Name: Vegan Orange Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup vegetable broth; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/3 cup agave or maple syrup; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 4 garlic cloves, grated; 1/2-inch fresh ginger, grated; 3 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari; 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; 3 teaspoons orange zest; 2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce (optional); 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 3 Tablespoons tapioca flour or corn starch; 1/4 cup cold water; 1 block (16 oz) super firm tofu; 1/2 cup chickpea flour; 1/2 cup plain non-dairy milk; 1 cup Panko-style breadcrumbs; 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 cup chopped green onion or chives

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Vegan Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe is a veganized take-out orange chicken recipe that is healthier, low fat, but still so delicious! Try this sticky sweet tofu recipe over rice, noodles, or with a side of veggies for a high-protein plant based meal that is ready in 45 minutes and super satisfying!

Why You'll Love This Orange Tofu

Healthy take-out copycat: This version of vegan orange chicken captures all the sweet, tangy, and sticky citrus flavor and texture of restaurant-style versions, but without deep frying in excess oil and without questionable sauce ingredients, like MSG, oyster/fish sauce, or preservatives.
Gluten-free: The breading for this tofu is made with chickpea flour and gluten-free Panko style breadcrumbs. Choosing tamari instead of soy sauce in the Orange sauce will keep this recipe completely gluten-free.
Quick enough for a weeknight meal: The orange tofu takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake. While it cooks, stir fry some veggies and boil rice or noodles for a complete meal ready to eat in less than one hour.

Equipment Needed

Cutting board
Knife
Mixing bowls
Small saucepan
Whisks
Baking pan
Silicone baking mat or baking parchment paper
Serving bowls

Ingredients and substitutions

Super firm tofu. This is the tofu packaged in a vacuum-sealed bag usually. If you cannot find super firm, choose the firmest one and press it with a tofu press overnight.
Vegetable broth. For this recipe, I prefer to use chicken-less broth or prepared not-chicken bouillon cubes. However, any vegetable broth will work.
Orange juice and zest
Agave syrup. Can cub with maple syrup or sugar.
Rice vinegar
Fresh garlic and ginger
Toasted sesame seeds
Toasted Sesame oil. For an oil-free version, this can be omitted without altering the texture.
Soy sauce. For a fully gluten-free version, substitute with tamari or coconut aminos.
Tapioca starch. Also called tapioca flour. Can be substituted with corn starch or arrowroot powder.
Chickpea flour. Can be substituted with any flour. I prefer chickpea flour for breading because it makes it crispier and also adds protein and fiber.
Non-dairy milk (plain). I use oat milk or soy milk usually. Can be substituted with water, if needed.
Panko breadcrumbs. Choose gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
Onion and garlic powder

Vegan Cookbook

Hungry for more delicious vegan recipes? Check out the Rooted Cookbook! Discover flavorful and easy-to-make vegan recipes from quick weekday breakfasts to wholesome, comforting dinners, and everything in between. All recipes are organized by meal type and made with everyday ingredients to help make your everyday life more fresh and enjoyable!

How to make vegan sticky orange tofu

Step One – Prepare the Orange Sauce

In a small sauce pan, whisk together the vegetable broth, orange juice, agave syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, sesame oil, orange zest, and soy sauce/tamari. Heat over low heat.
In a small bowl, dissolve the tapioca starch in water. Once the sauce is hot (but not boiling), mix the starch solution into the sauce.
Stir frequently until the sauce becomes thick. This could take 5-10 minutes. Once thick and smooth, remove from heat, and set aside.

Step Two – Prepare the Crispy Tofu

Preheat the oven to 400F (205C) and prepare a baking pan lined with a silicone baking mat or baking parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour and non-dairy milk.
In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, and sesame seeds.
Chop or tear the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Tearing the tofu will give it more surface area for the breading to stick to and make it crispier.
Dip the tofu pieces into the chickpea flour batter, then into the panko breading mix. Make sure to coat each piece fully.
Place the breaded tofu pieces on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.

Step Three – Serve

When ready to serve, coat the cooked crispy tofu in the Orange Sauce and mix gently. garnish with chopped chives and extra sesame seeds and enjoy with veggies and rice or noodles!

Check out these recipes for more ways to enjoy tofu:

Enjoying this sticky sweet orange tofu is the perfect reminder that you can make delicious and satisfying take-out style meals at home. Whether you serve it over rice, in a salad, or as an appetizer, this tofu recipe brings a satisfying balance of sweet, savory, and tangy to any meal.

Watch step-by-step how to make this vegan crispy orange tofu, and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more vegan meal ideas. Note: since recording this video, I have perfected the recipe slightly so it may vary from the ingredient list below, but the steps are mostly the same, and both versions are delicious.

Get more vegan recipes from my cookbooks:

This vegan orange tofu recipe is sticky and saucy for a flavorful and satisfying alternative to take-out food. Whether you’re looking for new ways to cook tofu or need a healthier high-protein alternative, I’m sure this tofu recipe will hit the spot!

I hope you enjoy this homemade vegan orange chicken as much as I do! It’s a healthier low-oil alternative to take-out that fits perfectly into any plant based dinner rotation. If you try this tofu recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out, please leave a comment and rating below to support this recipe blog and help others find this delicious vegan meal!

Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe