Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

If you’re looking for a dish that will make your taste buds dance, then you’ve come to the right place! This Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. It’s sweet, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. Trust me, even those who claim they don’t like tofu will be amazed by its crispy texture and flavorful sauce.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet delicious. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits right into your busy schedule.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the flavor of this vegan take on orange chicken, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple ingredients that are easy to find, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Make Ahead: This Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) stores beautifully in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! These items will help us create that delicious fried tofu in sweet and sour homemade orange sauce.

For the Tofu

• 1 package of tofu (16 oz / 454 g)
• 1/2 cup of neutral oil (I used canola)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4-1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce

• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using chickpeas or seitan instead of tofu for an exciting change!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Increase the amount of Sriracha or add fresh chili peppers for a kick!
• Switch up the citrus: Use lemon or grapefruit juice for a different but equally tasty flavor profile.

How to Make Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

First things first! Press and pat dry your tofu to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps achieve that crispy texture we all love. If you’re using Trader Joe’s High Protein Tofu, there’s no need to press it—just break it into small 1-inch nuggets. The rough edges will help the batter stick better.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well! Then add water gradually while whisking until you have a slightly runny batter. This consistency is key because it clings nicely to our tofu nuggets.

Step 3: Coat the Tofu

Next, add those lovely chunks of tofu into the batter and coat them evenly. This step ensures every piece gets that wonderful crunch when fried!

Step 4: Fry the Tofu

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add in the oil. Once hot, carefully place each battered tofu nugget into the skillet. Fry them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. When they’re done frying, transfer them onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil—this keeps them crispy!

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In another mixing bowl, combine all your sauce ingredients and stir until they’re well mixed. Pour this mixture into a skillet over medium heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring frequently. If you’re using the same skillet from frying, remember to drain out any leftover oil first!

Step 6: Combine Tofu with Sauce

Once your sauce has thickened nicely after simmering for five minutes, gently add your crispy tofu pieces into the sauce. Give everything a good mix until each nugget is beautifully coated in that luscious orange goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Finally, serve your Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) over steamed white or brown rice. Enjoy every bite of this vibrant dish!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Creating the perfect Vegan Orange Chicken is all about attention to detail, so here are some tips to help you achieve that crispy texture and vibrant flavor!

• Choose the right tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe. It holds its shape well during frying and provides a satisfying bite.
• Don’t skip the batter: Coating the tofu in flour and cornstarch creates a delicious crunch. The combination of these two ingredients ensures an ideal texture that enhances the overall eating experience.
• Heat your oil properly: Make sure the oil is hot before adding the tofu. This step is crucial; if the oil isn’t hot enough, the tofu will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
• Customize your sauce: Feel free to adjust the sugar and Sriracha levels according to your taste preference. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar; for a spicier kick, increase the Sriracha!
• Serve immediately: For the best texture, enjoy your Vegan Orange Chicken right after cooking. The longer it sits, the less crispy it will become.

How to Serve Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Presenting your Vegan Orange Chicken beautifully can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Green onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and a pop of color that complements the dish.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty flavor and an appealing visual contrast on top of your chicken.
• Orange slices: Fresh orange slices not only look beautiful but also enhance the citrusy flavor profile of your dish.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: Its bright green color and tender-crisp texture make it a great nutritional complement to the sweet and sour flavors of orange chicken.
• Fried rice: Fluffy fried rice with vegetables is a classic pairing that rounds out your meal while absorbing some of that delicious sauce.
• Vegetable stir-fry: A colorful medley of bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas sautéed in soy sauce adds freshness and crunch.
• Cucumber salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy dressing can balance out the richness of the tofu dish perfectly.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll not only enjoy a hearty meal but also impress family and friends with your culinary skills! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, hearty meals throughout the week without the hassle of daily cooking.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the tofu to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the tofu is cooked and cooled.
• Transfer portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
• For a crispy texture, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this delightful dish!

Can I make Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour and soy sauce with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and tamari.

How do I get my tofu extra crispy for Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)?

For crispier tofu, make sure to press it well to remove excess moisture and coat it thoroughly in the batter before frying.

What can I serve with Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)?

It pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, but you can also serve it alongside quinoa or stir-fried vegetables for a more balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you love making this Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) as much as I do! It’s a dish that not only pleases your taste buds but also proves that plant-based eating can be incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every delicious bite!