How can I make the orange sauce thicker?

The best way to thicken the orange sauce is to let it simmer. Simmering reduces the volume of the sauce, which naturally makes it thicker. If you decide to add more cornstarch or another thickening agent, mix it with cold water or orange juice separately before adding it to the sauce. This helps prevent lumps.

Can I substitute cauliflower for tofu?

Crispy orange cauliflower is excellent with spicy, sticky orange sauce. Use 1 small head of cauliflower and follow the recipe directions as written. If you make this in the air fryer, you may need to do it in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket. Use parchment paper to line the bottom of the air fryer basket or baking tray if you are oven-baking.

Is there a substitute for chickpea flour?

Quinoa flour is an excellent gluten-free substitution for chickpea flour. Oat flour or millet flour work as well. Both can be used in a 1:1 ratio. You can also make chickpea flour by grinding dry chickpeas in a spice grinder and then sifting it. If you substitute with all-purpose flour, you may need to adjust the amount to create a thick batter.

Crispy & Oil-free Vegan Orange Tofu Recipe [air fryer or oven baked]

Crispy & Oil-free Vegan Orange Tofu

Vegan orange tofu is served with rice and vegetables.

Print Recipe

This crispy & oil-free vegan orange tofu recipe brightens the day with baked or air fryer orange-flavored tofu and an easy sticky orange sauce.

Author: Denise
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4
Category: Tofu
Method: Air Fryer or Bake
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale

Crispy tofu

1 block firm/extra firm tofu (10 ounces 280 grams)
1/3 cup orange juice
1/3 cup chickpea flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Sauce

2 cups orange juice
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1-2 teaspoons of sriracha
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

Prepare the tofu. Press any excess moisture in the tofu by wrapping it in a paper towel, placing it on a plate, and pressing down on it. If your tofu has a lot of moisture, use a tofu press, or put the tofu on a place and lay a flat surface with a heavy object on top. Press the tofu for 10-15 minutes.
Make the tofu batter. Mix the chickpea flour and salt in a medium bowl. Add the orange juice, then use a whisk or fork to combine the ingredients into a smooth batter.
Dip the tofu. Cut the tofu into cubes about ¾ of an inch. Give the batter a quick stir, and then add the cubes to the bowl. Gently stir the pieces to cover them on all sides with the batter.
Air fryer instructions
1. Preheat and prepare the parchment paper. Cut a piece of parchment paper and place it in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to preheat at 375 F. (190 C.).
2. Cook the tofu. Once the air fryer beeps, add the tofu pieces separated and in a single layer on the parchment paper. The basket will be hot, so it’s best to use tongs. Set the timer for 12 minutes total. Check the tofu after 6 minutes. If it has browned, then gently flip it by peeling it away from the parchment paper. You can discard the parchment paper at this point. If it is still moist, let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, and then flip it. Continue cooking until the air fryer beeps. Add a few more minutes if needed.
Oven instructions
1. Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 F. (200 C.). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Add the tofu and bake. When the oven is hot, add the tofu cubes to the baking tray, separated and in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes, then check. If the tofu is brown and firm, gently flip it over. Bake for another 10 minutes until it is golden brown.
Make the sauce. Add 1 cup of orange juice plus the rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sriracha to a medium saucepan. Set the stove to medium heat, stir the ingredients, and bring them to simmer.
Add the cornstarch. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup of orange juice and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Slowly pour the mixture into the simmering sauce and whisk or vigorously mix.
Add orange zest. Stir in the orange zest and continue simmering the sauce on low until you are ready to add the tofu.
Finish the dish. Add the tofu cubes to the orange sauce and gently stir to cover them. Spoon the tofu and orange sauce over rice or steamed or roasted veggies.

Notes

Prep and cooking times reflect 10 minutes for pressing the tofu and using an air fryer. Add about 12 additional minutes if baking in the oven.
Before cooking the tofu cubes, be sure to preheat the oven or air fryer. This keeps the battery from running off and firmly cooks the middle.
Air fryer and oven temperatures can vary dramatically, so be mindful of using the baking time as guidance. The size of the tofu cubes will also impact baking time.

Keywords: orange tofu, air fryer crispy tofu, oil-free crispy tofu, vegan, plant-based

Find it online: https://anothermusicinadifferentkitchen.com/orange-tofu/