Sticky Orange Tofu

My Sticky Orange Tofu is better than takeout. Naturally sweetened with orange juice, it's low in added sugar but super tasty.

Proteins are where a lot of people tend to struggle when building a meal. It's also a common misconception that vegans and vegetarians don't get enough protein.

Tofu is always one of my top recommendations because it can be cooked in so many ways: tofu meatballs, tofu fajitas, and easy satay tofu stir fries. But if any of those recipes sound too complicated, I would highly recommend starting with this sticky orange tofu recipe.

Not only does this sticky orange tofu taste just like the takeout from your favorite Chinese restaurant, it's the perfect pairing to any power bowl loaded with veggies and a grain of choice. Even the meat lovers will enjoy crispy tofu tossed in the tastiest, sticky orange sauce. Topped with sesame seeds and green onions, it's just one of those super delicious comfort meals.

Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved

Balanced meal in 30 minutes. Sticky orange tofu bowls are a perfect balanced weeknight dinner, especially when served with a high-fibre carb and any veggies of choice.
Power up with plant-based protein. Whether you're vegan or just like to diversify you protein sources, tofu is an amazing source of complete plant-based protein- aka it has all the building blocks your body needs.
Naturally sweetened with just orange juice. Orange tofu and orange chicken from restaurants can be surprisingly high in sugar. This homemade orange tofu recipe uses only the juice from one orange to get in all the citrus flavour without a ton of added sugar.

Ingredients

Tofu. An amazing source of complete plant-based protein. I highly recommend using extra firm tofu for the crispiest tofu.

Orange juice. For natural sweetness and flavour! I recommend using freshly squeezed orange juice (directly from the orange) to help minimize added sugar, however pre-squeezed orange juice will work as well. Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and some may even be fortified with calcium.

Soy sauce. My personal favourite soy sauce is Kikkoman for a traditional flavour. For this recipe, you can use either reduced sodium or regular soy sauce.

Garlic. For the best flavour, use freshly pressed garlic. If you are in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic.

Ginger. Fresh ginger is best if you have it available.

Rice vinegar. Acid is essential to balance the sweet and salty flavours. Rice vinegar adds a lovely slight tang that brings this sauce together.

Sesame oil. For a toasted flavour, vitamin E and healthy fats.

Tomato paste. This adds a rich tomato flavour and thickens it. I do not recommend substituting with tomato sauce as that will alter the viscocity of the sauce.

Cornstarch. A cornstarch slurry is essential in thickening up the orange sauce. Coating the tofu in cornstarch is also the secret to keeping it crispy.

The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Instructions

Press tofu using a tofu press to remove excess water. You can also wrap the tofu in a piece of paper towel and press using heavy books for about 15 minutes.

Cubed tofu in a bowl next to a cornstarch mixture.

Coat tofu in cornstarch and whisk together olive oil and black pepper. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add olive oil/ black pepper and allow to heat through.

Once the oil is hot, arrange tofu in a single layer in the pan. Allow the tofu to brown, cooking for 3-5 minutes per side until crispy.

Mixing together sticky orange sauce in a jar.

In a medium jar or bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, tomato paste, rice vinegar, black pepper, fresh ginger and cornstarch slurry.

Reduce the heat to low, using a spatula, push the tofu to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center. Add sticky orange sauce and immediately begin whisking the sauce until it begins to thicken. Mix the sauce in with the tofu and simmer for about 3 minutes until thick and sticky.

Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Birds eye of bowl with sticky orange tofu, broccoli, brown rice and chopsticks.

Serve with rice and a vegetable of your choice!

Substitutions and Variations

To make gluten-free: Substitute the cornstarch for arrowroot starch and the soy sauce for tamari sauce or coconut aminos.

To make dairy-free/vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free.

To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.

For a satisfying crunch and some healthy fats, you can also add some cashews after cooking.

Customize this recipe with any sides you like! Tofu is an amazing source of plant-based soy protein, so it would pair wonderfully with a fiber-filled carbohydrate and vegetable for a balanced meal. Here are some ideas:

Bok choy and brown rice
Stir fried bell peppers and quinoa
Snow peas and white rice

Equipment

Tofu press (optional)
Pan

Storage

I find this tofu always tastes best when fresh. However if you would like to make it ahead of time for meal-prep or you have leftovers, the tofu can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

To reheat, add tofu to a large pan and heat over medium heat until warm. You may also microwave this tofu for about 30 seconds until hot.

I do not recommend freezing the tofu once cooked as it will affect the texture.

Top Tip

The crispiness of your tofu will depend on how much excess water is in the tofu block. I highly recommend using extra firm tofu and then pressing with a tofu press or a heavy stack of books to remove excess water.

For extra crispy tofu, slice and freeze your tofu overnight. When you are ready to make this recipe, defrost the tofu. This helps remove excess water, creating the crispiest tofu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I air fry the tofu?

Yes!! Air frying tofu is one of my favourite ways to cook it! I recommend tossing in cornstarch then drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling with black pepper. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 390F for about 15-17 minutes, shaking the basket half way. Heat the sauce in a large pan and once your tofu is cooked, just mix it all together.

I don't like tofu, can I use this sauce with another protein?

Definitely. Chicken would be a great option!

I've never had tofu, what does it taste like?

I know tofu can be a little intimidating due to its unique texture, however what I love most about tofu that it absorbs the flavour of any sauce you add it to! This is a great first recipe to try if you're new to tofu because it has the same flavour as orange chicken.

Serving sticky orange tofu bowls with brown rice, broccoli, and green onion.

More Tofu Recipes

Tofu is such a versatile protein. Here are some other ways I enjoy it:

See you in the kitchen!

I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this sticky orange tofu, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!

📖 Recipe