Skip the takeout! This easy orange tofu recipe features crispy tofu tossed in a sweet and sticky orange sauce. It’s a vegan twist on the classic Chinese orange chicken—quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a family-friendly dinner.
Break the tofu up into medium sized pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to tofu, tossing to coat. Add more cornstarch if needed until tofu has a thick, even coat on it.
2 14 ounce extra firm tofu, ¼ -⅓ cup cornstarch
Lay the tofu out on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Spray the top of the tofu with cooking oil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning tofu over halfway through.
Mix the one tablespoon of miso with 2 tablespoons warm water in a small bowl. When miso is dissolved, add the orange juice, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar. Finally add sugar and stir dissolve. When well mixed add two teaspoons of cornstarch and two teaspoons sesame oil, whisking until smooth.
⅔ cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos, 1 tablespoon miso, 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon brown sugar
When the tofu is just about ready, heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a wok over medium high heat. When hot, add green onions, garlic, ginger and Sriracha to the pan. Cook stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 inch piece ginger, 2 cloves garlic, 5 green onions, 2 teaspoons Sriracha
Add prepared orange sauce mixture to the wok. Bring it to a boil and cook until thickened, approximately 2 minutes.
Add cooked tofu and orange zest to the wok and toss to coat. Warm over low to medium heat until heated thoroughly, about 1-2 minutes.
1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
Serve immediately with rice and steamed broccoli. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Tofu
Want to use the air fryer instead of the oven? Add the tofu to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes at 375° F turning halfway through the cooking time.
Notes
Press the Tofu: For best texture, press the tofu before crumbling. Use a tofu press or wrap it in a clean towel and place a heavy pan on top for 15–20 minutes.
Crispy Results: Bake the tofu in a preheated oven, spray with oil, and flip at least once. Pressing it first is key to getting it golden and crisp!
Add Veggies: Stir in 2 cups of blanched broccoli at the end or sauté chopped onion and bell pepper with the garlic, ginger, and onions for extra flavor.
Want Firmer Tofu? Freeze the tofu block ahead of time, then thaw, press, and crumble before using. It gives the tofu a chewier, meatier texture.