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Vegan Orange Tofu {Sweet and Spicy Glazed Tofu}

I call this recipe the Tofu Hater Crusher. Glaze the golden crispy tofu chunks in a sweet, spicy, and sticky orange sauce, and just hear the sound of tofu doubting crumbling right away! Trust me this dish will become your unforgettable go-to whenever you have an Asian food craving.

This orange tofu is obviously inspired by the famous Chinese dish, orange chicken. The gentle color, delicate texture, and mild flavor of tofu make it a perfect alternative to chicken. And the orange sauce is already vegan by its nature, however, I put a little personal twist to it!

To amp up the sweet-spicy flavor, I added a little Gochujang to the sauce, which is the Korean fermented chili paste. And wow, orange sauce and Gochuanjg are a match made in heaven! This fusion will create a heaven illusion ;) Ok bad pun but the result was truly sensational!

Here are some other vegan Chinese dish you'd love: Sweet and Sour Pineapple Tofu, Vegan Lion's Head Braised Tofu Balls, and Chili Oil Noodle Stir Fry. And come hang with me on Instagram @veganbunnchef :)


INGREDIENTS:

1 16 oz extra firm tofu

3 garlic cloves, minched

2 scallions, chopped

1/2 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch

Canola oil or other high temperature resistent oil

Sesame seeds for garnishing

For the sauce -

1 1/2 large orange

2 tablespoon tamari/soy sauce

1 tablespoon coconut amino

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon Gochujang

1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch


TO MAKE:

- Drain and wrap the tofu block in some paper towel, gently press to release excess water, cut into about 3/4 inch cubes;

- Toss the tofu cubes in a flat plate with the arrowroot powder or cornstarch, evenly coat each cube;

- Heat a large drizzle of oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium-high, pan-fry the tofu till all sides are golden crispy, about 3 - 4 minutes per side, remove from the pan and set aside;

- Zest 1 orange, only the colored part not the white part, add zest to a mixing cup;

- Squeeze the 1 and 1/2 orange for juice into the same cup;

- Add all the rest of the sauce ingredients and whisk till smooth and well combined;

- In the same frying pan, heat another small drizzle of oil, sauté the garlic and scallions till aromatic;

- Slowly pour in the sauce, turn down the heat to medium, stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil;

- Transfer all the fried tofu into the pan, stir and toss to coat, continue to stir as the sauce thickens, remove from the heat when you reach preferred sauce consistency;

- Serve with steamed white rice, choice of veggies, and sprinkle of sesame seeds and more scallions. Enjoy!


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