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For this tasty dish, gather these main items: - 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying) - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon orange zest Each of these ingredients plays a key role. The tofu gives protein, while the cornstarch helps create that perfect crispy texture. The orange juice and zest bring bright, fresh flavors that make this dish shine. To make your dish even more appealing, consider these garnishes: - Sliced green onions - Sesame seeds These add a nice crunch and a pop of color. They also enhance the dish's flavors. If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. - You can replace the vegetable oil with canola or peanut oil. - If you don’t have fresh orange juice, bottled juice works too. - Maple syrup can be swapped with agave nectar or honey. These substitutions keep your dish delicious while accommodating your pantry. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by pressing the tofu. This helps remove extra water. Place a heavy object on the tofu for about 30 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size cooks evenly and gets crispy. Next, grab a shallow dish and pour in the cornstarch. Take the tofu cubes and gently toss them in the cornstarch. Make sure each piece is coated well. This coating creates a crispy texture when frying. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot and shimmering. Carefully add the coated tofu in a single layer. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes. The tofu should turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, place the tofu on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. In a small saucepan, mix the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and orange zest. Whisk these ingredients together. Bring the mix to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. The sauce will thicken slightly during this time. Carefully add the crispy tofu to the orange sauce. Toss the tofu gently until each piece is coated. Let the tofu soak in the sauce for about a minute. This step enhances the flavor and makes it even tastier. Once coated, transfer the tofu to a serving dish. For garnish, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve it over steamed rice or with a fresh salad. Drizzle some extra orange sauce over the dish for a pop of flavor. To make your tofu extra crispy, follow a few key steps. First, press the tofu well. This removes moisture and helps it fry better. Use firm tofu for the best texture. After pressing, cut it into 1-inch cubes. Next, coat each piece in cornstarch. This creates a nice crust when frying. Heat the oil until it shimmers before adding the tofu. Fry in a single layer, so each piece gets even heat. Flip the tofu gently to avoid breaking it. Fry until golden brown on all sides for that perfect crunch. For a burst of flavor, add fresh ginger and garlic to the sauce. They bring warmth and depth to the dish. Use high-quality soy sauce for a richer taste. Adding maple syrup balances the tartness of the orange juice. You can also include a splash of rice vinegar for extra zing. Don't forget the orange zest! It adds a fresh, fragrant note that brightens the dish. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. One common mistake is not pressing the tofu enough. This leads to soggy tofu that won’t crisp up. Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. This cools the oil and makes the tofu steam instead of fry. Be careful with the sauce; if you overcook it, it can become too thick. Toss the tofu in the sauce just before serving. This keeps it crispy and prevents it from getting mushy. Lastly, don’t skip garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and texture to your dish. Pro Tips Press the Tofu Well: Make sure to press the tofu thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture when frying. Use High Heat: Fry the tofu on medium-high heat to ensure a golden brown and crispy exterior. Lower heat can lead to soggy tofu instead of the desired crunch. Toss in Sauce Gently: When combining the crispy tofu with the orange sauce, toss gently to avoid breaking the tofu cubes. This will help maintain their shape and texture. Garnish Freshly: Add the green onions and sesame seeds right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant. This enhances both the presentation and flavor of the dish. {{image_4}} You can easily swap tofu for other proteins. Chicken or shrimp work well here. Just cut them into small pieces. Adjust cooking time to ensure they cook through. If you prefer plant-based options, try tempeh or seitan. These options also soak up flavors nicely. Not a fan of soy sauce? You can use tamari for a gluten-free version. For a spicy kick, add a bit of sriracha to the sauce. You can also replace maple syrup with agave nectar if needed. This keeps the dish sweet and tasty while staying vegan. The tofu pairs great with various carbs. Serve it over steamed rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Cauliflower rice is a low-carb choice. You could also try it with noodles, like soba or rice noodles. Each option adds a unique twist to your dish! Once you finish your meal, store any leftover crispy orange tofu in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the tofu fresh, but it may lose some crispiness. To reheat your crispy orange tofu, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the tofu crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it may not restore the crunch. If you want to freeze crispy orange tofu, first cool it completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to a month in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To make crispy tofu, start by pressing the tofu. This step removes excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes in cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. When hot, add the tofu in a single layer. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes. You want them golden and crispy. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Make sure to check labels for other ingredients. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. This makes it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Tofu is a great source of protein. It contains essential amino acids. Tofu is also low in calories and high in iron. It offers calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients too. Eating tofu can support heart health and bone strength. Yes, you can use other citrus fruits. Lemons, limes, or grapefruits can work well. Each fruit will add a unique flavor. Adjust the amount of sweetness based on the fruit you choose. This keeps the balance of flavor intact. The orange sauce will last about one week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. When ready to use, simply reheat it on the stove. This blog post covered key steps for making crispy orange tofu. You learned about the ingredients, how to prepare and fry the tofu, and make that tasty sauce. We explored tips to boost crispiness and avoid common mistakes. Variations offered options for different proteins and sauces. For leftovers, I shared storage and reheating tips. Incorporate these techniques in your own kitchen. Enjoy the process and the results. Crispy orange tofu is a flavorful dish that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Crispy Orange Tofu

A delicious and crispy tofu dish coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 0.5 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • none sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • none sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to eliminate excess moisture—this should take about 30 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
  • Coat the Tofu: In a shallow dish, spread out the cornstarch. Gently toss the cubed tofu in the cornstarch, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated and lightly dusted.
  • Fry the Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully add the cornstarch-coated tofu in a single layer. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the tofu and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
  • Make the Orange Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and orange zest. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
  • Combine: Carefully toss the crispy tofu in the simmering orange sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the tofu to soak up some of the sauce for an additional minute, enhancing the flavors.
  • Serve: Once the tofu is well-glazed, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the tofu to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delightful finish.

Notes

Serve over steamed rice or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keyword crispy, orange, tofu, vegan