Description
A vibrant and crispy plant-based alternative to the takeout classic, featuring battered tofu tossed in a sweet-tangy orange sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup neutral oil (canola) — for frying (can substitute vegetable or peanut oil)
- 1 package of tofu (16 oz / 454 g) — firm or extra-firm
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ¼–⅓ cup water — to make the batter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup orange juice — freshly squeezed is best for brightness
- ⅓–½ cup sugar — adjust to taste depending on your oranges
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (optional) — for heat
- 2 teaspoons crushed ginger — or freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes — optional, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch — for thickening the sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest — for garnish and extra citrus aroma
Instructions
- Press the tofu to remove moisture for at least 20–30 minutes.
- Cut the tofu into 1–1½ inch cubes.
- Make the batter by whisking together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt, then add water slowly until smooth.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Coat tofu pieces in batter and fry until golden, about 3–5 minutes per batch.
- In a bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients.
- Dissolve cornstarch in water to make a slurry.
- Combine the sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring in slurry until thickened.
- Add the fried tofu to the sauce and toss until coated.
- Serve garnished with orange zest.
Notes
Pressing tofu well is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature, and toss the tofu in sauce briefly before serving to keep it crispy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan, orange chicken, crispy tofu, plant-based, takeout alternative, healthy dinner