Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

Food evokes memories and feelings, and Vegan Orange Chicken holds a special place in my culinary heart. I remember my first time trying this dish at a bustling food market, where the sweet, tangy orange glaze filled the air with a tantalizing aroma. That moment ignited a passion to recreate this delicious dish at home, but with a plant-based twist.

The magic of Vegan Orange Chicken lies in its zesty flavors, combining crispy tofu with a luscious sauce that dances across the taste buds. Tofu, a versatile ingredient, transforms into crispy nuggets that absorb the sauce beautifully. Remembering how much I enjoyed this dish, I decided to put my spin on it, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, especially those exploring plant-based cooking.

In this recipe, the bright freshness of orange juice complements the savory elements while the spices elevate everything to new heights. Cooking does not just nourish; it brings joy and connection, and what better way to do so than with a dish like Vegan Orange Chicken? Let’s dive into crafting this delightful dish together.

Vegan Orange Chicken: Fundamentals

Creating Vegan Orange Chicken involves understanding key components that bring this dish to life. You need the right balance of textures and flavors to achieve the ideal meal. Tofu makes an excellent protein base, offering a subtle flavor that easily absorbs the surrounding ingredients. Selecting the right oil for frying is crucial; a neutral oil like canola ensures that the taste of the tofu shines through without interference.

For the crispy coating, a blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch works wonders. The cornstarch provides that golden, crispy texture that we all love. Spices such as garlic powder and crushed ginger infuse the batter with depth, while salt enhances the overall flavor profile.

Preparation/Setup

Preparation starts with pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, especially if you’re using regular tofu. For a quick option, Trader Joe’s High Protein Tofu requires no pressing, saving time. Breaking the tofu into small, 1-inch nuggets provides rough edges that create crisper pieces when frying.

Set up your workstation by gathering all the ingredients and tools. A large skillet is essential for frying the tofu in batches, allowing enough space for even cooking. Having everything within reach makes the cooking process more enjoyable and efficient.

Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following ingredients ready:

• 1/2 cup neutral oil (canola works well)
• 1 package of tofu (16 oz / 454 g)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4-1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup of orange juice
• 1/3-1/2 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
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Directions

1. Begin by pressing and patting dry the tofu. If using Trader Joe’s High Protein Tofu, no pressing is necessary. Break the tofu into small, 1-inch nuggets.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well.

3. Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, whisking until you achieve a runny batter that’s not too thick.

4. Coat the tofu chunks evenly in the batter, ensuring all pieces are covered.

5. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu pieces one by one. Fry for 5-6 minutes on each side or until the nuggets turn golden brown.

6. When the tofu is ready, place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

7. Next, combine all the sauce ingredients—orange juice, sugar, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sriracha (if using), crushed ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes—in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.

8. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and pour in the sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring until it thickens.

9. Finally, add the crispy tofu to the sauce, mixing well to ensure every piece is coated.

10. Serve the Vegan Orange Chicken over steamed rice, and enjoy the vibrant flavors!

Enhancing Your Vegan Orange Chicken

The technique behind crafting Vegan Orange Chicken involves careful frying and saucing. Frying the tofu in hot oil creates that signature crispy exterior, while the sauce enhances the overall flavor immensely.

Technique

To achieve crispiness, ensure the oil reaches a high enough temperature before adding the tofu. If the oil is not hot enough, the tofu will absorb more oil, becoming soggy instead of crispy. Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding. Each nugget should have space to breathe and develop that golden color.

Tips/Tricks

• For extra crunch, consider double-coating the tofu pieces by repeating the battering process. This adds an additional layer of texture.
• If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to increase the amount of Sriracha or red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
• Experiment with other toppings, such as sesame seeds or chopped green onions, for a burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Perfecting Results

Perfecting your Vegan Orange Chicken involves careful attention throughout each cooking phase. From frying the tofu to simmering the sauce, each step contributes to your dish’s final taste and texture.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your tofu pieces turn out less crispy than desired, ensure they dry thoroughly after pressing. You can also experiment with different frying techniques, like air frying or baking, though results will vary.

For those looking to customize flavors, consider adding sliced bell peppers or broccoli into the sauce during the simmering phase, creating a delightful stir-fry experience.

Serving and Presentation

When serving your Vegan Orange Chicken, presentation plays a big role. Serve it over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, making sure to drizzle extra sauce over the top.

Pairings/Storage

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For storage, any leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, but consider adding a splash of water to refresh the sauce consistency.

Conclusion

Crafting Vegan Orange Chicken at home transforms a delightful dish into an achievable, plant-based meal. The crispy, flavorful tofu paired with a tangy-sweet sauce highlights the joy of cooking and sharing food with others. Embrace the vibrant flavors and enjoy bringing this delightful recipe into your kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you for this culinary journey.

Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu)

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A delightful plant-based twist on the classic orange chicken, featuring crispy tofu coated in a zesty orange sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup neutral oil (canola works well)
• 1 package of tofu (16 oz / 454 g)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4–1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup of orange juice
• 1/3–1/2 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
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Press and pat dry the tofu. If using Trader Joe’s High Protein Tofu, no pressing is necessary. Break the tofu into small, 1-inch nuggets.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well.
3. Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, whisking until you achieve a runny batter that’s not too thick.
4. Coat the tofu chunks evenly in the batter, ensuring all pieces are covered.
5. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu pieces one by one. Fry for 5-6 minutes on each side or until the nuggets turn golden brown.
6. Place the fried tofu on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7. In a mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients—orange juice, sugar, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sriracha (if using), crushed ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
8. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and pour in the sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring until it thickens.
9. Add the crispy tofu to the sauce, mixing well to ensure every piece is coated.
10. Serve over steamed rice and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crunch, consider double-coating the tofu pieces. Adjust Sriracha and red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan, orange chicken, tofu, plant-based, Asian, crispy