Crispy Vegan Tofu with Sticky Orange Sauce
Today we are making a Crispy Vegan Tofu with Sticky Orange Sauce! Get ready for this delicious vegan twist on a classic Chinese takeout favorite! This crispy orange tofu recipe is a must-try, packed with flavor and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, it will quickly become your go-to for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Sticky orange chicken is a beloved dish with roots in Chinese-American cuisine, most notably popularized by restaurants like Panda Express. This dish combines crispy chicken pieces with a tangy and sweet orange sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that has made many come back again and again to this popular dish. The traditional sticky orange chicken recipe typically includes ingredients such as chicken breast, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and of course, orange juice and zest to impart its signature citrusy punch.
What’s In This Dish?
In this vegan adaptation, we swap out the chicken for extra-firm tofu, which mimics the texture of crispy chicken when properly prepared. By using tofu instead, we maintain the high protein, but also the sponge-like texture necessary to carry the boldness of the sticky orange sauce.
The main ingredients of this vegan sticky orange sauce remain true to the original, featuring fresh orange juice and zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, pure maple syrup in replacement of brown sugar, a touch of ground ginger and garlic powder for depth, and more. Keeping most of the ingredients the same, but swapping out the chicken, ensures that the vegan version delivers the same irresistible taste and texture as the classic orange chicken (in a plant-based way)!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Vegan Tofu with Sticky Orange Sauce
Restaurant-Takeout, Veganized: This vegan orange tofu recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of orange chicken without any animal products. The crispy pieces of tofu perfectly absorb the tangy orange sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more high-protein, plant-based recipes into your diet. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just looking for a new dish to try, this orange tofu will not disappoint!
Packed with Flavor for Any Meal: This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a meal prep option for your lunches, or when you’re craving restaurant takeout. The combination of crispy tofu and flavorful sauce makes it taste like you just got a hot and steaming container Ubereats dinner dropped off (and we all love that feeling, right?!)
Substitutions: Dry Ingredients
Extra Firm Tofu: This type of tofu holds its shape best and becomes wonderfully crispy when cooked. There are many different types of tofu – make sure to choose extra-firm, not firm or medium-firm. The recipe will not be the same if your tofu can’t crisp up because it’s not firm enough.
Corn Starch: Helps create a crispy coating on the tofu. Substitue with all-purpose flour, which will not be gluten-free.
Garlic and Ginger: Essential spices for a well-rounded flavor profile. Do not use the dried, powdered versions – having these freshly grated is critical to the flavor!
Substitutions: Wet Ingredients
Avocado Oil: For frying the tofu to a golden brown.
Fresh Orange Juice and Orange Zest: These provide a natural sweetness and bright citrus flavor. Do not substitute for another citrus. You can try to switch out the freshly squeezed orange juice for a store-bought pure orange juice, but freshly squeezed from an orange will provide the best flavor.
Tamari: Adds a depth of umami flavor. Substitute with soy sauce, but the recipe will not be gluten-free (soy sauce contains gluten).
Rice Vinegar and Sesame Oil: For a perfect balance of tangy and nutty notes. Do not substitute.
Vegetable Broth: You can buy vegetable broth cubes, or the liquid in a carton. (I prefer to use cubes, because I can store them for longer once I open the box). Check the ingredient label to buy broth (either cubes, or liquid) that does not contain added sugar (to keep the recipe refined sugar-free).
Pure Maple Syrup: Helps to balance out the bitterness of the orange zest and saltiness of the tamari. Substitute with agave nectar, but it will not be refined sugar free. Other sweeteners may lend a different taste that may not work well in this recipe (date syrup, coconut syrup and so on).
Chili Garlic Sauce: This adds just the perfect kick of heat and spice to add flavor to the sauce. Usually, chili garlic sauce contains sugar. However, Naked Naturals is one brand that makes a refined sugar-free chili garlic sauce that you can order online.
Crispy Vegan Tofu with Sticky Orange Sauce Notes
- Consistency: Ensure the sauce reaches the right consistency by allowing it to simmer and thicken. If it’s too thin, continue to cook it down, and if too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen it up.
- Tofu Texture: For the crispiest tofu, make sure to fry the tofu in batches if necessary, avoiding overcrowding the pan. This helps maintain high heat and achieves the desired crispy perfection.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Butternut Squash & Black Bean Casserole
Black Bean & Corn Skillet Stir-Fry
If you make this Crispy Vegan Tofu with Orange Sauce, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Crispy Vegan Tofu with Sticky Orange Sauce
Equipment
- Fine Hole Grater
- Kitchen Towel or Paper Towel
- Medium Bowl
- Medium Skillet
- Small Bowl
- Small Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cornstarch separated
- 3 tbsp avocado oil separated
- 1 block extra-firm tofu
- 2 tsp fresh ginger finely grated
- 3 medium garlic cloves finely grated
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp tamari
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 6 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp orange zest
- white sesame seeds for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Tofu
- Take a kitchen towel or paper towel and unwrap the block of tofu, covered by the towel. Lightly press on the tofu to drain some of the excess water – make sure not to press too hard, or it will crumble.
- Now chop the tofu into medium-thick cubes. In a medium-sized bowl, toss it with 1 tbsp of the cornstarch.
- Put the skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop and add in 2 tbsp of the avocado oil. Once heated, add in the tofu pieces, letting them cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until slightly browned.
- Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Orange Sauce
- Add in the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the skillet, still on medium-low. Add in the garlic and ginger, stirring for 2 minutes. Add more oil if needed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tbsp mix broth with the remaining 1 tbsp cornstarch. Once the corn starch mixture is smooth, add it into the skillet.
- Stir the mixture. Add in the maple syrup and remaining orange sauce ingredients on low heat. Turn the heat to medium-high.
- Allow the sauce to come to a boil. Once boiling, add in the tofu cubes.
- Stirring 1-2 times every minute, allow the sauce to continue to boil until it reduces in size and coats the tofu. This will take about 15-17 minutes after adding the tofu.
- Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat.
- Serve the sticky orange tofu with white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice or with your choice of grain. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional) before serving!
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
