Why make this recipe
Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic favorite! This Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) is a celebration of flavor and creativity, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. It captures the vibrant zest of oranges and the crunch of golden tofu, making it a perfect dish for those who crave both comfort and fresh tastes. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or simply seeking a healthier option, this dish will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
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
Start by pressing and patting dry the tofu. If you’re using Trader Joe’s High Protein Tofu, no pressing is needed. Break the tofu into small 1-inch nuggets; their rough edges help them get crispier. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder, mixing well. Add water gradually while whisking until a slightly runny batter forms. Thoroughly coat the tofu chunks in this batter.
Next, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, gently add the battered tofu pieces one by one. Fry them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they reach a lovely golden-brown color. When finished, set them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
For the sauce, combine all the referred ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well blended. Pour the sauce into a clean skillet over medium heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using the same skillet from frying, be sure to remove the extra oil beforehand. When the sauce has thickened, add the crispy tofu and mix until every piece is coated with that delicious sauce.
Serve your Vegan Orange Chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice, and enjoy every bite!
How to serve Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)
This dish is best served hot, allowing the flavors to shine alongside your choice of rice. A sprinkle of extra orange zest on top or a side of steamed veggies can elevate your meal even more. Get ready to savor a burst of flavor in each bite!
How to store Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)
If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe!), store the Vegan Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When reheating, a quick spin in the microwave or a gentle stir in a pan will bring back that crispy, tasty goodness.
Tips to make Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)
- For extra crispiness, let the battered tofu pieces rest for a few minutes before frying.
- Adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of sugar in the sauce.
- Feel free to use fresh orange juice for a brighter flavor – it makes all the difference!
- To make it spicier, don’t hesitate to add more Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Variation
If you want to shake things up, try adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the sauce. They’ll add color, nutrition, and a delightful crunch that complements the tofu perfectly.
FAQs
What can I substitute for tofu in Vegan Orange Chicken?
You can use tempeh or seitan as alternatives to tofu in this recipe. Both provide a fantastic texture and will soak up the delicious sauce, making for a delightful dish.
Can I make Vegan Orange Chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish!
How spicy is this Vegan Orange Chicken?
The spiciness largely depends on the amount of Sriracha and red pepper flakes you choose to include. You can easily adjust these ingredients to fit your taste buds!
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the Vegan Orange Chicken, simply reheat it before adding the crispy tofu.
Conclusion
I invite you to try this Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) and bring a piece of my kitchen into yours. It’s a dish bursting with vibrant flavors that pay homage to family recipes while celebrating fresh ideas. Remember, cooking is about connection and joy; let this recipe be your next love letter to flavor. I would love to see you recreate this dish, so follow me on Pinterest and Medium for more heartwarming recipes and cooking inspiration. Happy cooking!
Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Press tofu if needed; break into 1-inch nuggets for craggy edges that crisp well.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder; slowly whisk in water to make a light, slightly runny batter; coat tofu thoroughly.
- Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high; fry battered tofu 5–6 minutes per side until deep golden; drain on paper towels.
- For the sauce, whisk orange juice, sugar, tamari/soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sriracha (optional), ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour sauce into a clean skillet over medium heat; simmer ~5 minutes, stirring, until glossy and thickened; adjust sweetness/heat to taste.
- Add crispy tofu to the thickened sauce; toss to coat evenly and heat through.
- Serve hot over steamed white or brown rice; finish with orange zest if desired.