Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

If you’re looking for a dish that can transform your weeknight dinners, you’ve arrived at 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 to dislike tofu will be singing its praises after trying this dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

I love how simple it is to whip up this meal in just 30 minutes. Plus, it features wholesome ingredients that not only taste amazing but also nourish your body. So let’s dive into why you’ll fall head over heels for this Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Flavor Explosion: The sweet and sour homemade orange sauce complements the crispy tofu beautifully.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is loved by both kids and adults alike; it’s bound to be a new favorite!
• Versatile: Enjoy it over rice or toss it into a stir-fry for extra veggies.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra to enjoy throughout the week—perfect for lunches!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering good ingredients is half the fun of cooking! For this Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu), you’ll need simple and wholesome components that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

One of the best parts about cooking is getting creative! This recipe is flexible, so feel free to mix things up according to your taste. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using seitan or tempeh for a different texture.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add more Sriracha or fresh chili peppers if you’re craving heat.
• Citrus twist: Substitute lemon or lime juice for a zesty change.

How to Make Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Start by pressing and patting dry your tofu. This step helps remove excess moisture, allowing it to crisp up beautifully when fried. If you’re using Trader Joe’s High Protein Tofu, you can skip this step! Break the tofu into small nuggets; rough edges help the batter cling better.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well before adding water gradually until you achieve a runny batter—not too thick! This batter will coat the tofu perfectly.

Step 3: Fry the Tofu

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add your battered tofu pieces one by one. Fry them for about 5–6 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use paper towels on a plate to absorb any excess oil once they’re done.

Step 4: Whip Up the Sauce

In another mixing bowl, combine all your sauce ingredients—orange juice, sugar, tamari/soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sriracha (if using), ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and orange zest. Stir until everything is well combined; this sauce will bring all those delicious flavors together!

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour your sauce mixture into a skillet over medium heat and let it simmer for about five minutes while stirring continuously. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and thicken up nicely.

Step 6: Combine Tofu with Sauce

Once your sauce has thickened after simmering for five minutes, gently add your crispy tofu pieces back into the skillet. Toss them until every nugget is evenly coated in that luscious orange sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) over steaming white or brown rice for a comforting meal that everyone will love! Enjoy every bite—you’ve earned it!

This dish truly brings joy to any table and showcases how easy plant-based meals can be deliciously satisfying!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Creating the perfect Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few expert tips up your sleeve!

• Press Your Tofu: If you’re not using high-protein tofu, pressing it for at least 15 minutes helps remove excess water, allowing it to absorb more flavors and achieve that ideal crispy texture.
• Use Hot Oil for Frying: Ensuring your oil is hot before adding the tofu will create a crispy crust that locks in moisture, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on your preference, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce. A little more can enhance the sweetness, while less can balance out if you prefer a more savory dish.
• Experiment with Sauce Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to customize the sauce by adding other ingredients like sesame oil or hoisin sauce for additional depth of flavor. This can make your dish uniquely yours!
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve your Vegan Orange Chicken right after coating it in the sauce. This ensures that the tofu remains crispy and delicious.

How to Serve Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Presenting your Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) beautifully can enhance both its appeal and taste, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some fun ways to elevate your dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkling chopped green onions adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color that complements the dish beautifully.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds provides an extra layer of flavor and a delightful nutty crunch.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice serves as a perfect base for soaking up all that luscious orange sauce.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quick stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas add color and nutrients while balancing out the meal’s richness.
• Crispy Spring Rolls: Crunchy spring rolls filled with vegetables make for a fantastic appetizer or side dish, providing an exciting textural contrast.
• Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar offers a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet-and-sour chicken, enhancing your dining experience.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re set to impress family and friends with your very own Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) is a fantastic dish for meal prep! It stores well and can be made in advance, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or lunch boxes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the tofu separate from the sauce if you prefer it to stay crispy longer.

Freezing

• Allow the tofu to cool completely before freezing.
• Place the tofu and sauce in separate airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the tofu in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.
• You can also microwave it, but the texture may not be as crisp. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I use different types of tofu for Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)?

Absolutely! While firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe due to its texture, you can experiment with other types. Just keep in mind that softer types may not hold their shape as well when cooked.

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

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, which is gluten-free. Additionally, ensure that your cornstarch and any other ingredients used are labeled gluten-free.

What side dishes pair well with Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. You might also consider serving it alongside sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) as much as I do! It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite that even non-tofu lovers will appreciate. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!