Name: Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 block firm tofu, pressed; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari); Pinch of salt; Pinch of white pepper; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoon avocado oil, for frying; 2/3 cup orange juice; 3 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari); 3 tablespoon brown sugar; 2½ tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon orange zest (or zest of 1 small orange); 4 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger, packed; ½ teaspoon red chili flakes; ¼ cup warm water; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional); Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

There’s something utterly satisfying about biting into a piece of perfectly crispy, tangy-sweet tofu — and that’s exactly what my Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe delivers. With its golden crust and bright, zesty sauce, it’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to pull off at home.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice topped with a second layer of shiny, sticky dark brown sauce-covered tofu cubes. The tofu is garnished with small light beige sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions, adding fresh green pops of color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with part of another similar bowl and an orange slice partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe is my go-to when I want a comforting yet fresh meal that anyone — even those wary of tofu — will fall for. I love that it’s a plant-based twist on that classic orange chicken flavor we all adore.

Golden Crispy Texture: The tofu gets wonderfully crunchy thanks to a double dusting of cornstarch and careful pan-frying.
Vibrant Orange Flavor: The sauce balances sweet, tangy, and a slight heat, making every bite zing with flavor.
Quick and Practical: You can press the tofu ahead and whip this up within an hour — perfect for weeknight dinners.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want it milder, spicier, or with a veggie boost, it’s flexible to suit your taste buds.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with a layer of glossy, dark brown cubes of tofu coated in a shiny sauce. The tofu layer is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions, adding a fresh green color contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and there is a halved orange in the background along with a small white bowl of green onion slices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe lies in the balance of the crunchy tofu and that glossy, tangy-sweet orange sauce. These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s harmonious and satisfying, plus they’re easy to find at most grocery stores.

Flat lay of a block of firm tofu cut into cubes, a small pile of cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden avocado oil, a small white bowl of bright orange juice, a small white bowl of dark brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl of pale rice vinegar, a whole fresh orange with a small pile of orange zest, four peeled garlic cloves, a small pile of grated fresh ginger, a small pile of red chili flakes, a small white bowl of warm water, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil, a handful of sliced green onions, and a small pile of toasted sesame seeds placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Firm tofu: Pressed to remove excess moisture so it crisps up beautifully instead of steaming in the pan.
Soy sauce (or tamari): Adds savory depth both in the tofu seasoning and the sauce.
Salt & white pepper: Enhance and balance flavors without overpowering the orange notes.
Cornstarch: Creates the crispy crust on the tofu and thickens the sauce perfectly.
Avocado oil: Has a high smoke point, great for frying tofu to golden perfection without burning.
Orange juice & zest: Bring fresh citrus brightness — crucial for authentic orange sauce flavor.
Brown sugar: Sweetens while adding a hint of molasses richness.
Rice vinegar: Introduces acidity to balance the sweetness and round out the sauce.
Garlic & ginger: Aromatics that build complexity and warmth in the sauce.
Red chili flakes: Give a gentle kick — easily adjusted based on your spice preference.
Toasted sesame oil: Swirled in at the end for a nutty, fragrant finish that’s pure umami.
Green onions & toasted sesame seeds: Optional garnishes that add freshness and a satisfying crunch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I enjoy about this Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe is how forgiving and versatile it is. You can easily adjust the heat level, sweetness, or even throw in some veggies to make it your own.

Variation: I sometimes add sliced bell peppers or snap peas in with the sauce to sneak in extra crunch and color — it brightens the dish and ups the veggie game.
Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, just skip the chili flakes or reduce them. If you love a kick, double it! I’ve found that a subtle background heat really elevates the flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your cornstarch brand to keep it gluten-free.
Make it Sticky: For ultra-glossy sauce, let it simmer a bit longer while whisking, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe

Step 1: Press and Cut the Tofu

Start by pressing your firm tofu for at least 30 minutes — I usually wrap mine in a clean kitchen towel and put a heavy pan on top. This step is key to removing extra water so your tofu crisps instead of steams. Once pressed, cut into 1-inch cubes and place them gently in a large bowl.

Step 2: Season and Coat

Add the soy sauce, salt, and white pepper to the tofu, tossing gently so every piece gets a bit of flavor. Then sprinkle over half the cornstarch and mix to coat, followed by the rest. This two-stage dusting gives the tofu that crave-worthy crunch.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat — taking your time here helps the tofu develop an even golden crust. Add tofu cubes and fry, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly, about 6-8 minutes. Once crispy, transfer tofu to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Mix together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes in a small bowl — this is the flavor bomb that makes the dish shine. Set aside while you prep the pan for the sauce.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

Using the same skillet, sauté garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add a touch more oil if the pan looks dry. This builds the flavor base.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the orange sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle boil. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with warm water until smooth to create a slurry, then whisk this in to thicken the sauce. Keep stirring often while it thickens, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss with the thickened sauce. Drizzle in the toasted sesame oil for that warm, nutty aroma. Taste and add salt if needed — this final seasoning step brings it all together.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Crispy Orange Tofu piping hot over fluffy rice, sprinkled with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture. Then dig in and savor those crispy, tangy bites!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe from good to wow-worthy. These tips helped me master that ideal crunchy texture and perfectly balanced sauce every single time.

Pressing is Non-Negotiable: Don’t skip pressing your tofu — even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in crispiness and flavor absorption.
Low and Slow Frying: Cooking the tofu on medium-low heat gives it time to develop an even crust without burning. Rushing with high heat usually leads to a burnt outside and raw inside.
Use the Same Pan for Sauce: The browned bits left in the pan after frying add extra flavor to the sauce, so don’t wash the skillet between steps.
Don’t Over-Thicken Sauce: Add cornstarch slurry gradually and simmer until it just coats the back of a spoon — overcooking results in a gluey texture.

How to Serve Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this dish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds — they bring a fresh crunch and an extra nutty aroma that makes the dish pop. Sometimes, a few fresh orange zest curls on top add a beautiful, bright finish.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Orange Tofu pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice for a more wholesome option. For veggies, I like to serve it alongside sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or a crisp Asian-style slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the tofu over coconut rice with some edible flowers and sliced fresh chili for a colorful presentation. You can also stack the tofu cubes on skewers and drizzle the sauce over as a fun finger food at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tofu remains reasonably crisp the next day, but if it softens a bit, reheating dries it out nicely.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to save portions for later. Freeze the cooked tofu and sauce in a sealed container separately if possible. When thawed, the tofu’s texture softens slightly, but the dish still tastes delicious.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to bring back that slight crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the tofu’s texture intact — the skillet method does a much better job.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use tofu other than firm for this Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe?

I recommend firm tofu because it holds its shape well and crisps up nicely. Silken or soft tofu is too delicate and won’t achieve the desired crunchy texture.

How long should I press the tofu before cooking?

Aim for at least 30 minutes of pressing to remove excess moisture, but up to an hour is better if you have the time. This step is vital for crispy results.

Can I make this Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free, and all the ingredients are naturally vegan. Just double-check store-bought sauces for hidden gluten.

What’s the best way to serve leftover Crispy Orange Tofu?

Leftovers taste great over freshly steamed rice or tossed into a stir-fry with some fresh veggies. Reheat in a skillet to keep the tofu crisp and saucy.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s a wonderful balance of crispy, sweet, tangy, and savory all in one bowl. It’s approachable enough to make any day special and adaptable enough to suit your cravings — I’m confident once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation, just like it is for me.