Name: Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
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)

If you’re craving something vibrant, flavorful, and a little bit zingy, this Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s the perfect balance of crispy tofu with a tangy, sweet orange sauce that’ll have you coming back for seconds — trust me, I’ve been there!

orange tofu - A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, with a thick layer of glossy, dark brown glazed tofu cubes placed in the center on top. The tofu pieces are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and decorated with thinly sliced green spring onions scattered across both the tofu and the rice. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with another similar bowl blurred 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 has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something comforting that doesn’t involve meat but still packs serious flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive if you’re cooking for friends or family.

Perfect Crispy Texture: Achieving tofu that’s wonderfully crispy on the outside and soft inside is easier than you think with this method.
Bright, Balanced Sauce: The orange sauce carries just the right amount of sweetness, acidity, and a hint of heat to elevate this dish.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most in your pantry already, making this recipe super accessible.
Versatile Serving Options: Works beautifully over rice, with steamed veggies, or even tossed with noodles.

orange tofu - The image shows many small, golden brown tofu cubes in a black pan, covered with a thick, shiny, dark brown sauce with small bits of garlic or seasoning scattered in it. The tofu cubes have a slightly crispy texture on the outside and are evenly coated with the sauce, which pools a little at the bottom of the pan. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe plays a crucial role, from creating that sought-after crunch with cornstarch to layering the sauce with orange juice and a touch of heat. Here's a little insight into why these ingredients make all the difference.

orange tofu - Flat lay of firm tofu block with its smooth, pale cream texture, vibrant fresh orange with bright orange zest curls, peeled garlic cloves showing their creamy white flesh, fresh ginger root with its light brown, knobby skin and fibrous interior, small red chili flakes scattered nearby, glossy green onions sliced into thin rings, dark brown sugar crystals in a small pile, and toasted sesame seeds with their tiny oval shapes and beige color, all beautifully arranged in a natural, balanced composition placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Firm tofu: The sturdiness of firm tofu holds up well to pressing, frying, and saucing without falling apart.
Soy sauce (or tamari): Adds umami depth and a hint of saltiness to both tofu and sauce.
Cornstarch: Essential for creating that crave-worthy crispy crust on the tofu.
Avocado oil: Has a high smoke point which is perfect for frying tofu to golden perfection.
Orange juice & zest: They bring fresh citrus brightness that balances the dish’s sweetness.
Brown sugar: Adds a warm, mellow sweetness, deeper than white sugar.
Rice vinegar: Provides acidity that prevents the sauce from being cloying.
Garlic & ginger: Classic aromatics that infuse the sauce with savory warmth.
Red chili flakes: A little heat to kick up the flavors without overwhelming.
Toasted sesame oil: Stirred in at the end for nutty aroma and richness.
Green onions & sesame seeds: Fresh, crunchy garnishes that add texture and color.

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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

I love how flexible this Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe is. Feel free to tweak the heat levels or swap out sugars — you really can make it your own. I often play with adding fresh herbs or serve it differently based on what’s in season.

Variation: Adding fresh basil or cilantro right before serving gives such a nice herbal lift—one of my favorite twists when I want something fresh.
Heat level: Not a fan of spice? Just reduce the chili flakes, or if you like it fiery, add a bit more or some sriracha to the sauce.
Sweetener swap: If you prefer, white sugar or coconut sugar works just as well in the sauce.
Serving style: Try tossing the tofu and sauce with rice noodles or quinoa for a fun change.

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

Step 1: Press and Prep Your Tofu

Start by pressing your block of firm tofu for at least 30 minutes—up to an hour if you can. I usually place it between two plates with something heavy on top. This pressing step is crucial because it squeezes out excess water, helping the tofu crisp up beautifully later on. Then cut it into 1-inch cubes and toss them with soy sauce, salt, and white pepper for a simple marinade.

Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch and Fry

Sprinkle half the cornstarch over the tofu cubes, mix gently, then sprinkle the rest and mix again—this double coating gives an extra crispy crust. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, then fry the tofu cubes until all sides turn golden brown and delightfully crunchy. Remove and set aside once done.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

Mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl—orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Once your tofu is out of the skillet, use that same pan to sauté the garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a little oil until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Then add your sauce mixture and bring it to a boil.

Step 4: Thicken and Finish the Sauce

Combine warm water with cornstarch until smooth and whisk it into your simmering sauce. Keep stirring and let it thicken for about 6-8 minutes—the sauce should become glossy and coat the back of a spoon. Stir in toasted sesame oil for that irresistible nutty aroma, then toss the crispy tofu into the sauce and coat it evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve your crispy orange tofu hot, piled on fluffy steamed rice, and sprinkle with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that final touch of freshness and crunch. This always makes the dish pop on the plate and in your mouth.

Top Tip

After cooking this Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few handy tricks that made all the difference for me. They’ll help you get it just right without any stress.

Pressing the tofu thoroughly: This can’t be stressed enough—removing excess moisture upfront gives you that unbeatable crispiness.
Low and slow frying: Fry tofu over medium-low heat to ensure even golden crust without burning—it might take a bit longer but so worth it.
Consistent sauce stirring: Keep whisking while thickening the sauce to avoid lumps and get that smooth glaze.
Don’t skip the sesame oil: Adding it at the end lifts the entire dish with its fragrant, toasty taste.

How to Serve Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe

Garnishes

I always go with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—they add fresh color and a lovely crunch that contrasts perfectly with the saucy tofu.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to serve this dish is over jasmine rice with some steamed or roasted broccoli on the side. But zucchini noodles or a crisp Asian slaw also make a refreshing pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate the tofu on a bed of sticky rice in individual bowls, topped with microgreens or edible flowers for a pop of color. You could even serve it in lettuce cups for a fun finger-food twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover crispy orange tofu stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the tofu softens a bit overnight but reheating crisped it back up nicely.

Freezing

I've frozen leftover tofu before, but I recommend freezing it without the sauce for the best texture. Then when you’re ready to eat, thaw, reheat the tofu till crispy, and toss with freshly made sauce.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop the tofu cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Then heat the sauce separately and mix before serving. Avoid microwaving unless you don’t mind softer tofu.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use extra-firm tofu instead of firm tofu?

Absolutely! Extra-firm tofu works wonderfully for this recipe and might even create an even crunchier texture when fried. Just be sure to press it well to remove any excess moisture.

How do I make the tofu extra crispy?

The key is to press the tofu thoroughly to remove water and coat it evenly with cornstarch before frying over medium-low heat. Slow frying helps achieve a golden, crunchy crust without burning.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the orange sauce in advance and keep it refrigerated up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stove before combining with freshly cooked tofu for the best texture.

What can I serve with crispy orange tofu?

This tofu pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas, Asian slaw, or even noodles. It’s super versatile and adapts well to whatever sides you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe is a favorite not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s approachable and adaptable. I’ve made it countless times when I needed a quick, satisfying dinner, and every time it delivers. Give this one a try—I promise, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to get that perfect crispy tofu coated in a vibrant orange glaze that both you and your friends will love.