Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

why make this recipe

Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) is a delicious plant-based dish that satisfies your cravings for a sweet and tangy flavor. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional orange chicken but still packs a punch with its crispy tofu and vibrant sauce. Plus, it’s easy to make, vegan-friendly, and perfect for anyone looking for a tasty meal without meat.

how to make Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Ingredients

• 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

1. Press and pat dry the tofu. If you’re using Trader Joe’s High Protein Tofu, you don’t need to press it. Break the tofu into small 1-inch nuggets. The rough edges help the batter stick and make it crisper.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well. Then add water and whisk until a batter forms. The batter should be a little runny but not too thick.
3. Coat the tofu pieces in the batter, making sure they are evenly covered.
4. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu pieces one by one. Fry for 5-6 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. When done, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
5. In another mixing bowl, add all the sauce ingredients and stir until well combined. Pour the sauce into a skillet over medium heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes while stirring. If you’re using the same skillet from frying, make sure to remove the leftover oil first.
6. Once the sauce thickens, add the crispy tofu and mix until all pieces are coated in the sauce.
7. Serve over steamed white or brown rice and enjoy!

how to serve Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Serve Vegan Orange Chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. You can also add some steamed vegetables on the side for a balanced meal. If you like extra heat, drizzle some Sriracha on top for added spice.

how to store Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When reheating, you may want to add a little water to the tofu to keep it from drying out, or microwave it briefly to warm it up.

tips to make Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

• For extra crispiness, you can double fry the tofu. After the first frying, let it cool before frying again.
• If you like a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch mixed with water while the sauce simmers.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar to fit your taste.

variation

You can switch up the tofu for tempeh or seitan if you prefer a different protein source. Additionally, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the sauce for extra nutrients and color.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
Yes, you can use other neutral oils like sunflower or grapeseed oil.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the tofu fresh to keep it crispy when serving.

Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

A delicious plant-based dish that satisfies your cravings for sweet and tangy flavors with crispy tofu in vibrant orange sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Vegan

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Tofu

• 1 package tofu (16 oz / 454 g) Use Trader Joe's High Protein Tofu for best results.
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4-1/3 cup water Adjust to achieve desired batter consistency.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup neutral oil Canola oil is preferred.

For the Sauce

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/3-1/2 cup sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce Use tamari for gluten-free option.
• 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 For thickening the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Method

 

Preparation

1. Press and pat dry the tofu, breaking it into small 1-inch nuggets.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well and add water until a batter forms.
3. Coat the tofu pieces in the batter, ensuring even coverage.

Cooking

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu pieces for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
2. In another bowl, mix all sauce ingredients until well combined. Pour into skillet over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring.
3. Once the sauce thickens, add crispy tofu and mix until coated.

Serving

1. Serve Vegan Orange Chicken over steamed white or brown rice. Optionally add steamed vegetables.

Notes

For extra crispiness, consider double frying the tofu. Adjust sauce sweetness as desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.