Vegan Orange Tofu

This Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe is my take on a vegan version of Panda Express orange chicken. It’s so flavorful and perfect for a kid-friendly weeknight dinner.

Remember that Healthy Orange Sauce Recipe I posted a few days ago? Well, we are using it today! I combined it with my Crispy Tofu Recipe and am excited to share this Vegan Orange Tofu.

I’m embarrassed to admit how much orange chicken I consumed from Panda Express in college. But now that I’m older, not eating meat, and trying to eat healthier, I decided to make a vegetarian version! It turned out great, and I hope you enjoy it, too 🙂

Why Your Body Will Love This Orange Tofu Recipe

• Tofu – Tofu is a terrific meat-free protein source; half a cup of firm tofu contains nearly 22 grams. It’s also rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, contributing to healthy bones. The isoflavones found in tofu may even prevent bone disease in women. They also reduce the not-so-great form of cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Tamari – Tamari is naturally vegan and gluten-free and contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, like isoflavones, which help reduce oxidative stress. It contains two grams of protein per Tablespoon and supports gut and microbiome health.
• Garlic – Garlic has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can boost the immune system and help prevent viruses from entering host cells or replicating inside cells. Garlic may also help stimulate the action and production of immune cells, which can help the body fight disease and infection.

Orange Tofu Recipe Ingredients

• Tofu – I used one package of extra-firm tofu, patted dry and pressed for at least 15 minutes.
• Toasted sesame oil – If you don’t like or have sesame oil on hand, you can use your favorite oil.
• Tamari – I like to use tamari, but soy sauce will also work.
• Garlic – I use garlic powder for the tofu and a clove of fresh garlic for the sauce.
• Orange juice – I like to use fresh-squeezed orange juice for my sauce, but storebought will also do the trick.
• Ginger – For the sauce, I use grated fresh ginger.
• Pure maple syrup
• Rice wine vinegar
• Arrowroot or cornstarch

How To Make This Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, tamari, garlic powder, maple syrup, and vinegar.
2. Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized pieces and place them in the oil mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to stir the tofu and ensure it’s completely coated. Next, sprinkle over 1 teaspoon of the arrowroot powder and mix well until all the tofu is coated. Then, sprinkle on the remaining teaspoon of arrowroot powder and gently mix until you can’t see the dry white powder any longer.
3. Line a large baking sheet with a non-stick mat or parchment paper. Pour the tofu on the sheet and arrange it so that none of the pieces touch each other. Bake the tofu for about 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy, stirring 2-3 times during the baking. Let the tofu sit for a few minutes to crisp up even more.
4. Add all orange sauce ingredients to a jar or bowl and whisk until combined. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in orange sauce. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add crispy tofu and mix together. Enjoy over rice, if desired.

Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe Tips

• If you don’t want to take the time to crisp the tofu in the oven, you can always cook it in a pan instead. If doing this, add the orange sauce to the pan once the tofu is almost finished cooking.
• If you don’t like tofu, you could substitute tempeh or chickpeas.
• The tofu doesn’t stay as crispy as leftovers, but it has a nice chew, and I still enjoy it the next day. It’s best if you can heat it back up.
• I’ve read that if you’re mixing your crispy tofu with a sauce, it’s best to use cornstarch. Cornstarch will prevent the tofu from feeling slimy once combined.
• I enjoyed my vegan orange tofu on top of white rice, but you can also use cauliflower rice, brown rice, quinoa, or any other grain you like. I also added sesame seeds and green onion.
• This orange tofu recipe is great for a weeknight meal or meal prep. It’s also super kid-friendly! My son loves oranges and tofu, so he’s always excited when I make this for dinner.

Have a question about this recipe? Ask me in the comments, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

Looking For More Asian-inspired Vegetarian Meals?

Ginger Sesame Noodles

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Orange Ginger Zucchini Noodles

Sticky Lemon Cauliflower

Vegan Orange Tofu

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 6 reviews

• Author: She Likes Food
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Vegan Orange Tofu is perfect for an exciting weeknight dinner that is so easy to make!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

CRISPY TOFU:

• 1 (14 oz) container extra firm tofu, patted dry and pressed for at least 15 minutes
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, or your favorite oil
• 1 teaspoon tamari, or soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot or corn starch

• Orange Sauce
• 1/2 cup orange juice, I like to use fresh squeezed
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons low sodium tamari
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, tamari, garlic powder, maple syrup and vinegar.
2. Cut the pressed tofu into bite sized pieces and place in the oil mixture.  Use a spoon or spatula to stir the tofu and make sure it’s completely coated.  Next, sprinkle over 1 teaspoon of the arrowroot powder and mix well until all the tofu is coated.  Then, sprinkle on the remaining teaspoon of arrowroot powder and give a gentle mix just until you can’t see the dry white powder anymore.
3. Line a large baking sheet with a non-stick mat or parchment paper.  Pour the tofu and and arrange it so that none of the pieces are touching each other.  Bake tofu for about 25-30 minutes, until golden and crispy, stirring 2-3 times during the baking.  Let tofu sit for a few minutes to crisp up even more.
4. Add all orange sauce ingredients to a jar or bowl and whisk until combined.  Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in orange sauce.  Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.  Add crispy tofu and mix together.  Enjoy over rice, if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Dinner, Vegan
• Method: Stovetop, Oven
• Cuisine: Asian