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, for garnish (optional); Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

There’s something truly magical about the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy in this Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite that brings tofu to life with that irresistible crispy coating and vibrant orange glaze you’ll want to make again and again.

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 quickly became one of my top plant-based meals because it nails that crave-worthy texture and flavor that often feels reserved for takeout. Plus, it’s made with kitchen staples and comes together without fuss.

Perfectly Crispy Tofu: The secret double dose of cornstarch and careful frying create tofu that’s golden and crunchy on the outside—no soggy bites here.
Zesty Orange Sauce: A bright, tangy mix of fresh orange juice, zest, and rice vinegar with just a hint of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy supplies—most items are pantry staples, so it’s quick to whip up any night of the week.
Flexible & Flavorful: Customize the spice level or swap ingredients to fit your preferences without losing the vibrant flavor.

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

Every component in this Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe plays a vital role—from the tofu’s texture to the balance of sweet and tangy in the sauce. Here’s why I love each key ingredient and a little tip on picking or prepping them.

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: Pressing the tofu well removes excess moisture so it crisps up beautifully. Don’t skip the pressing step—it’s a game changer.
Soy sauce or tamari: Adds deep umami to both tofu and sauce—tamari is great if you want gluten-free.
Cornstarch: This magic powder is your best friend for that crispy tofu crust and also thickens the sauce perfectly.
Avocado oil: Has a high smoke point that’s perfect for frying tofu without burning it.
Orange juice and zest: Fresh juice gives brightness while the zest ensures that intense orange flavor shines through.
Brown sugar: Balances tartness with just a touch of caramel sweetness—don’t swap this for white sugar or you’ll lose depth.
Rice vinegar: Offers gentle acidity that complements the orange and cuts through the richness.
Garlic and ginger: Classic aromatics that add warmth and complexity.
Red chili flakes: Provide that subtle kick you want without overpowering the dish.
Toasted sesame oil: Stirred in at the end, it gives an irresistible nutty fragrance.
Green onions and toasted sesame seeds (optional): For garnish—they add freshness and texture contrast.

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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

While I stick to the classic flavor combo here, one of my favorite things about this Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to play with spices or swap ingredients to suit your mood or pantry.

Variation: Once, I added a splash of pineapple juice along with the orange juice for a tropical twist that was surprisingly fresh and well-loved by friends.
Mild Version: If heat isn’t your thing, simply leave out the chili flakes, or add a little honey for extra sweetness.
Extra Crispy: Double-fry the tofu if you want that ultra-crunch—just fry once, let rest, then fry again before tossing in sauce.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to keep salt in check without sacrificing flavor.

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

Step 1: Press and Prep the Tofu

Start by pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes to pull out excess water—this is the most important step to getting that crispy texture later. Once pressed, cut into roughly 1-inch cubes. Toss with soy sauce, salt, and white pepper until evenly coated. Then sprinkle half of the cornstarch over the tofu, mix gently, add the other half, and mix again—it’s this double sprinkling that really ensures a crispy crust.

Step 2: Fry the Tofu to Golden Perfection

Heat avocado oil over medium-low in a large skillet—patience here pays off. Once the oil shimmers, add the tofu cubes carefully and fry them undisturbed until golden brown on one side, then turn until all sides are crispy. This can take about 10 minutes total, but don’t rush or crowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of fry. Remove the tofu and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Zesty Orange Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, orange zest, garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes. Set aside until the tofu is ready.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Using the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the garlic, ginger, and chili flakes for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant but not browned. A pinch of salt here helps pull out the flavors.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish the Sauce

Pour the orange sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a gentle boil. In a small dish, mix warm water and cornstarch until smooth, then whisk this slurry into the sauce. Keep stirring frequently and let it simmer for 6-8 minutes until beautifully thickened. Then stir in the fried tofu cubes and toasted sesame oil, folding gently so that each piece gets coated without breaking. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Top Tip

When I first tried this recipe, I struggled with soggy tofu—frustrating, right? What really helped me get perfectly crispy tofu every time was the pressing and careful pan-frying on medium-low heat. Here are some tips from my kitchen to yours.

Press Thoroughly: Wrap tofu in a clean towel and weigh it down with something heavy for at least 30 minutes.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry tofu in batches if necessary—you want room for air to crisp each piece.
Double Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch in two stages helps build a strong, crackly crust.
Keep Oil Temperature Steady: Medium-low heat keeps tofu crispy without burning the cornstarch coating.

How to Serve Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish—both add a fresh crunch and a nutty pop that makes every bite a little more exciting. Sometimes I throw in a few extra chili flakes if I’m feeling bold.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fried rice, plus a side of sautéed bok choy or snap peas for freshness. For an extra treat, I like to serve it alongside a crisp Asian slaw with a tangy sesame dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe in mini lettuce cups garnished with shredded carrots and cilantro—everyone loved the hands-on experience. You can also plate it with pickled ginger and a wedge of lime to add a colorful, restaurant-quality touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tofu soaks up the sauce even more overnight, which some people actually find tastier. Just keep the tofu away from too much liquid if you want to maintain crispness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with decent results—freeze the tofu and sauce separately to avoid sogginess. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a non-stick skillet over medium heat to bring back some crispiness. I avoid microwaving because it can make the tofu mushy, but if you’re in a hurry, microwave covered on medium power and then quickly pan-fry for a minute if you have time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use soft or silken tofu for this recipe?

This Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe works best with firm or extra-firm tofu because it holds its shape well during frying. Soft or silken tofu is too delicate and will likely fall apart.

How do I get the tofu extra crispy?

Pressing the tofu thoroughly to remove moisture, using cornstarch in two stages, frying on medium-low heat, and not crowding the pan are key to crispy tofu. For an extra crunch, double-frying before tossing in sauce helps too.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari in place of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free. Just ensure the other ingredients like rice vinegar and cornstarch don’t contain gluten (most do not).

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to regain crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible, or microwave briefly then pan-fry quickly to refresh texture.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for those nights when I want something comforting yet vibrant that feels a little special. It shows off tofu’s potential to be crispy, flavorful, and anything but boring. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—promise it’s a dish that'll impress whether for a casual dinner or feeding friends. Give it a try, and let me know how your crispy, zesty masterpiece turns out!