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Orange tofu in a bowl with a side of broccoli and cauliflower rice with chopsticks

Orange Tofu

This Orange Tofu is an easy weeknight meal made with tender-crispy tofu coated in a sticky-sweet orange sauce. It's a healthy vegan dinner idea and so much better than takeout. Gluten-free, grain-free, vegan and low carb. 

Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian, Chinese
Keyword orange tofu, vegan tofu
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 378 kcal
Author Kelly

Ingredients

  • 1 14-ounce block extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained

Batter

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk , I used unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar , or regular vinegar
  • 1/4 cup arrowroot starch
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For an extra crispy coating

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice , about 2-3 oranges
  • 1 1/4 tsp orange zest
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar

  • 1-2 tsp pure maple syrup , (or sub with coconut sugar, date syrup, Yacon syrup or preferred liquid sweetener)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 tbsp freshly grated or minced ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves , minced
  • Fine sea salt + black pepper

    , to taste


  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional or to taste
  • 1/2 tbsp arrowroot starch , or tapioca starch

For garnish and serving

  • Thinly sliced green onion, freshly chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds
  • Cauliflower rice , zoodles or Jasmine rice if not grain-free

Instructions

  1. Prepare Tofu: Tear or cut the tofu into 1-inch chunks. (Tearing the tofu makes them resemble chicken nuggets).

    Torn tofu pieces on a wooden cutting board
  2. Make the Batter: Mix together all the ingredients for the batter. Toss the tofu into the batter. 

    Tofu dipped in batter in a white bowl
  3. For an extra crispy coating: Dip each piece of tofu into a bowl of finely crushed crackers, making sure each piece is evenly coated.

    Tofu tossed in crispy batter in a white bowl

Cook tofu using your preferred method below:

  1. Bake tofu in the oven: Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping each piece halfway through.

    Crispy baked tofu on a baking sheet
  2. Air fry tofu: Add the tofu into the air fryer basket in a single layer, (you will have to cook batches). Air Fry at 375F for 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

    Close-up of crispy tofu in an air fryer basket
  3. Pan fry tofu: Heat 3 Tbsp avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is nice and hot, add tofu, in a single layer (you may have to cook in batches) and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.

    Side view of pan fried tofu on a cast iron skillet

Make sauce

  1. Meanwhile, in a large pot or wok, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, coconut aminos, vinegar, optional sweetener, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper and chili flakes. Bring to a boil over medium-heat, allowing to boil for 1 minute. Once boiling, bring the heat down to medium and cook until the sauce is thick and glossy, about 2-3 minutes. Add more water, as needed to thin out sauce to desired consistency.

    Orange sauce in a pot
  2. Coat tofu with sauce: Once the tofu and sauce are done, add the tofu to the pot and heat on medium. Use tongs or chopsticks to toss gently, until every piece is coated and heated through.

    Crispy tofu in a pot of orange suace
  3. Serve with Rice & Sesame Seeds: Remove from the heat, sprinkle with green onions, parsley, sesame seeds and serve with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or Jasmine rice, if not grain-free.

    Orange tofu in a bowl with a side of broccoli and cauliflower rice with chopsticks
Nutrition Facts
Orange Tofu
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 378 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Carbohydrates 38g13%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 14g28%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.