Orange Tofu

I love this Orange Tofu for when I want something that tastes like takeout but feels fresh and homemade. Crispy baked tofu is tossed in an orange sauce for a delicious meal. Serve it over rice with steamed broccoli.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re craving takeout but have food at home, this easy orange tofu is the recipe for you. It’s fresh, light, and even better than takeout. I’ve been making it on repeat for months.

I have two secrets for the perfect crispy tofu. First, press it well before baking to drain the excess liquid. You don’t even need a tofu press, just a clean kitchen towel and a heavy pan or book to put on top. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to press out excess moisture. 

The other secret is a sprinkle of cornstarch before baking. This helps absorb any remaining liquid and creates a light, crisp coating. Delicious!

I bake my tofu for a more hands-off method with less mess. Baking it also crisps up the outside while keeping the inside tender AND it uses far less oil than pan-frying.

And let’s not forget the true star of the show. I am OBSESSED with the delicious sticky orange sauce! I mean, sure, you could use store-bought sauce if you’re looking for a shortcut, but this homemade one takes less than 5 minutes to make.

My Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry used to be my go to meatless Monday meal, but this orange tofu has also become a favorite in my house. Want another tofu option? Try these Tofu Burrito Bowls.

Ingredients

• Tofu: Use an extra-firm block. Other varieties of tofu won’t hold up as well while baking.
• Olive Oil: Use high quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. You can also use avocado oil or another neutral flavored cooking oil.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps with browning, absorbs excess moisture, and creates a light, crispy outer coating. You’ll also use it in the sauce. Mixing a little with water to make a cornstarch slurry helps thicken the orange sauce.
• Orange Juice: Fresh squeezed orange juice or store-bought both work in this recipe.
• Soy Sauce: Use a low sodium soy sauce. You can use gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos instead for a gluten-free option.
• Honey: I like honey rather than brown sugar. For a vegan option, you can swap it for pure maple syrup.
• Aromatics: Minced garlic and ground ginger add so much flavor!

*The full ingredient list with amounts is in the recipe card below.

How to Make Sticky Orange Tofu

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Slice the block of tofu in half horizontally. Lay the 2 slabs side by side on a clean kitchen towel then cover with another towel. Place a heavy pan or book on top and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to press out excess liquid.
3. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes, and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle with cornstarch and garlic powder. Gently toss or stir until evenly coated.
4. Arrange the tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.

5. When the tofu has 5 minutes left, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Bring to a simmer for 2–3 minutes, lowering the heat as needed. Slowly stir in the water and cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly to prevent clumps. Cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until the sauce has thickened.
6. Add the crispy baked tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Serve the orange tofu over rice with steamed broccoli if desired. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onion, if using.

Expert Tip: Press the tofu well before baking for firm, tender tofu cubes. Do not skip this step. And be sure to toss the cubes with the olive oil and cornstarch gently to avoid broken tofu pieces.

Variations

• Add orange zest: For even more fresh orange flavor, add orange zest to the sauce.
• Add veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell pepper, onion, carrots, or snap peas.
• Turn up the heat: Add red pepper flakes and a little chili paste to make a spicy orange sauce. Another option is adding some sriracha.
• Use chicken or cauliflower: This orange sauce is so good I use it to make orange chicken too! For another vegetarian option, you can also try orange cauliflower.
• Make it vegan: For a vegan version, swap out the honey for maple syrup.
• Air fry the tofu: Prefer to use your air fryer? No problem! You can easily cook the tofu in the air fryer, just adjust the temperature and time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

This orange tofu recipe works well for lunch or a weeknight dinner. Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles with broccoli. White rice or brown rice are both delicious with it. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.

This is crispiest served right away, but if a crispy texture is not as important to you, this is also an excellent meal prep meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

To Make Ahead: The tofu is crispiest right after baking, so I don’t recommend making this ahead of time if you don’t like soft tofu. Once baked, gently toss in the sauce and serve immediately for the best texture.

To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave-safe container or skillet with a few splashes of water. Leftover tofu won’t be as crispy, but it will still be delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

More Easy Vegetarian Meals

• Roasted Cauliflower Bowls
• Crispy Baked Eggplant with Cherry Tomatoes
• Sweet Potato Taco Bowls
• Tomato Basil Spaghetti Squash

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