Crispy Orange Tofu

🛒 Ingredients

• Extra-firm tofu 100 g · 70 kcal
• Cornstarch (for coating) 7 g · 25 kcal
• Vegetable oil (for frying) 10 g · 90 kcal
• Fresh orange juice 60 g · 28 kcal
• Orange zest 1 g · 0 kcal
• Gluten-free soy sauce (Tamari) 16 g · 10 kcal
• Rice vinegar 8 g · 0 kcal
• Brown sugar 13 g · 48 kcal
• Fresh ginger (grated) 3 g · 2 kcal
• Garlic (minced) 2 g · 3 kcal
• Red pepper flakes 0 g · 1 kcal
• Cornstarch (for sauce slurry) 2 g · 7 kcal
• Water 8 g · 0 kcal
• Sesame seeds (garnish) 2 g · 11 kcal
• Green onions (garnish) 5 g · 2 kcal

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Press the extra-firm tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water, then cut it into 1-inch cubes. In a shallow dish, toss the tofu cubes with 7g cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Heat 10g vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated tofu in a single layer and pan-fry for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove crispy tofu from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add fresh orange juice, orange zest, gluten-free soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer, stirring until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. In a small bowl, whisk together 2g cornstarch and 8g water to create a slurry, then gradually whisk it into the simmering sauce.
5. Continue to simmer and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet and gently toss to coat all the pieces evenly with the orange sauce.
6. Serve the crispy orange tofu immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.