Crispy Orange Tofu

For more easy tofu dinners, check out my General Tso’s Tofu, Sticky Sriracha Tofu, and Sweet and Sour Tofu recipes while you’re here. Just one bite of this Crispy Orange Tofu reminds me of my pre-vegan dinners at one particular popular food chain. I used to love their orange chicken, but now I rely on this veganized version to kick my cravings. By swapping the meat for the most delectable crispy baked tofu nuggets and dousing them in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, I’m still left with a dreamy takeout-inspired dinner. Like my Peanut Tofu and Black Pepper Tofu recipes, you can always rely on my crispy orange tofu recipe when you need an easy weeknight meal or when the kids are begging for Chinese takeout. All you have to do is get some rice cooking, bake the tofu, make your orange sauce, and then mix it all together. No one will even notice that you didn’t order in!

Why you’ll love this orange tofu recipe

A takeout favorite made vegan – This orange tofu recipe honestly tastes better than the take-out I used to get. It’s easy to make and always a family favorite, too! Meaty baked tofu – Leave it to the oven to give you the meatiest, crispiest, and most tender baked tofu pieces. Or, if you’re in a hurry, feel free to pan-fry or air fry the tofu instead. A simple sticky orange sauce – Freshly squeezed orange juice, pantry staples, a little bit of sugar, aromatics, and cornstarch are all you need to make the delicious orange sauce.

How to make baked orange tofu

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below. Press the tofu to drain the excess liquid for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. After pressing, slice the tofu into cubes and place them in a large ziplock bag, along with the olive oil or soy sauce and cornstarch. Close the bag and shake to coat. Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer on the lined baking sheet and bake until they’re crispy and lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside. Next, make the orange sauce by combining all of the ingredients (except the cornstarch and water) in a large skillet. Whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. Heat the sauce to a boil, then pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and stir continuously until it thickens. Add the baked tofu pieces to the pan and stir to coat in the sticky orange sauce. Remove from the heat and serve the vegan orange chicken right away with cooked brown or white rice or quinoa, a side of steamed broccoli or cauliflower, and green onions and/or sesame seeds on top. Enjoy!