Spicy Orange Ginger Tofu

This Spicy Orange Ginger Tofu is deceptively easy to make and tastes like a meal you would get at a restaurant! The tofu is coated in batter and panko and then baked to crispy perfection in the oven. It is then tossed with a flavorful homemade orange sauce for an easy and delicious healthy vegetarian dinner!

 This Spicy Orange Ginger Tofu may look impressive, but it’s actually really easy to make!  If you follow along regularly, you have probably noticed that I love making crispy breaded tofu. I used it in a lot of recipes because it just works so well and never disappoints.  Today I am pairing it with my favorite homemade orange sauce and you are definitely going to want to try this!

Tofu doesn’t agree with me as much as it used to, but I still love cooking with it and eating it.  It’s a really versatile ingredient and is great for making a vegan or vegetarian version of your favorite chicken dish.  This Spicy Orange Ginger Tofu is a delicious version of orange chicken!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Tofu Recipe!

• It’s easy to make – This recipe is deceptively easy to make!  The crispy tofu takes hardly any time to prepare and the orange sauce comes together quickly.  You could even use store-bought orange sauce to save more time.
• It tastes like takeout – I strive to make all my recipes taste like something you could get at a restaurant, but this one goes above and beyond!  It really tastes like delicious vegetarian Asian takeout.
• The sauce is fresh and flavorful – The orange sauce is homemade, but really easy and delicious.  It’s made using fresh oranges and zest, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, maple syrup and toasted sesame oil.

Spicy Orange Ginger Tofu Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

• Tofu – I like to use super firm, high protein tofu that I get from either Trader Joe’s or Sprouts.  All you need to do is pat it dry, no pressing needed.  If you can’t find super firm tofu, you can use extra firm tofu and make sure to press it for about 15 minutes.
• Batter – The batter is made using all purpose flour, milk (plant based) and spices.  I like to add in some paprika, granulated garlic and salt and pepper.
• Panko – I like to use panko to make the tofu extra crispy, but regular bread crumbs will also work.  You can also use crushed up crackers if you don’t have breadcrumbs.
• Orange Sauce – The orange sauce is made using orange juice, orange zest, garlic, ginger, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, water and cornstarch.  The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce so it coats the crispy tofu really nicely.
• Optional Ingredients – I like to serve this orange tofu over some regular rice, or cauliflower rice.  I also garnish my tofu with some toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onion and extra chili pepper flakes.

How To Make Easy Orange Ginger Tofu

1. Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees F.  Pat your tofu dry and press, if needed.  You can either cut the tofu into little bite sized pieces or you can tear it into chunks.  I like to tear mine into chunks because it makes the tofu have more nooks and crannies for the sauce to get stuck in.
2. To a large bowl, add the flour and spices.  Give it a quick mix and then add in the milk.  Whisk together until you have a thick batter.  Add the tofu chunks into the bowl and gently mix until all the tofu is completely coated in the batter.
3. Pour the panko over the tofu and carefully mix together until the tofu is coated with the panko.  The panko should stick pretty well to the tofu, but you can also use your fingers to press it on, if there are any parts of the tofu that are lacking in batter.
4. Spray a large sheet pan with cooking spray and carefully dump the tofu onto the pan.  Use your hands to spread the tofu out, making sure it’s in a single layer and not stuck together.  Spray the top of the tofu with more cooking spray and place in the oven. Bake tofu until golden brown and crispy, 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Add all orange sauce ingredients to a jar, or bowl, and whisk until completely combined.  Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add in the orange sauce.  Cook until sauce is thickened and coats the back of a spoon, stirring consistently, about 5 minutes.  Add in crispy tofu and cook just until tofu is completely coated with the sauce.
6. I like to serve my orange tofu on a bed of rice topped with sliced green onions, and toasted sesame oil.  Enjoy!

Tofu Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this recipe gluten free?  No, but you can make it gluten free by making a few easy substitutions.  Use gluten free flour, panko and soy sauce.
• Is this orange tofu vegan?  Yes, this recipe is dairy free and vegan.
• Can store-bought orange sauce be used?  Yes, if you want to cut down on some cooking time you can certainly use store-bought orange sauce.
• How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?  If stored in an airtight container, leftovers should last 4-5 days.
• How should leftovers be re-heated?  Re-heat leftovers in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop.  Re-heat in the oven if you want the tofu to be crispier.

Have a question I didn’t answer?  Ask me in the comment below and I will get back to you ASAP!

Looking For More Amazing Tofu Recipes?

Vegan Tofu Parmesan

Crispy Buffalo Tofu Tacos

Sticky Ginger Cashew Tofu

Balsamic Tofu Sandwiches with Pesto

Buffalo Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Spicy Orange Ginger Tofu

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 3 reviews

• Author: She Likes Food
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Spicy Orange Ginger Tofu is deceptively easy to make and tastes like a meal you would get at a restaurant! The tofu is coated in batter and panko and then baked to crispy perfection in the oven. It is then tossed with a flavorful homemade orange sauce for an easy and delicious healthy vegetarian dinner!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (16 oz) package super firm, or extra firm tofu
• 1/3 cup plain plant based milk, or regular milk
• 1/3 cup all purpose flour, or gluten free all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• For serving: rice, green onion and toasted sesame seeds

Orange Sauce

• 1/2 cup orange juice, I like to use freshly squeezed
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons low sodium tamari
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1–2 clove garlic, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more if you want it spicier
• Pinch of salt, if desired
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees F.  Pat your tofu dry and press, if needed.  You can either cut the tofu into little bite sized pieces or you can tear it into chunks.  I like to tear mine into chunks because it makes the tofu have more nooks and crannies for the sauce to get stuck in.
2. To a large bowl, add the flour and spices.  Give it a quick mix and then add in the milk.  Whisk together until you have a thick batter.  Add the tofu chunks into the bowl and gently mix until all the tofu is completely coated in the batter.
3. Pour the panko over the tofu and carefully mix together until the tofu is coated with the panko.  The panko should stick pretty well to the tofu, but you can also use your fingers to press it on, if there are any parts of the tofu that are lacking in batter.
4. Spray a large sheet pan with cooking spray and carefully dump the tofu onto the pan.  Use your hands to spread the tofu out, making sure it’s in a single layer and not stuck together.  Spray the top of the tofu with more cooking spray and place in the oven. Bake tofu until golden brown and crispy, 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Add all orange sauce ingredients to a jar, or bowl, and whisk until completely combined.  Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add in the orange sauce.  Cook until sauce is thickened and coats the back of a spoon, stirring consistently, about 5 minutes.  Add in crispy tofu and cook just until tofu is completely coated with the sauce.
6. I like to serve my orange tofu on a bed of rice topped with sliced green onions, and toasted sesame oil.  Enjoy!

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Dinner, Vegetarian
• Method: Oven, Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian Inspired