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- 14 oz firm tofu - 1 cup fresh orange juice - ¼ cup vegetable oil - ½ cup cornstarch - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 2 green onions, sliced When I create Crispy Orange Tofu Fakeout, I focus on fresh, simple ingredients. The firm tofu is the star. It holds its shape well and absorbs flavors nicely. I use 14 oz of tofu, which gives a great texture. Fresh orange juice is key for flavor. I love using about 1 cup, squeezed from 2-3 oranges. The bright taste brings my dish to life. I also add zest from one orange, which gives a deeper orange flavor. Frying the tofu is fun! I use ¼ cup of vegetable oil. It helps the tofu get nice and crispy. For the coating, I mix ½ cup cornstarch with salt and pepper. This creates a crunchy layer. To make the sauce, I combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce with 2 tablespoons maple syrup. This mix balances sweet and salty. It’s a great match for the citrus. Finally, I add garnishes. A sprinkle of 1 tablespoon sesame seeds adds crunch. Sliced green onions bring color and freshness. This combination makes the meal look beautiful and taste great. Cutting and Pressing Start with 14 ounces of firm tofu. Drain and press it to get rid of excess water. This step is key for crispiness. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Coating with Cornstarch In a large bowl, mix ½ cup of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Toss the tofu cubes in this mixture. Make sure each piece gets a nice coat. This helps them fry up crunchy. Heating the Oil Heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking. You can test it by dropping a little cornstarch in. If it sizzles, it’s ready. Achieving Crispy Texture Carefully add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. This takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them halfway so they cook evenly. Once done, remove the tofu and drain it on paper towels. Combining Ingredients In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh orange juice, the zest of 1 orange, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Thickening the Sauce Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly. This will add a rich flavor to your tofu. Once everything is ready, toss the crispy tofu in the sauce to coat each piece. Now you have a dish that looks and tastes fantastic! Proper Tofu Preparation To get crispy tofu, start with firm tofu. Drain and press it well. This helps remove moisture. Moisture makes tofu soggy. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness. Frying Techniques Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry until they are golden brown on all sides, about 10-12 minutes. Flip them carefully to avoid breaking. Once done, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Adding More Citrus For a zesty kick, try adding more citrus. You can use lemon or lime juice. This brightens the dish and adds freshness. A splash of extra juice at the end can boost the flavor. Using Fresh Ingredients Always use fresh ingredients when possible. Fresh garlic and ginger really enhance the taste. Fresh orange juice gives a sweet and tangy flavor. These fresh items make a big difference. Pairing with Rice or Noodles Crispy Orange Tofu Fakeout pairs well with rice or noodles. Serve it over steamed rice for a filling meal. You can also toss it with noodles for a fun twist. Creative Garnishing Ideas Garnish your dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These add color and texture. You might also sprinkle some chili flakes for heat. Get creative with the garnishes to impress your guests! {{image_2}} Tofu Alternatives If you want to switch up the main protein, try tempeh or seitan. Both options have great flavors and textures. You can also use chickpeas for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust your cooking times when using these options. Sauces Variations You can replace the orange sauce with a sweet and sour sauce. A teriyaki glaze gives a nice twist too. For a spicy kick, try adding sriracha or chili paste to your sauce mix. Experimenting with different sauces can change the whole meal. Gluten-Free Options To make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. It has a similar taste but no gluten. You can also check labels on other sauces for hidden gluten. Vegan Alternatives This recipe is already vegan! Just ensure your maple syrup is pure and not blended with other ingredients. You can also add more veggies for extra nutrients. Spiciness Levels Love heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes to your orange sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can also use jalapeños for a fresh kick. Sweetness Adjustments If you want a sweeter dish, add more maple syrup or sugar. Taste the sauce as you go to find your perfect balance. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup and add more soy sauce. - Use an airtight container. - Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you finish your meal, let the leftovers cool. This helps keep the tofu crispy. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. This will keep the flavors fresh and prevent drying out. Remember to enjoy them within three days for the best taste. - Use the oven or an air fryer. - Avoid the microwave for best results. To reheat, I suggest using an oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This method brings back the crispiness. If you use an air fryer, set it to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the tofu soggy. - Place in a freezer-safe container. - Store for up to 3 months. If you want to freeze, first let the tofu cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. This keeps it fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, move the tofu to the fridge to thaw overnight. - Thawing Tips: After thawing, reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness. To make tofu crispy, start with firm tofu. Press it to remove water. This makes it less soggy. Cut the tofu into small cubes. Coat each piece with cornstarch. The cornstarch helps create a crunchy layer. Fry the tofu in hot oil. Cook it until golden brown on all sides. This should take about 10-12 minutes. - Use high heat for frying. - Don’t overcrowd the pan. - Allow tofu to crisp up before turning. Yes, you can make parts of this recipe ahead of time. You can prepare the tofu and sauce separately. Store the tofu in the fridge after frying. It will stay fresh for about 2 days. Reheat the tofu in a pan before serving. - Make the sauce in advance and refrigerate. - Combine the tofu and sauce just before serving. Crispy Orange Tofu Fakeout pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice or fried rice - Noodles, such as soba or rice noodles - Stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers - A simple salad for a fresh touch These sides complement the flavors in the dish. They also make your meal colorful and tasty. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Crispy Orange Tofu Fakeout. We covered main ingredients like firm tofu and fresh orange juice. I provided step-by-step instructions for preparing, frying, and making the sauce. To achieve the best texture and flavor, remember my tips on frying and garnishing. You can also explore variations to suit your taste. Enjoy your tasty meal and impress everyone with your cooking skills!

Crispy Orange Tofu Fakeout

Satisfy your cravings with this Crispy Orange Tofu Fakeout recipe that packs a punch of flavor! This delicious dish features golden brown tofu coated in a tangy and sweet orange sauce, creating a delightful plant-based meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, it's both easy and satisfying. Click through to explore this recipe and enjoy a burst of citrusy goodness today!
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Ingredients
  

14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed

½ cup cornstarch

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)

Zest of 1 orange

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

    Coat the Tofu: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture until all sides are well coated.

      Fry the Tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer, frying until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 10-12 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

        Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.

          Combine: Once the sauce is thickened, add the crispy tofu to the saucepan, gently tossing to coat each piece with the orange sauce.

            Serve: Plate the tofu and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4