🍊🥢 Sticky Orange Tofu Bites – Crispy, Tangy & Addictively Good

🎉 Introduction

These Sticky Orange Tofu Bites are proof that plant-based eating can be bursting with flavor. Crispy tofu is coated in a glossy, sweet-tangy orange sauce that’s sticky enough to cling to every bite. The balance of citrusy brightness, savory soy, and a hint of heat makes this dish irresistible—whether you’re vegan or just looking for a new weeknight favorite.

It’s a quick, 30-minute recipe that works as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Serve it over rice for a filling meal, or enjoy it as finger food straight from the pan (no judgment!).

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Nonstick skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Knife and cutting board
• Paper towels (for pressing tofu)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Tofu:

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• Pinch of salt

For the Sticky Orange Sauce:

• ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 1 Tbsp orange zest
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp water (slurry)

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Prepare the Tofu
   • Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water.
   • Cut into 1-inch cubes, then toss with cornstarch and a pinch of salt until coated.
2. Cook the Tofu
   • Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Orange Sauce
   • In the same skillet, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha (if using).
   • Bring to a simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Thicken the Sauce
   • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and turns glossy.
5. Coat the Tofu
   • Return tofu to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
6. Serve & Garnish
   • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice or as an appetizer.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 3–4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~30 minutes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended (texture of tofu changes).
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water to loosen sauce if needed.

🥄 Variations

• Extra Crispy: Bake tofu at 400°F for 25 minutes before tossing in sauce.
• Nutty Twist: Add toasted cashews or almonds for crunch.
• Spicy-Sweet: Increase sriracha and add pineapple chunks.
• Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli or snap peas with the tofu.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Do I have to press the tofu?
   Yes—pressing removes moisture, helping it get crispy.
2. Can I use bottled orange juice?
   Yes, but fresh juice has brighter flavor.
3. What type of tofu works best?
   Extra-firm tofu holds its shape and crisps nicely.
4. Can I air-fry the tofu?
   Absolutely—air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Can I make this without oil?
   Yes—bake or air-fry tofu for an oil-free option.
6. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
7. What can I serve with it?
   Steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables.
8. Can I double the sauce?
   Yes—great if you want extra for rice or veggies.
9. Can I use chicken instead of tofu?
   Yes—swap with bite-sized chicken pieces and adjust cook time.
10. Can I make it ahead?
    Best served fresh, but you can prep sauce in advance.

🏁 Conclusion

These Sticky Orange Tofu Bites are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that will have you licking your plate. Whether served as an appetizer or the star of dinner, they’re a bold, plant-based twist on takeout flavors—ready in just 30 minutes.

🍊🥢 Sticky Orange Tofu Bites – Crispy, Tangy & Addictively Good

These Sticky Orange Tofu Bites are proof that plant-based eating can be bursting with flavor. Crispy tofu is coated in a glossy, sweet-tangy orange sauce that’s sticky enough to cling to every bite. The balance of citrusy brightness, savory soy, and a hint of heat makes this dish irresistible—whether you’re vegan or just looking for a new weeknight favorite. It’s a quick, 30-minute recipe that works as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Serve it over rice for a filling meal, or enjoy it as finger food straight from the pan (no judgment!).

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 16 minutes mins

Servings: 3 people

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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Ingredients

  

For the Tofu:

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu pressed and cubed
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• Pinch of salt
• For the Sticky Orange Sauce:
• ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed preferred
• 1 Tbsp orange zest
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 –2 tsp sriracha or chili paste optional for heat
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp water slurry

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

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Discover warm, delicious, home-style meals — fresh recipes added every day inside Jacky’s Kitchen.

Coming Soon

Equipment

• Nonstick skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Knife and cutting board
• Paper towels (for pressing tofu)

Method

 

Prepare the Tofu

1. Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water.
2. Cut into 1-inch cubes, then toss with cornstarch and a pinch of salt until coated.

Cook the Tofu

1. Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Orange Sauce
4. In the same skillet, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha (if using).
5. Bring to a simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Thicken the Sauce

1. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and turns glossy.

Coat the Tofu

1. Return tofu to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce.

Serve & Garnish

1. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice or as an appetizer.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Not recommended (texture of tofu changes).

Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water to loosen sauce if needed.

🥄 Variations

Extra Crispy: Bake tofu at 400°F for 25 minutes before tossing in sauce.

Nutty Twist: Add toasted cashews or almonds for crunch.

Spicy-Sweet: Increase sriracha and add pineapple chunks.

Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce.

Veggie Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli or snap peas with the tofu.

❓ 10 FAQs

Do I have to press the tofu?
Yes—pressing removes moisture, helping it get crispy.

Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, but fresh juice has brighter flavor.

What type of tofu works best?
Extra-firm tofu holds its shape and crisps nicely.

Can I air-fry the tofu?
Absolutely—air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I make this without oil?
Yes—bake or air-fry tofu for an oil-free option.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

What can I serve with it?
Steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables.

Can I double the sauce?
Yes—great if you want extra for rice or veggies.

Can I use chicken instead of tofu?
Yes—swap with bite-sized chicken pieces and adjust cook time.

Can I make it ahead?
Best served fresh, but you can prep sauce in advance.

🏁 Conclusion

These Sticky Orange Tofu Bites are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that will have you licking your plate. Whether served as an appetizer or the star of dinner, they’re a bold, plant-based twist on takeout flavors—ready in just 30 minutes.