texture.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup of neutral oil (I used canola) For frying the tofu.
• 1/3 cup 1/3 cup all-purpose flour Can be replaced with gluten-free flour if needed.
• 1/3 cup 1/3 cup cornstarch Adds crispiness to the tofu coating.
• 1/4-1/3 cup 1/4-1/3 cup water To form the batter.
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the sauce

• 1 cup 1 cup of orange juice
• 1/3-1/2 cup 1/3-1/2 cup sugar Can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon Sriracha (optional) For added heat.
• 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons crushed ginger
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust according to your spice preference.
• 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons cornstarch To thicken the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon orange zest For flavor enhancement.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Press and pat dry the tofu. (No need to press if using Trader Joe's High Protein Tofu.)
2. Break the tofu into small 1-inch nuggets. Rough edges help them get crispy!
3. In a mixing bowl, add flour, cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well.
4. Gradually add water and whisk until you form a slightly runny batter.
5. Coat the tofu chunks evenly in the batter.

Cooking

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
2. Once hot, gently place the tofu pieces in the skillet. Fry for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
3. In another bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and stir until well mixed.
4. Pour the sauce into the skillet (discard excess oil) over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes while stirring.
5. Once the sauce thickens, add in the crispy tofu and mix until well coated.

Serving

1. Serve over steamed rice and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for about 3 months. Reheat in a pan or microwave.