Go Back

Crispy Vegan Tofu with Sticky Orange Sauce

This crispy vegan tofu in sticky orange sauce creates a tangy yet sweet citrus glaze, perfect for recreating a restaurant meal at home!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 1 serving

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