Crispy Orange Tofu

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 Source: Namelymarly.com

Ingredients

FRIED TOFU
14 ounce package extra firm tofu, drained and pressed dry (see notes)
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
¾ cup water
⅓ cup cornstarch
⅓ cup flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (toasted sesame oil, olive oil)
ORANGE TOFU COATING
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (sesame, toasted sesame, or olive oil)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
½ cup chopped green onions
zest of 1 orange (about 1 tablespoon)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (for gluten-free use tamari or coconut aminos)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon agave syrup (substitute maple syrup)
STICKY ORANGE SAUCE
¼ cup orange juice (the juice of one orange from the zest above)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup water
1 tablespoon agave syrup (or maple syrup)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (for gluten-free use tamari or coconut aminos)

Directions

FOR THE FRIED TOFU:
Press the tofu and then chop it into 1/2-inch cubes. (See notes for how to press tofu)
Stir together the flax, water, cornstarch, and flour in a bowl until combined. Add the tofu (in batches works best) and thoroughly coat each piece. Use a fork to remove tofu pieces and gently tap on the bowl to remove excess batter. Add a tablespoon of additional water if the batter gets too thick.
Place a skillet over medium to medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place 2 to 3 sheets of paper towels on a plate on the counter near your skillet.
Use tongs to place half of the batter-coated tofu in the heated oil. Allow space between each piece for all the sides to get browned. Cook the tofu on each side until browned. Place finished pieces of tofu on the paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Add a little more oil to the pan and repeat with the remaining tofu.
FOR THE ORANGE TOFU COATING:
In a small bowl, stir together the orange coating ingredients.
Return the tofu to the pan and add gently stir in the orange coating. Cook over medium heat until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
FOR THE STICKY ORANGE SAUCE:
Prepare the sticky orange sauce by combining all the ingredients in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Stir to combine. Heat in the microwave in 30-second increments until thickened. It shouldn't take very long. If it gets too thick, add a little hot water and stir to incorporate.
Serve the tofu over brown rice with additional chopped green onions, sticky orange sauce, and sesame seeds. A side of steamed broccoli goes nicely with this dish too!

Notes

Note: You don’t have to make the Orange Sauce, but it’s nice to have this to drizzle over the rice.

Regarding Tofu:

You can substitute one batch of Air Fryer Tofu in place of the fried tofu from this recipe.

To press tofu, remove it from the package and drain the liquid. Then wrap it in a kitchen towel or paper towels and place something heavy on top, like a heavy pan. Alternatively, use a tofu press. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to press tofu.

Tofu packages come in different sizes, anywhere between 14 and 17 ounces is the norm and will work for this recipe.

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