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- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1 cup cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for frying) - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 3 cloves garlic, minced - ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) Gathering the right ingredients is key to this dish. Firm tofu holds its shape well and gives a nice bite. Cornstarch creates that crispy coating we love. Vegetable oil is perfect for frying. Fresh ginger adds a warm kick, while garlic gives depth to the flavor. Using freshly squeezed orange juice makes the dish bright and zesty. For the sauce, soy sauce adds umami. Rice vinegar gives it tang, and honey or agave syrup balances the flavors with sweetness. Sesame oil adds richness, and red pepper flakes give it a little heat. Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking. This will help things move smoothly and keep the flavors bright. Enjoy the process, and get ready for a meal that’s better than takeout! Pressing the tofu Start by pressing the tofu. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top. This helps remove excess moisture. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, the tofu will be firmer and less watery. Cutting into cubes After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly. It also makes them easy to toss in the sauce later. Coating with cornstarch Next, get a shallow dish and add the cornstarch. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. Coat each tofu cube in the cornstarch. Shake off the excess. This will give the tofu a nice crispy texture when fried. Frying until crispy Now, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. When done, remove them and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Sautéing ginger and garlic In the same pan, remove excess oil but leave about 1 tablespoon. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want to do this until they smell fragrant. Combining sauce ingredients Next, reduce the heat to medium. Add the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or agave syrup), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will help it thicken slightly. Tossing tofu in the sauce Now, add the crispy tofu back into the pan. Gently toss it in the sauce. Make sure each piece is coated evenly without breaking them. Final heating step Cook everything together for another minute. This step warms up the tofu and helps it absorb the flavors. Once done, remove it from the heat and transfer to a serving dish. To get that perfect crunch, pressing the tofu is key. This step removes extra water, which can make your tofu soggy. Wrap your tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Frying the tofu right also matters. Use a large frying pan or wok. Heat a good amount of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This method ensures a crunchy outside and soft inside. You can adjust the sweetness and spice in the sauce to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or agave syrup. For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also try using maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. If you have dietary needs, swap out some ingredients. Use low-sodium soy sauce for less salt. For a gluten-free version, choose tamari instead of soy sauce. These small changes can make the recipe fit your diet while keeping the flavor strong. This crispy orange tofu pairs well with many side dishes. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a classic touch. You can also add stir-fried veggies for a colorful plate. For garnishing, sliced green onions and sesame seeds add a nice finish. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. These simple tips make your meal look and taste amazing! {{image_2}} If you want to make this dish vegan, just swap honey for agave syrup. Both sweeteners work well in the sauce. You can also add more veggies. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to boost flavor and texture. These add color and extra crunch. Tofu is great, but you can try other proteins, too. Use tempeh for a nutty taste. If you like meat, chicken or shrimp work well. For chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook it the same way as tofu. For shrimp, just sauté them until they turn pink. Both options soak up the sauce nicely. Add more flavor by infusing your dish with citrus zest. Grate some orange or lime peel and mix it into the sauce. This gives a fresh punch. You can also play with herbs and spices. Add cilantro, basil, or even a pinch of cumin. These choices change the dish and keep it fun! To keep your crispy orange tofu fresh, follow these steps: - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. - Enjoy within three days for the best taste. When you're ready to eat, reheating is simple: - Use a frying pan over medium heat. - Add a splash of oil to bring back the crisp. - Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze crispy orange tofu: - Allow it to cool completely. - Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. - Remove as much air as possible before sealing. For the best results, here’s how to thaw and reheat: - Thaw the tofu in the fridge overnight. - Reheat it in a frying pan to restore the texture. - Add a bit of oil to help it crisp up again. Freezing can change the texture, but it still tastes great! To make tofu less watery, you should press it well. Here’s how: - Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. - Place a heavy object on top. A cast iron pan works great. - Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will squeeze out the water. Pressing tofu helps it absorb more flavors and get crispy when cooked. Yes, you can use different oils for frying tofu. Here are some good options: - Canola oil: It has a neutral flavor and high smoke point. - Peanut oil: Great for a nutty flavor and crispy texture. - Sunflower oil: Another neutral oil that works well. These oils can give your tofu a nice crunch and taste. To add heat to this dish, try these options: - Red pepper flakes: Add more to the sauce for extra spice. - Chili paste or sauce: Mix a teaspoon into the sauce for a kick. - Sriracha: Drizzle on top before serving for a spicy touch. These choices can make your crispy orange tofu pack more heat. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Here are some alternatives: - Soy sauce: Use tamari instead, which is gluten-free. - Rice vinegar: This is naturally gluten-free. - Honey: This is gluten-free, but check the label for added ingredients. These swaps keep the flavor while making it safe for a gluten-free diet. This article covered how to make crispy orange tofu. We explored essential ingredients like firm tofu and fresh ginger. You learned step-by-step instructions on pressing, frying, and saucing the tofu. Tips on getting maximum crispiness and sauce variations helped you customize the dish. Remember, cooking is fun. Feel free to play with flavors and ingredients. Try new side dishes or garnishes to make your dish special. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Crispy Orange Tofu Better Than Takeout

Discover the ultimate recipe for Crispy Orange Tofu that's better than takeout! This dish features perfectly fried tofu tossed in a zesty orange sauce, making it a delightful meal everyone will love. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it's perfect for dinner any night of the week. Ready to elevate your cooking? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a deliciously crispy homemade feast!
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Ingredients
  

1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed

1 cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for frying)

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by pressing the tofu: wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top to remove excess moisture for about 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

    In a shallow dish, add the cornstarch and season lightly with salt and pepper. Coat each tofu cube in cornstarch, shaking off excess. This will give you that crispy texture.

      Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

        In the same pan, remove excess oil leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

          Reduce heat to medium and add the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or agave syrup, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

            Add the crispy tofu back to the pan and gently toss it in the sauce to coat evenly, making sure not to break the tofu. Cook for another minute until everything is heated through.

              Remove from heat and transfer the orange tofu to a serving dish.

                Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy orange tofu over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for added color and aroma.