Vegan Chinese Orange Chicken
Elevate your plant-based dining experience with this Vegan Chinese Orange Chicken, a delightful twist on the classic takeout favorite. Featuring crispy, golden-brown tofu as a satisfying substitute for chicken, this recipe is tossed in a zesty orange glaze made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, and a touch of ginger for that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. A quick and easy recipe ready in under 45 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights yet special enough for a weekend treat. Garnished with fragrant orange zest, green onions, and sesame seeds, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or broccoli for a wholesome, restaurant-inspired meal. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based dishes, this flavor-packed recipe will leave you craving for more.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 orange zest of an orange
- 2 stalks green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
Drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish and gently toss the tofu cubes to coat them evenly.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer and cook until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and orange zest. Stir to mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until it starts to thicken slightly.
Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and pour the orange sauce over the tofu. Toss gently to coat the tofu evenly in the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
Slice the green onions and sprinkle them along with sesame seeds over the dish before serving.
Serve the Vegan Chinese Orange Chicken with steamed broccoli or rice as desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1351 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.6 g | 88% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.0 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 19.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1991 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 110.9 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.6 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 61.7 g | ||
| Protein | 76.8 g | 154% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1666 mg | 128% | |
| Iron | 14.2 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 1350 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
