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    Home » Recipes » Vegetarian Dishes

    Feb 18, 2023 by Melinda O'Malley Keckler · This post may contain affiliate links · this blog generates income via ads.

    Easy Baked Orange Tofu

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Here’s a plant-based spin on a Chinese restaurant-style entree. Crispy, Easy Baked Orange Tofu is a tasty way to enjoy a healthier version of Chinese Orange Chicken. You’ll love oven-baked, crispy tofu smothered in a delicate orange sauce it's a delicious combination of sweet, tangy and savory flavors.

    A plate of orange tofu with veggies and noodles with orange slices on the side.

    Note: Some of the links on this page are paid links, Amazon Associates. That means I make a small commission when you click and shop. Your cost is always the same and I only link to products or ingredients I use and enjoy.

    Jump to:
    • 🥘 Ingredients to have on hand
    • Use Extra Firm Tofu
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • How to Press Tofu
    • Orange Sauce for Tofu
    • Step-by-Step for Making Orange Sauce
    • Substitutions
    • Convection Oven Option
    • Storage
    • 💭Top tips and FAQ
    • Sides to Serve with Orange Tofu
    • ⭐ Rate this recipe
    • Recipe
    • Reviews
    A serving of oven-crispy orange tofu on a plate with veggies, noodle and orange slices.

    🥘 Ingredients to have on hand

    Most of the ingredients for Easy Baked Orange Tofu are staples, ingredients we are likely to have on hand, which makes this an easy recipe to prepare.

    If you've never cooked with tofu before, this is a wonderful way to start and enjoy plant-based eating. This recipe is so tasty, even your meat and potatoes eaters will enjoy it.

    Orange sauce ingredients in their packaging arranged on a wooden plank.
    Orange sauce ingredients for Easy Baked Orange Tofu are all easy to come by and are the type of ingredients we usually keep on hand.
    • Extra firm tofu
    • Nutritional yeast
    • Soy sauce
    • Olive oil
    • Orange juice
    • Maple syrup
    • Rice vinegar
    • Fresh ginger or minced, pre-packaged ginger
    • Garlic
    • Cornstarch

    Never cooked with nutritional yeast? (I hadn't either before creating this recipe.)

    It creates a yummy, high-protein breading for the tofu and it's easy to find in most grocery stores.

    Look for nutritional yeast in the spice aisle or where dry ingredients for baking are displayed.

    A hand holding a jar of nutritional yeast.

    Nutritional yeast is usually packaged in a plastic jar, but I've also found it in the bulk foods section.

    Use Extra Firm Tofu

    You'll notice in the grocery store, there are several variations of tofu. You'll want to buy the extra firm style for this recipe.

    Extra firm tofu is compact, easy to slice, and will hold its shape well during baking and serving.

    A slab of tofu on a cutting board with a knife on the side.
    Drain the tofu, then place on a cutting board.

    Of all the recipes on my food blog, this is the one and only that calls for tofu, but over the years it's become a favorite, especially for my kids. They love this recipe!

    Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many different ways. If you've never cooked with tofu before, or if anyone in the family is slightly skeptical about it, this tofu recipe will very likely win them over.

    The crispy exterior and tender interior of the tofu combined with the sweet and tangy orange sauce make for an irresistible dish that is sure to impress.

    The tangy, slightly sticky orange sauce reminds me of the sauce on an Orange Chicken entree from a Chinese restaurant.

    A plate of baked tofu chunks with vegetables and noodles with orange glaze on top.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    Are you taking a break from pot roast or pork loin? Are you looking for a new flavor combination at the dinner table? Do you love the taste of Orange Chicken from your favorite Chinese restaurant, but want a plant-based option?

    If you answered yes to any of those questions then this recipe is for you!

    How to Press Tofu

    Tofu needs to be well-drained before you bake it. Removing the excess water helps the tofu soak up all the wonderful flavor of the orange sauce in this recipe.

    Open the tofu container and drain the water in the packaging then press the tofu to get all of the excess water removed.

    Hint: Wrap the block of tofu with several sheets of paper towels or a clean dish towel and place it on a cutting board. Top with a heavy pot or skillet and let it sit for at least 20 minutes, but ideally 30 minutes (or even longer).

    Unwrap the pressed tofu.

    It's now ready to slice and dice.

    Thick slices of uncooked tofu.

    Slice the tofu lengthwise into 5 large strips.

    Diced tofu on a cutting board.

    Dice each strip into a 1-inch chunk.

    A scoop of nutritional yeast being held over a bowl of diced tofu.
    Diced tofu chunks with breading spread out on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet.

    Toss the diced tofu with soy sauce and olive oil, then sprinkle with the nutritional yeast.

    Arrange the tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Orange Sauce for Tofu

    The best part about Easy Baked Orange Tofu is most definitely the orange sauce. It's the perfect balance of tangy, slightly sweet and a little sticky.

    The sauce is truly what makes this one of the best-tasting tofu recipes ever.

    Orange sauce ingredients in a measuring cup, on a wooden cutting board with a bulb of garlic, soy sauce and orange juice.,

    Step-by-Step for Making Orange Sauce

    It's easy to make too. Measure the liquid ingredients into a 4-cup glass measuring cup, then whisk in the crushed garlic and ginger.

    Place the orange sauce ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan on the stove and bring to a boil.

    Orange sauce in a saucepan on the stove with a metal whisk on the side.

    Simmer for about 10 minutes. It's important to give the sauce plenty of time to simmer, this helps mellow the flavors.

    After the orange sauce simmers, blend the cornstarch and water in a small, separate container. Whisk the blended cornstarch mixture with the hot orange sauce in the pan and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

    A small container of cornstarch mixed with water, being held over a saucepan with orange sauce on a stove top.

    Substitutions

    This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, and a plant-based main dish that's a perfect choice if you are serving folks who are vegans or vegetarians.

    Is someone at the dinner table not a fan of tofu? You still have options!

    The orange sauce is equally delicious paired with other proteins and you can easily kick up the spice and heat.

    • Spoon the sauce over Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Strips for a delicious sweet and savory combination.
    • If you have leftover cooked pork loin or roast beef, slice it into thin strips and toss the strips with the orange sauce instead of using tofu.
    • Do you like orange sauce with a little more spice? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha sauce.
    A plate of orange tofu with veggies and noodles with orange slices on the side.

    Convection Oven Option

    Over the years, I've baked this easy orange tofu recipe using a standard oven and a convection oven, and both work great.

    Many kitchen ovens today include a convection option, which I have found is a wonderful way to bake tofu.

    Air fryers are a popular cooking option too. I don't own an air fryer - no space to store it - but I know many folks use them so I did a little research to map out the difference between an air fryer and convection ovens.

    A baking sheet in the oven, with diced tofu arranged on parchment paper.

    A convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air for cooking. It's very similar to an air fryer, but if you opt to use your air fryer for this recipe, know that there is a difference between the two:

    1. Size: Air fryers are typically smaller than convection ovens.
    2. Cooking method: Air fryers use rapid air technology to circulate hot air around the food. Convection ovens also use a fan but have additional heating elements.
    3. Cooking temperature: Air fryers typically operate at a higher temperature than convection ovens.
    4. Cooking time: Air fryers cook food faster than convection ovens due to their higher temperature and rapid air circulation, so you'll use less time than I list in the recipe card to cook your tofu.
    5. Versatility: While air fryers are specifically designed for frying and can also be used for baking, grilling, and roasting, convection ovens have a wider range of functions.
    Diced tofu arranged on parchment paper on a baking sheet.

    Storage

    This recipe is best enjoyed on the day we make it, but leftover tofu will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, covered and stored in the refrigerator.

    Store the leftover orange sauce and the baked tofu separately, the orange sauce should also be refrigerated in a sealed container and enjoyed within 3-4 days.

    💭Top tips and FAQ

    What's the difference between soft, firm, and extra-firm tofu?

    For the most part, water and texture. Extra firm tofu is sturdier than the other varieties of tofu. It's compact, easy to slice, and will hold its shape during baking and serving.

    Can I use pancake syrup instead of maple syrup?

    Most pancake syrups are made with corn syrup and artificial maple flavoring so we won't get the same result by making that swap.

    If you are out of maple syrup I recommend using ⅓ cup of brown sugar instead.

    Do you have to drain and press the tofu before baking?

    Yes. Tofu is packed in water and each block is full of water. We need to get the water out so the delicious flavor can be absorbed and so the tofu can bake to crispy perfection. Diced, uncooked tofu in a bowl.

    Sides to Serve with Orange Tofu

    Orange tofu is delicious over steamed veggies, plain white rice or cooked noodles. I usually combine noodles with broccoli and carrots and top both with tofu and orange sauce.

    A mix of veggies spread out on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet.
    Use whatever combination of vegetables you and your family prefer with baked tofu. The orange sauce is delicious on top of veggies!

    These side dishes are a few more alternatives that are tasty when paired with crispy orange tofu.

    • Brussel sprouts on a serving plate with a fork
      Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
    • A serving of crunchy cole slaw in a bowl
      Crunchy Cole Slaw
    • Pork wonton stars arranged on a platter with diced ham and green onions.
      Pork Wonton Stars
    • Pesto pasta salad being served from a bowl with parmesan cheese on top
      Four P Salad

    ⭐ Rate this recipe

    Be sure to give a star rating to the recipes you make from the Crinkled Cookbook. I always love hearing from you. Sharing is great too! Use the buttons after the recipe to text it with just one click or send it to family and friends on Pinterest and Facebook. Enjoy.

    Recipe

    A plate of orange tofu with veggies and noodles with orange slices on the side.

    Easy Baked Orange Tofu

    Easy Baked Orange Tofu might remind you of a favorite takeout entree. Serve it over steamed veggies, noodles or rice for a healthy, plant-based meal.
    5 from 45 votes
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Time for the tofu to drain: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 363kcal
    Author: Melinda O'Malley Keckler

    Ingredients 

    Orange Sauce

    • ½ cup maple syrup
    • 1 ½ cups orange juice
    • ¼ cup soy sauce
    • ¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
    • 3-4 cloves garlic crushed
    • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger diced fine
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 2 tablespoons water

    Tofu

    • 1, 14 ounce block extra firm tofu - drained and pressed
    • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    For Serving (Optional Garnish)

    • green onions, sliced
    • sesame seeds

    Instructions

    Prepare and Bake the Tofu

    • Remove the block of tofu from the packaging and pour off the liquid. Wrap the drained tofu in several layers of paper towels and then again in a dish towel.
      Place a heavy pan on top of the wrapped tofu and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. This compresses the tofu and removes the moisture.
      Preheat oven to 425° F (or 400° F for a convection oven) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the paper with Pam to ensure the tofu won't stick during baking.
      Cut the tofu block lengthwise into 5 thick slices, then cut each slice into 1-inch chunks and place in a medium-sized bowl.
      Sprinkle the diced tofu with soy sauce and olive oil, and gently toss. Sprinkle with the nutritional yeast and toss to coat each piece.
    • Spread the tofu pieces onto the parchment paper and bake for 25 - 30 minutes. Check it at 25 minutes, look for crispy edges started to form.
      If using a convection oven, the tofu will cook faster, in 15-20 minutes. Check it at 15 minutes, look for crispy edges to start to form on the tofu.
      The tofu is done when it starts to sizzle on the baking sheet and the breading is lightly browned and crispy at each corner.
    • While the tofu is baking, prepare the orange sauce, the veggies, noodles or rice.

    Orange Sauce

    • In a medium saucepan, combine and whisk all the orange sauce ingredients, except the cornstarch and water.
      Bring to a boil and simmer for about 10 minutes.
      Place the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir to combine.
      Add the cornstarch and water mixture to the orange sauce and reduce the heat to medium-low.
      Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce is thickened.

    Serve

    • Steam or oven-roast several cups of your favorite veggies, such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, parsnips, etc.
      Or prepare rice or noodles according to the directions of the package.
    • Spoon rice or noodles then veggies into serving bowls and top with a large scoop of the baked tofu.
      Drizzle with plenty of orange sauce over the top of each serving.
      Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top before serving as an optional garnish.
    Did you make this recipe? Scroll up and leave a star rating.Tap @crinkledcookbook and follow me today.

    Notes

    • Cooking time for an air fryer: Air fryers cook food faster than convection ovens due to their higher temperature and rapid air circulation, so you'll use less time than I list in the recipe card to cook your tofu. Air fry at 400° F for 10-15 minutes. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 363kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 21gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 2065mgPotassium: 688mgFiber: 1gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 243IUVitamin C: 47mgCalcium: 437mgIron: 1mg

    Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database and are offered here only as a guideline for informational purposes.

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    1. Cheryl Sandoval says

      March 19, 2023 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      Love this! And so easy to make.

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        March 25, 2023 at 9:21 am

        I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Cheryl!! Thank you for the five-star rating!

        Reply
    2. Nancy says

      March 03, 2023 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      Wow this is such a tasty Baked Orange Tofu recipe. Thanks

      Reply
    3. Andrea says

      March 01, 2023 at 8:24 pm

      5 stars
      This orange tofu turned out so delicious! Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        March 04, 2023 at 6:57 am

        Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Andrea!

        Reply
    4. Genevieve says

      March 01, 2023 at 7:37 pm

      5 stars
      This orange tofu recipe sounds refreshing and perfect to make on the menu for the weekend! I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    5. Nora says

      March 01, 2023 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! This tofu turned out perfectly! Even the little ones enjoyed it! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        March 04, 2023 at 6:58 am

        Thanks for the update, Nora. My kids love this recipe too!

        Reply
    6. Bernice says

      March 01, 2023 at 9:45 am

      5 stars
      Wow! I never thought about using nutritional yeast as breading but it really works! The dish was delicious and I can't wait to pass the recipe on to my daughter who is vegan.

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        March 04, 2023 at 6:59 am

        Wonderful, I hope your daughter enjoys the recipe, Bernice! Thanks for the five-star rating.

        Reply

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