Crispy Orange “Chicken” Tofu
Discover the delightful crunch and tangy sweetness of our Crispy Orange “Chicken” Tofu. This plant-based take on a classic favorite features extra firm tofu, expertly pressed and cubed, then tossed in a light cornstarch coating for that perfect crispy exterior. Bathed in a zesty orange sauce with a hint of ginger and garlic, each bite offers a burst of vibrant citrus flavor balanced with a subtle sweetness. It's a deliciously satisfying dish that's sure to win over even the most discerning palates, ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
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1 tbspcornstarch
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½ tspsalt
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400 gblock extra firm tofu drained, pressed and cut into 1 inch cubes
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1 tbspcornstarch ¼ cup water, Cornstarch slurry
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3 pcscloves garlic minced
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2 tspminced ginger
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½ cupfreshly squeezed orange juice about 2 medium navel orange
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2 tbspsoy sauce or tamari
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2 tbsprice vinegar
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1 tbspmaple syrup
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1 tsporange zest optional
Instructions
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Combine cornstarch and salt, and mix well. Pat dry tofu cubes using paper towel.
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In a zip bag, place in tofu cubes and cornstarch mixture. Toss until the cubes are well-coated.
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Heat up about ½ tablespoon of neutral oil over medium high heat in a cast iron pan or non-stick pan. Place in tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each sides, or until most sides are golden. A flexible spatula will aid the flipping process. Set aside.
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While tofu is cooking, make cornstarch slurry by combining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with ¼ cup of water.
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In the same pan, pour in another ½ tablespoon of oil. Add in garlic and ginger, and saute until fragrant for 1-2 minutes.
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Next, pour in orange juice, ½ of the soy sauce (1 tablespoon) , vinegar and maple syrup. Bring mixture to a simmer, then add in slurry. Cook until sauce has thicken and is glossy. Turn off heat, give it a taste and add in the rest of the soy sauce and more seasonings, if needed.
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Lastly, stir in pan-fried tofu until they are well-coated. Top with with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve vegan orange chicken with some fluffy rice and enjoy !
