How to make ORANGE TOFU (vegan)
How to make ORANGE TOFU (vegan) is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cheap Lazy Vegan on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 31 min | Total: 56 min
Cost: $4.70 total, $1.17 per serving
Ingredients
- 14 oz Extra Firm Tofu (drained, boiled for 10 minutes, cooled, cut into bite‑size cubes)
- 4 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium; 2 tbsp for coating, 2 tbsp for sauce)
- 1.5 tsp Garlic Powder (divided between coating and sauce)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (light coating for the tofu)
- 4 tbsp Cornstarch (3 tbsp for coating, 1 tbsp for slurry)
- 1 large Orange (zest only for sauce; juice will be added separately)
- 1/3 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (minced)
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar (seasoned)
- 2 tbsp Water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (toasted, garnish)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (thinly sliced, garnish)
Instructions
Boil the tofu (optional but recommended)
Place the block of extra‑firm tofu in a pot of salted water, bring to a gentle boil, and simmer for 10 minutes. Then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Time: PT10M
Cool, dry and cube the tofu
Allow the boiled tofu to cool enough to handle, pat dry with paper towels, and cut into bite‑size cubes (about 1‑inch).
Time: PT5M
Season and coat the tofu
In a mixing bowl combine the tofu cubes with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and 3 tbsp cornstarch. Toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Air‑fry the tofu
Arrange the coated tofu pieces in a single layer on the air‑fryer tray, making sure they do not touch. Air‑fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispness.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare the orange sauce
While the tofu cooks, zest the orange (only the orange part) using a microplane. In a saucepan combine orange zest, 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp minced ginger, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and ½ tsp garlic powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Time: PT5M
Thicken the sauce
In a small bowl mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to form a slurry. Once the sauce is boiling, reduce heat to low and whisk in the slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Time: PT2M
Combine tofu and sauce
When the tofu is crisp, add it to the saucepan with the thickened sauce. Toss gently over low heat for 2 minutes so the coating adheres without losing crispness.
Time: PT2M
Garnish and serve
Transfer the orange tofu to a serving dish, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free (use tamari), Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Soy, Potential wheat in regular soy sauce
Last updated: April 11, 2026






