Crispy Orange Tofu (vegan + gf)

This crispy orange tofu recipe is beyond finger licking good! Just like your favorite Chinese orange chicken takeout, the juicy pan-fried tofu morsels are super crispy and drenched in a spicy-sweet and tangy Asian orange sauce. Every mouthwatering bite will leave you craving more.

Now you can experience the classic flavors and textures of the beloved take-out dish orange chicken at home with this delectable pan-fried orange tofu recipe. It's a quick and easy tofu dish that everyone devours - even the kids!

This succulent, spicy vegan orange chicken is an absolute must-try for all food enthusiasts (vegan or not)!

Ingredients for Crispy Orange Glazed Tofu

Made with extra firm tofu and a handful of pantry ingredients, this tasty orange tofu is an inexpensive vegan and gluten-free dinner. Let's get into the details:  

Ingredients for the crispy tofu:

• Tofu: I recommend extra firm tofu (vacuum packed) found in the refrigerated aisle.
• Dry Seasoning: Coarse ground black pepper and garlic powder.
• Liquid Seasoning: Sambal oelek and soy sauce.
• Cornstarch: To create the crispy tofu crust.
• Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the frying like canola or vegetable.

Ingredients for the orange sauce: Gather together fresh oranges (3-4) plus orange zest, soy sauce and white vinegar, fresh ginger and garlic, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and fresh red chiles. As well as cornstarch and cold water for the cornstarch slurry.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

This tofu recipe is flexible - sub with what you have on hand. Here's a few swaps:

• Orange juice: I really like freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for this recipe but pre-mixed orange juice is fine too.
• Acid: Can sub white vinegar with rice vinegar (white vinegar has a sharper/stronger flavor).
• Soy sauce: For gluten free orange sauce, use tamari or gluten free soy sauce.
• Sweetness: Use coconut sugar, maple syrup or agave in place of brown sugar. This recipe is on the lighter side of sweet. Customize the level of sweetness to your personal preference. Some people like it a bit sweeter, some don't - taste as you go!
• Make it spicy: For a spicier orange sauce, add thinly sliced red chili peppers to the pan when you fry the aromatics or use as a garnish sprinkled on top. Highly recommended!

Customize the orange sauce to your personal preference! Tangier? Add more vinegar. Saltier or more depth? Add more soy sauce. Sweeter? Add more sugar. Spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or fresh red chiles.

How to Make the BEST Orange Tofu

It's easy to recreate the Panda Express popular orange chicken dish at home including the secret sweet and spicy orange glaze with one easy swap - crispy pan-fried tofu. Let's make a batch together:

1. Start with extra-firm tofu: Drain the tofu, pat dry then cut into cubes or break into bite-size morsels. Toss the tofu pieces with the seasonings then dredge in cornstarch until evenly coated. The coating should be sticky and thick - not runny.

2. Pan fry the tofu: To make the best, crispy tofu, pan fry it over medium-high. Add the tofu (in batches as necessary) and cook in hot oil until golden. Use a spider or slotted spoon (not plastic) to flip and stir the tofu until all sides are golden and crispy. This will take only 2-4 minutes.
3. After that transfer the tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

4. Prepare Panda's copycat Orange Sauce: Fry the aromatics until fragrant (10-30 seconds) then add the orange sauce ingredients (except the cornstarch slurry) and bring up to a boil. Reduce the heat then add the cornstarch slurry (half at a time) whisking to thicken the orange glaze. Add more liquid if the sauce becomes too thick.

5. Ready to eat?: Add the crispy tofu to the spicy orange glaze and toss until coated. Serve immediately topped with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, orange zest, and thinly sliced red chiles (if using).

Tofu Cooking Options: This crispy tofu can be cooked in the air fryer: air fryer tofu or oven: oven baked tofu for a delicious, healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips for Crispy Tofu

Our family loves tofu, and I make it A LOT - I consider myself somewhat of a tofu expert! Here's a few tips I've learned over the years:

• What kind of tofu should I use?: For crispy tofu, use extra firm tofu (vacuum packed) which has a lower water content than silken or medium tofu. Tofu texture varies from brand to brand. If your extra firm tofu is on the soft side, wrap it, add a couple heavy cookbooks then let it press for ~20-30 minutes to release excess moisture. Or use a tofu press if you have one.
• What role oil plays in crisping tofu: Oil heats to a very high temperature which sears the outside edges of tofu turning it ultra crispy.
• What does cornstarch do in frying?: Cornstarch helps remove moisture from the surface of the tofu and creates a thin crust that becomes crispy in the hot oil.
• How long do I fry the tofu?: Use enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the tofu cubes (½") then they only have to be flipped once. Or break the tofu into morsels then just stir the tofu pieces in the hot oil until they are golden and crispy. Around 2-4 minutes.
• Oil-free option: Skip the oil and use a non-stick skillet. Place the tofu in the hot skillet then don't touch it until it naturally release (~2 minutes on medium high). Flip the pieces then follow the recipe as written. Side Note: The oil-free tofu will not be as crispy, but the texture is meaty and it tastes delicious.
• Million Dollar Tofu Tip: Don't overcook the tofu! Overcooked tofu is rubbery and dry (not great). When you first start cooking tofu, test it periodically as you're cooking until you find the perfect combination of time, temperature, and texture to suit your taste (rare, medium or well done).
• How to Zest an Orange: See recipe notes.

How to Serve Orange Tofu

Incredible on its own or make a hearty, gluten free, vegan meal by adding a side of rice, quinoa or noodles with steamed broccoli, bok choy or your favorite greens.

Storing & Reheating Cooked Tofu

Leftover tofu will keep well in the fridge all week. Although it won't be crispy, it is still beyond delicious. Reheat on the stove, in a toaster oven or the microwave.

More Drool Worthy Vegan Recipes

If you're loving tofu, browse the blog for even more incredible tofu recipes. In the meantime, here's a few favorite vegan recipes we're loving right now:

• Vegan Caesar Salad
• Vegan Peanut Tofu Bowl (my favorite meal!)
• Vegan Lentil Bolognese
• The Best Tofu Scramble (fluffy + eggy)
• Succulent Vegan Shawarma with 2 mouthwatering sauces!
• Elevate your meals with a tasty vegan sauce!

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