What To Know
- In this culinary adventure, we embarked on a journey to create a plant-based rendition of the classic orange chicken dish.
- With its crispy tofu coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, this recipe delivers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a flexitarian exploring new culinary horizons, or simply a lover of delicious food, this orange chicken recipe tofu is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Orange chicken is a beloved dish enjoyed by many, but for those following a plant-based diet, it can be challenging to find a satisfying alternative. This orange chicken recipe tofu offers a delicious and cruelty-free option that captures the classic flavors of the original dish. With its crispy tofu coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tofu:
- Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
2. Make the Orange Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
3. Coat the Tofu:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the tofu cubes in the flour mixture, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Fry the Tofu:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove the tofu from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour the orange sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Combine the Tofu and Sauce:
- Add the fried tofu cubes to the skillet with the orange sauce.
- Stir gently to coat the tofu in the sauce.
7. Serve:
- Serve the orange chicken tofu over rice or noodles, garnished with fresh orange slices and green onions.
Tips for Making the Best Orange Chicken Recipe Tofu
- For extra crispy tofu, double-coat it in the flour mixture before frying.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- Serve the orange chicken tofu with your favorite sides, such as steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or wontons.
- For a healthier version, use whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce.
Variations on the Orange Chicken Recipe Tofu
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based alternative to soy sauce, such as tamari or coconut aminos.
- Add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas.
- Experiment with different citrus fruits in the sauce, such as lemon, grapefruit, or tangerine.
- For a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
Benefits of Eating Orange Chicken Recipe Tofu
- Tofu is a good source of protein, iron, calcium, and fiber.
- Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
- Soy sauce contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Brown sugar provides a natural sweetness and contains small amounts of essential minerals.
What to Serve with Orange Chicken Recipe Tofu
- Steamed rice or noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Wontons
- Egg rolls
- Spring rolls
- Fortune cookies
“Orange You Glad You Tried Orange Chicken Recipe Tofu?” – A Unique Conclusion
In this culinary adventure, we embarked on a journey to create a plant-based rendition of the classic orange chicken dish. With its crispy tofu coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, this recipe delivers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a flexitarian exploring new culinary horizons, or simply a lover of delicious food, this orange chicken recipe tofu is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and prepare to be amazed by the transformative power of plant-based cooking. Happy cooking!
Top Questions Asked
1. Can I use a different type of tofu in this recipe?
Yes, you can use firm or extra-firm tofu in this recipe. However, softer tofu will not hold its shape as well during frying.
2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry, which is a mixture of cornstarch and water. Simply combine equal parts cornstarch and water in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Then, add the slurry to the simmering sauce and stir until thickened.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the orange chicken tofu ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. To do this, simply fry the tofu and prepare the sauce according to the recipe. Then, store the tofu and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the tofu and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
