Vegan Chinese Orange Chicken
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this crave-worthy Vegan Chinese Orange Chicken! This plant-based take on the classic features crispy, golden cubes of tofu coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, and a hint of garlic and ginger. The secret lies in the tofu, dusted with cornstarch and pan-fried to perfection, making it delightfully crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Garnished with vibrant green onions and nutty sesame seeds, this dish is as beautiful as it is flavorful. Perfectly paired with steamed broccoli or fluffy rice, it’s a better-than-takeout vegan option that's sure to wow your taste buds. Ideal for both quick weeknight meals and special occasions, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving bold, citrusy flavors.
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 orange zest of an orange
- 2 stalks green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Directions
Step 1
Drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2
Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish and gently toss the tofu cubes to coat them evenly.
Step 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 4
Add the tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer and cook until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5
In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and orange zest. Stir to mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 6
Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until it starts to thicken slightly.
Step 7
Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and pour the orange sauce over the tofu. Toss gently to coat the tofu evenly in the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
Step 8
Slice the green onions and sprinkle them along with sesame seeds over the dish before serving.
Step 9
Serve the Vegan Chinese Orange Chicken with steamed broccoli or rice as desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (932.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1348.0 |
| Total Fat 68.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 10.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 19.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1990.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 115.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 64.1g | |
| Protein 79.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3174.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 14.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1882.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories