If you are craving that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors without any animal products, this Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dish. It captures all the vibrant zest of classic orange chicken using crispy tofu as a delightful plant-based alternative. With its golden, crunchy tofu cubes bathed in a glossy, flavorful orange sauce, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to whip up on any weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to create a harmonious blend of texture, flavor, and color. From the crispiness of the tofu to the bright, citrusy pop brought by orange juice and zest, everything plays a crucial role in making this recipe stand out.
- Neutral oil (½ cup): Perfect for frying tofu to an irresistible golden crisp without overpowering the flavors.
- Tofu (1 package, 16 oz/454 g): The star ingredient providing a meaty texture that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (â…“ cup): Helps create the light, crunchy batter coating for the tofu cubes.
- Cornstarch (â…“ cup plus 2 tablespoons): Adds crispiness to the batter and thickens the sauce to luscious perfection.
- Water (¼–⅓ cup): Adjusts the batter consistency for a perfect coating.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory note to the batter.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors.
- Orange juice (1 cup): Infuses the dish with bright citrus flavor that defines the recipe.
- Sugar (⅓–½ cup): Balances the acidity with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Tamari or soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides umami depth and that classic savory hit.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds mild acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon, optional): Gives the sauce a gentle spicy kick for those who love heat.
- Crushed ginger (2 teaspoons): Warms the flavors with aromatic spice.
- Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Boosts savory richness in the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): A subtle punch of spice for extra zing.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Finally, an extra burst of fragrant citrus to garnish and elevate the dish.
How to Make Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Tofu
Start by pressing your tofu to remove as much moisture as possible—this step is essential for achieving that coveted crispy texture. Once drained, cut it into bite-sized cubes that will soak up the tasty batter and sauce evenly.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt. Gradually add water, stirring until you have a smooth batter that’s thick enough to coat the tofu but not overly heavy.
Step 3: Fry the Tofu
Heat the neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each tofu cube in the batter, making sure it’s well coated, then carefully fry them until they’re golden brown and perfectly crispy. This step is where the magic begins as the tofu transforms into a crunchy, satisfying base for the dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
While the tofu crisps up, whisk together orange juice, sugar, tamari, rice vinegar, optional Sriracha, crushed ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This vibrant mix is your sauce, packed with layers of bold, complementary flavors.
Step 5: Combine Tofu and Sauce
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the fried tofu. Stir in additional cornstarch to help thicken the sauce so it coats each tofu piece in a glossy, flavorful glaze. Allow everything to simmer for a few minutes so the tofu absorbs that tangy, sweet, and spicy essence.
Step 6: Garnish and Finish
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh orange zest. This final touch adds a fragrant brightness that really brings the whole Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe to life.
How to Serve Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Freshly chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even thinly sliced red chili peppers can add texture and a pop of color, enhancing both the presentation and the flavor profile of your dish.
Side Dishes
Serve it up with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up that luscious orange sauce. Crunchy steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp Asian slaw alongside can introduce a refreshing contrast that keeps each bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Vegan Orange Chicken over a bed of noodles or stuff it inside lettuce cups for a hand-held delight. You can also turn it into a vibrant bowl topped with avocado slices and crunchy peanuts—mixing textures and flavors is a surefire way to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Vegan Orange Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tofu may soften a little over time, but the bold orange flavors deepen and become even more delicious.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to help restore the tofu’s crispness and warm the sauce evenly. If you prefer the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out the tofu.
FAQs
Can I use tempeh instead of tofu in this Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Tempeh’s nuttier flavor and firmer texture make a great alternative if you prefer something a bit chewier. Just adjust frying time accordingly to get that perfect crisp.
Is the sauce very spicy?
The level of heat depends on how much Sriracha and red pepper flakes you add. For a milder version, you can leave out the Sriracha or reduce the pepper flakes. The sauce still packs plenty of tasty zing without overwhelming heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and tamari (make sure it’s gluten-free) instead of regular soy sauce. This keeps the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make the tofu extra crispy?
Pressing the tofu well is the key first step. Additionally, frying it in batches without overcrowding the pan and making sure the oil is hot enough will help get that beautifully crisp coating each time.
What can I use if I don’t have orange juice?
If fresh orange juice isn’t available, bottled orange juice works fine. Alternatively, try mixing pineapple juice with a splash of lemon for a similar sweet, tangy effect that still complements the sauce wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic favorite with a fresh, plant-based twist. Once you try it, you’ll love how easy it is to make and how packed it is with flavor and texture. Trust me, this one will be a staple in your kitchen for years to come—so grab your tofu, get frying, and treat yourself to some seriously delicious orange chicken goodness.
Print
Vegan Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and healthy Vegan Orange Chicken recipe that features crispy fried tofu coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Perfect for those seeking a plant-based alternative to the classic dish, this recipe is packed with vibrant flavors and easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
- ½ cup neutral oil (canola)
- 1 package of tofu (16 oz/454 g)
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- â…“ cup cornstarch
- ¼–⅓ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice
- ⅓–½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (optional)
- 2 teaspoons crushed ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Press Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes to prepare for frying.
- Prepare Batter: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt. Gradually add water (about ¼ to ⅓ cup) to create a smooth batter.
- Coat and Fry Tofu: Dip the tofu cubes into the batter until fully coated. Heat the neutral oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the coated tofu pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make Orange Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, sugar, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sriracha (if using), crushed ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Combine Tofu and Sauce: Pour the orange sauce over the fried tofu in the pan. Mix the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then add it to the pan to thicken the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce coats the tofu evenly and thickens to a glossy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the orange zest over the tofu for a fresh citrus aroma and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Pressing tofu is essential to remove excess moisture and ensure it fries crispy.
- You can adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the sauce by varying the sugar and Sriracha amounts to taste.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, for frying.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and tamari.
