If you think eating healthy means giving up your favorite comfort foods, think again. This vegan orange chicken made with tofu is crispy, tangy, slightly sweet, and downright comforting—without the need for meat, eggs, or dairy.
While this blog does include salads and nutritious veggie-packed meals, being “healthy” isn’t just about calorie counts or raw greens. Health also means eating foods that nourish your soul. Sometimes, that looks like a leafy bowl. Other times, it looks like a pile of crispy, golden tofu drenched in sticky orange sauce.
For me, this recipe is joy on a plate. Orange chicken was one of the meals I looked forward to every week growing up. It was our family’s go-to for movie nights and casual dinners out. So naturally, I had to find a way to recreate that nostalgic experience, vegan-style—and after a few tasty experiments, I’m proud to say this vegan orange tofu is better than takeout. (Yes, even better than Panda Express.)
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Orange Tofu
This dish hits every note:
- Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside tofu bite
- A sticky, citrusy sauce that clings to each piec
- Just the right balance of sweet, savory, and spicy
- No animal products or refined ingredients
- Ready in less time than it takes to order delivery
With just a few pantry staples and four simple steps, you can have a restaurant-style meal at home—and it’s totally customizable for oil-free and gluten-free eaters too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to bring your vegan orange chicken to life:
For the tofu:
- 1 (16 oz / 454 g) block of firm or extra-firm tofu
- ½ cup neutral oil for frying (canola, avocado, or vegetable oil)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ¼–⅓ cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sal
For the orange sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- ⅓–½ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp orange zest
Optional for garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Orange slices
How to Make Vegan Orange Chicken (4 Easy Steps)
Step 1: Prep the Tofu
Start by pressing your tofu to remove excess moisture—especially if you’re not using high-protein tofu like the one from Trader Joe’s. Cut or tear the tofu into rough 1-inch nuggets. Tearing gives the tofu irregular edges, which helps the batter cling better and results in crispier bites.
Step 2: Batter and Coat
In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt. Slowly whisk in the water until a smooth, slightly runny batter forms. Add the tofu pieces and gently toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Tofu
If frying:
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the battered tofu pieces in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
If air frying:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange battered tofu in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and air fry for 18–22 minutes, flipping every 6–7 minutes for even crisping.
If baking (oil-free):
Instead of using batter, toss the tofu pieces in a mix of ⅓ cup cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 4: Make the Sauce and Combine
In a small bowl, whisk all sauce ingredients together until well combined. Pour into a clean skillet over medium heat (if reusing the frying pan, be sure to drain out the oil first). Stir constantly and let simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked tofu and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Let it cook together for another minute to soak up the flavor.
Serve over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice, and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or extra orange zest if desired.
Substitutions and Tips
- No tofu? Try this with cauliflower florets or soy curls! The sauce pairs beautifully with roasted or air-fried cauliflower.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Cornstarch is a must: This ingredient is key to achieving a crispy crust and glossy sauce. Don’t skip it!
- Use the right oil: Stick to oils with a high smoke point like canola, avocado, or vegetable oil for frying. Avoid olive oil, which breaks down at high heat.
- Freeze tofu first: Freezing tofu and then thawing it changes its texture, making it chewier and more meat-like—perfect for this recipe.
Healthier Cooking Options (Oil-Free Methods)
Trying to cut back on oil? You can still enjoy this dish without deep frying. Choose either:
- Air fryer method: Crispy results without the oil. Flip often and spray lightly with oil if desired.
- Baking method: Coat in dry cornstarch mixture and bake until golden and crisp. The texture is slightly different from fried, but still satisfying.
Both options cut down on oil while keeping that irresistible crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan orange tofu is incredibly versatile and goes great with a range of side dishes, including:
- Steamed or fried rice
- Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers)
- Asian slaw or cucumber salad
- Rice noodles or quinoa for a gluten-free base
- Lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist
You can also serve it over a grain bowl with sautéed greens, avocado, and kimchi for a modern twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness. Microwaving will make the tofu soft, but still tasty.
More Delicious Tofu Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more plant-based protein ideas? Try these fan-favorites:
- Saucy Savory Tofu – Marinated tofu simmered in umami-rich sauce
- Savory Peanut Sauce Tofu – Creamy, nutty, and perfect with noodle
- Crispy Breaded Tofu – Classic crunch that pairs with any sauce
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Orange Chicken (Tofu) recipe is a nostalgic comfort food made modern—crispy, tangy, satisfying, and 100% plant-based. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or looking to impress dinner guests, it’s the kind of dish that delivers every time.
So put on your favorite movie, pour a bowl of rice, and dig into this better-than-takeout meal that just might become a new weekly tradition.