Vegetarian Orange Chicken and Rice
Delight in the bold, zesty flavors of Vegetarian Orange Chicken and Rice, a plant-based twist on the classic takeout favorite! Extra-firm tofu is transformed into crispy, golden cubes coated in a luscious homemade orange sauce made from fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and hints of ginger and garlic. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. Served over fragrant jasmine rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is a visually stunning and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s a flavorful, meat-free alternative that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup orange juice
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 0.25 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
Press the tofu: Remove the tofu from its package and press it to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
In a medium-sized bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until they are well-coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and fry until golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Reduce the heat to medium and add soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger powder, orange zest, and red pepper flakes.
Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until it forms a slurry. Add this to the sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, approximately 2 minutes.
Return the fried tofu to the skillet and stir to coat the tofu evenly with the orange sauce.
Meanwhile, cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions.
To serve, place a portion of jasmine rice on a plate, top it with the orange tofu, and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2173 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 78.8 g | 101% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.6 g | 58% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 27.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2392 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 291.7 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.5 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 59.7 g | ||
| Protein | 85.2 g | 170% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2854 mg | 220% | |
| Iron | 16.6 mg | 92% | |
| Potassium | 1955 mg | 42% | |
*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.
