Crispy Orange Tofu Recipes

VEGAN ORANGE TOFU

Steps:

• Wrap the tofu block with absorbent paper and place it between two chopping boards, adding a few books on top of the top board to add pressure. Set aside 30 minutes to release all the tofu moisture.
• Cut the tofu block into cubes of (about 0.4 inches/1cm) or roughly pull apart the tofu to create irregular pieces of tofu - this mimics chicken texture the best!
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, orange zest, and salt.
• Add the tofu chunks into the marinade and combine with a spoon.
• Lay the tofu pieces onto the prepared baking sheet into a single layer, make sure the tofu pieces don't touch each other or overlap.
• Bake on the center rack for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway. Meanwhile, prepare the curry sauce.
• Heat a large skillet or medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Over medium heat, melt coconut oil, then stir in garlic, ginger, and cook over low heat to prevent the garlic from burning. Cook until fragrant for about 1 minute.
• Add orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring to a light simmer, occasionally stirring, until the sugar dissolves - about 2-3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk water and cornstarch in a small mixing bowl. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry into the hot orange sauce and keep simmering, occasionally stirring, until the sauce thickens - about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Toss the crispy hot tofu in the sauce until coated.
• Serve over cooked jasmine rice and garnish with scallions pieces or chili flakes to add a spicy touch.
• Store in the fridge in a sealed container for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

CRISPY ORANGE TOFU

Steps:

• Press the tofu and then chop it into 1/2-inch cubes. (See notes for how to press tofu)
• Stir together the flax, water, cornstarch, and flour in a bowl until combined. Add the tofu (in batches works best) and thoroughly coat each piece. Use a fork to remove tofu pieces and gently tap on the bowl to remove excess batter. Add a tablespoon of additional water if the batter gets too thick.
• Place a skillet over medium to medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place 2 to 3 sheets of paper towels on a plate on the counter near your skillet.
• Use tongs to place half of the batter-coated tofu in the heated oil. Allow space between each piece for all the sides to get browned. Cook the tofu on each side until browned. Place finished pieces of tofu on the paper towels to drain any excess oil.
• Add a little more oil to the pan and repeat with the remaining tofu.
• In a small bowl, stir together the orange coating ingredients.
• Return the tofu to the pan and add gently stir in the orange coating. Cook over medium heat until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Prepare the sticky orange sauce by combining all the ingredients in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Stir to combine. Heat in the microwave in 30-second increments until thickened. It shouldn't take very long. If it gets too thick, add a little hot water and stir to incorporate.
• Serve the tofu over brown rice with additional chopped green onions, sticky orange sauce, and sesame seeds. A side of steamed broccoli goes nicely with this dish too!