Description
This Crispy Orange Tofu recipe features perfectly pressed and fried tofu cubes coated in a tangy, sweet, and savory orange sauce. It's a delicious vegetarian dish with a crispy exterior and a vibrant flavor profile, perfect for serving over rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Tofu
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of white pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoon avocado oil, for frying
Sauce
- 2/3 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari)
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2½ tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (or zest of 1 small orange)
Remaining Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger, packed
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Press the Tofu: Press the tofu for 30 minutes to 1 hour to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut into 1-inch cubes and transfer to a large bowl.
- Marinate and Coat: Add the soy sauce, salt, and white pepper to the tofu cubes and gently mix. Sprinkle over half of the cornstarch, mix well, add the remaining cornstarch, and mix again. Set aside.
- Fry the Tofu: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once heated, add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and orange zest. Stir to mix well and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet used for frying tofu, add the garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Add additional oil if needed. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring it to a boil.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the warm water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer and stir frequently for about 6-8 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Tofu and Sauce: Add the fried tofu and toasted sesame oil to the thickened sauce. Stir gently to combine and cook for an additional minute. Adjust salt to taste.
- Serve: Serve the crispy orange tofu over rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Extra-firm tofu can be used instead of firm tofu for a firmer texture.
- Serve with Jasmine rice and steamed or roasted broccoli for a complete meal.
- White sugar or coconut sugar can substitute brown sugar as sweeteners in the sauce.
- Pressing the tofu thoroughly is key to achieving a crispy texture.
- Adjust red chili flakes to control the heat level according to preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
