1, 14ounceblockextra firm tofu - drained and pressed
¼cupnutritional yeast
2tablespoonssoy sauce
2tablespoonsolive 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.
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. For another meatless main dish, try Sweet Potato Lasagna. Both the lasagna and Easy Baked Orange Tofu are delicious with Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts!Love the flavor of oranges and looking for a splurge? Be sure to try Orange Rolls a classic cinnamon roll recipe.