What To Know
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly reduced and the tofu is heated through.
- With crispy tofu, a tangy orange sauce, and a medley of flavorful vegetables, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that is both delicious and nutritious.
- Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional orange chicken, this recipe is sure to impress.
Orange chicken is a beloved dish known for its sweet and tangy flavor profile. Traditionally made with chicken, this recipe offers a delicious plant-based alternative using tofu as the main protein. Our vegan orange chicken recipe delivers all the flavors of the classic dish without compromising on taste or texture.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 ounces) firm tofu, pressed and drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup orange zest
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tofu: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Press and drain the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
2. Make the Orange Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Orange Sauce: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Add the Tofu and Orange Juice: Add the crispy tofu cubes and orange juice to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the tofu in the sauce.
6. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, orange zest, ginger, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly reduced and the tofu is heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Orange Chicken
- Use extra-firm tofu for a chewier texture.
- Press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu absorb the flavors of the sauce better.
- Bake the tofu until crispy. This adds a nice contrast to the soft and tangy sauce.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the tofu. This will prevent the tofu from getting crispy.
- Simmer the sauce until it has thickened. This will give the sauce a rich and flavorful consistency.
- Serve the orange chicken immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Variations
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- For a sweeter dish, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
- For a more citrusy flavor, add an extra tablespoon of orange zest.
- You can also add other vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
Health Benefits of Vegan Orange Chicken
This vegan orange chicken recipe is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:
- Tofu is a good source of plant-based protein, iron, calcium, and manganese.
- Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant.
- Vegetables like onion, garlic, and ginger have various health-promoting compounds.
- This recipe is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Allergen Information
This vegan orange chicken recipe is free from the following common allergens:
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Soy (if you use tamari instead of soy sauce)
- Wheat (if you use gluten-free soy sauce)
Recommendations: Savor the Sweet and Tangy Goodness of Vegan Orange Chicken
Our vegan orange chicken recipe is a delightful plant-based take on a classic dish. With crispy tofu, a tangy orange sauce, and a medley of flavorful vegetables, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that is both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional orange chicken, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and prepare to indulge in this delectable vegan treat!
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I use a different type of tofu?
A: Yes, you can use medium-firm tofu if you prefer a softer texture. However, extra-firm tofu is recommended for a chewier texture.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: To thicken the sauce, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the vegetable broth mixture before cooking. You can also simmer the sauce for a few minutes longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus juice?
A: Yes, you can use lemon juice or grapefruit juice instead of orange juice. However, the flavor of the sauce will be slightly different.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the orange sauce and tofu ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and tofu and combine them.
