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
Scale
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.
