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    Home / Recipes / Vegan Entrees

    Orange Tofu

    Published: Jul 26, 2020 · Modified: Feb 16, 2023 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Orange tofu is marinated in a tangy orange sauce and grilled to perfection, then added to a bowl with your favorite veggies and grains. This orange tofu recipe is easy and one of my favorites!

    Orange tofu recipe served on top of quinoa and stir-fried vegetables

    I love tofu, and what I love about tofu is how versatile it is. It absorbs flavors and sauces like a sponge and transforms easily for many different recipes. This orang tofu recipe tastes fabulous grilled, baked, air fried or pan seared in pan. The magic, however, is in the marinade.

    Jump to:
    • What Type of Tofu to Buy
    • Tofu Preparation Tips
    • How to Press Tofu
    • Orange Marinade Ingredients
    • Orange Marinade Ingredient Substitutions
    • Different Ways to Cook Orange Tofu Recipe
    • Grilling
    • Baking
    • Air-Frying
    • Stir-Fried Vegetables and Quinoa
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips
    • Other Great Vegan Recipes to Try
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    In Arizona, grilling weather is every day, 365 days a year. So, I  fired up the grill for some fresh grilled orange tofu.

    This week, the oranges were too beautiful at the farmer's market to ignore. But, as a saucy girl, I prefer the homemade orange sauce to a jar or bottle version with a bunch of unnecessary sugar. So, when the farm market's oranges call out, I make orange tofu. 

    What is the secret to my orange tofu recipe? As with all tofu recipes, it is all about correctly preparing them. If you are new to cooking with tofu, it is essential to understand the different types of tofu and how to press them correctly. 

    When cooked the right way, tofu is a vegan delicacy! You can turn tofu into any main or side dish with a suitable marinade and cooking technique. I, for example, think tofu is like a sponge. Not only does it absorb flavors, but it can also be cooked in various ways. The orange tofu recipe, for instance, is one of my favorites! 

    What Type of Tofu to Buy

    In today's world, wide varieties of tofu exist. The type of tofu you buy, however,  is essential. For instance, soft tofu is used for dressing, dips, and sauces.

    On the other hand, extra-firm tofu is made for entrees and can be baked, air-fried, grilled, or sauteed. Generally, I always buy the firmest tofu I can find. 

    Additionally, sprouted tofu is the firmest tofu, and it does not require pressing. To be honest, this one is my favorite, simply because I don’t have to press it. I use a paper towel to dry it off, and it’s ready to go.

    And now, chickpea tofu is a new anomaly in the tofu world. As an alternative to soy products, chickpea tofu provides a way to enjoy soy-free tofu.

    Tofu Preparation Tips

    For years I avoided eating tofu. Every time I made tofu, I moved it to the side of the plate because it was either fried or mushy. Most restaurants fry it, which doesn’t interest me, and those who bake and grill it seemed to have the same issues I did; soft tasteless tofu.

    Then, I figured it out with the help of my EZ Tofu Press. I bought it on Amazon, and in the beginning, I made the same mistakes. I didn’t follow the directions ( a problem I have, haha); I was in a hurry as I usually am, and I got the same results….tasteless tofu I didn’t like.

    I have many friends who share the same frustration, and although I have posted recipes with similar instructions, this post is all about the proper pressing and cooking, so you can enjoy tofu as much as I do.

    Tofu press on the counter

    How to Press Tofu

    First, carefully remove the tofu from the package, discarding the fluid from the package.  

    Then, place the tofu in the middle of the press and turn both knobs equally about four turns. I usually set the tofu press in the sink on its side, but for this visual post, I put it on a plate to drain.

    • Turn the knobs every two minutes, equally, until you have the result (the last picture).
    • Most people stop here…NOT YET. Keep turning until the knobs are screwed as far as they can to almost touch the end like this:
    • Although I have never tried this, I decided this time I would measure the amount of water I got from the bottom of the plate at the end.
    • The amount was ¾ cup fluid
    • Now, remove the press from the plate, and I give it another press with a paper towel for excess fluid removal.
    • Next, cut tofu into 4 identical slabs.

    Orange Marinade Ingredients

    Squeezing oranges using a juicer on the counter

    Making a great marinade is the secret to fabulous tofu. For this recipe, I chose to make a fresh orange marinade and sauce. Of course, if you can squeeze fresh juice, rather than using bottled juice, always use fresh fruit. 

    Another suggestion is to allow the tofu to marinate overnight to absorb all the flavors from the marinade. 

    • Oranges: Fresh juice is best for the most robust flavor.
    • Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar is sweet and provides acidity to the marinade.
    • Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides an umami flavor for savory goodness,
    • Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger gives this marinade a beautiful tangy flavor.
    • Arrowroot Powder: Arrowroot powder is a thickener for the marinade.
    Mixing orange marinade ingredients in a measuring cup.

    Orange Marinade Ingredient Substitutions

    • Use bottled juice if fresh juice isn't available.
    • Or, try clementines or tangerines if oranges aren't available.
    • Champagne vinegar or Mirin is often used to substitute rice vinegar in recipes.
    • Try Tamari or liquid aminos to replace soy sauce with a gluten-free option.
    • Choose low-sodium soy sauce for those following a low-sodium diet.
    • Substitute ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger for every 1 Tablespoon of grated ginger.
    • Cornstarch provides that nice glossy shine, just like arrowroot powder. Cornstarch is a 1-for-1 arrowroot starch substitute. 

    Different Ways to Cook Orange Tofu Recipe

    Even though I prefer grilled tofu, not everyone has a grill or the climate to grill outdoors. For that reason, other cooking options are available, so you don't miss out on this fabulous orange tofu recipe. 

    Grilling

    • Preheat the grill to low
    • Place a grill mat on the grill (you can also use a grill pan, or if you are careful, you can place the tofu directly on the grill.
    • Cook for about 8 minutes on each side
    • Remove from the grill and place back in the marinade until ready to use.  
    • Then, cut it into strips or cubes

    Baking

    • Simply follow the same pressing and marinating process. 
    • Then, preheat oven to 400 degrees
    • Place cut or uncut tofu on a silicone baking mat  or parchment paper
    • Cook for 15 minutes
    • Remove from oven and flip tofu over; cook for an additional 15 minutes. 

    Air-Frying

    • Simply follow the same pressing and marinating process. 
    • Set air fryer temperature at 375 degrees
    • Cook 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times through the cooking process.

    Although I love grilled tofu on its own, I love adding bright stir-fried vegetables and quinoa! The orange marinade, for instance, pairs perfectly with stir-fried vegetables and red quinoa. 

    Stir-Fried Vegetables and Quinoa

    Even though I chose to add red quinoa to the center of my bowl, get rice, farro, or any grain could be replaced. Or, the vegetables and tofu make a great bowl on their own. 

    Since the orange marinade and sauce have Asian flavors, I chose vegetables to compliment those flavors. 

    • White Onion
    • Mushrooms
    • Red Bell Pepper
    • Pea Pods
    • Bok Choy
    • Purple Cabbage

    To stir-fry the vegetables correctly, I cook them in a particular order, so the vegetables are cooked perfectly. 

    Using a wok, begin cooking the mushrooms and onions until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are browned. 

    Then, add the red bell peppers and pea pods and continue cooking. At this point, you can add ¼ cup of the orange sauce. Next, add the bok choy and purple cabbage. Once the bok choy and purple cabbage begin to wilt, it is time to assemble the bowls. 

    • Place half a cup of quinoa in the center of each bowl.
    • Surround with stir-fried vegetables.
    • Add grilled orange tofu to the top.
    • Drizzle with orange tofu sauce.

    Not only is the orange tofu recipe one of my favorites, but this recipe is also a powerhouse of nutrition with quinoa and a rainbow of vegetables. 

    Orange tofu recipe served on top of cooked red quinoa and sauteed vegetables.

    Recipe FAQs

    Is it okay to marinate tofu?

    Firm (and extra-firm) tofu can be thoroughly seasoned with marinades of all types due to its relatively loose structure.

    When should you not press tofu?

    Some brands of firm tofu, particularly smoked or flavored ones that are vacuum packed, may not need pressing. If you're unsure, dab the surface with a clean tea towel and see if it picks up moisture. If it's dry, then it's fine to use without pressing.

    How long is too long to marinate tofu?

    Yes, the marinade will start breaking down the protein in the tofu after 24 hours if you use the softer tofu types. However, the high-protein super-firm tofu can be marinated for up to 3 days without getting soft or crumbly.

    Tips

    • When cooking with tofu, focus on texture and flavor.
    • Marinate tofu overnight for the deepest flavor.
    • Choose the appropriate tofu for the correct cooking purpose.
    • Freeze and thaw tofu for a spongier consistency
    • Cornstarch is the secret weapon in the fight against soggy baked tofu.
    • When air frying or grilling tofu, you do not need any cornstarch.
    • Use a heavy weighted pan and towels or a tofu press if pressing tofu.

    Other Great Vegan Recipes to Try

    Try this tangy orange tofu for a delicious addition to a salad, noodle, or rice bowl.

    • Mediterranean Potato Recipe
      Mediterranean Potatoes
    • vegan goulash recipe
      Vegan Goulash
    • Lentil Stew
    • vegan tacos
      Vegan Tacos

    If you love this orange tofu recipe, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We would love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    orange tofu recipe close up

    Orange Tofu

    Kathy Carmichael
    Orange tofu recipe is marinated in a tangy orange sauce and grilled to perfection, then added to a bowl of red quinoa and stir-fried vegetables.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Entrees
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 275 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 14 ounces extra-firm or sprouted tofu pressed

    Orange Marinade/Sauce

    • 3 oranges juiced
    • 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari
    • 3 teaspoons fresh ginger grated
    • 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder

    Vegetables/Quinoa

    • 3 cups cooked quinoa I used red quinoa
    • 1 white onion
    • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
    • 1 red bell pepper sliced thin
    • 8 ounces pea pods
    • ¼ purple cabbage sliced thin
    • 2 bok choy cut into bite-sized pieces

    Instructions
     

    Orange Marinade

    • Juice the oranges using a juicer or by hand.
    • Place the orange juice and the rest of the ingredients in a saucepan.
    • Whisk all the ingredients together, so to incorporate the arrowroot powder.
    • Heat on medium-low, and stir until the orange sauce begins to thicken.

    Tofu

    • Press the tofu and cut it into 4 equal slabs for grilling. If baking air frying or pan searing, cut into cubes.
    • Mix ¼ cup of the orange marinade/sauce into a container with the tofu.
    • Refrigerate overnight.
    • Place the remaining orange sauce in a separate container for later use.

    Cooking Options

      Grilling

      • Preheat the grill to low.
      • Place a grill mat on the grill (you can also use a grill pan, or if you are careful, you can place the tofu directly on the grill.
      • Cook for about 8 minutes on each side.
      • Remove from the grill and place back in the marinade until ready to use.  
      • Then, cut the tofu into strips or cubes

      Baking

      • Follow the same pressing and marinating process. 
      • Then, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
      • Place cut or uncut tofu on a silicone baking mat  or parchment paper
      • Cook for 15 minutes.
      • Remove from oven and flip tofu over; cook for an additional 15 minutes. 

      Air Frying

      • Follow the same pressing and marinating process. 
      • Set the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees.
      • Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket several times throughout the cooking.

      Quinoa/Vegetables

      • Prepare quinoa according to the directions provided.
      • Using a wok, on medium-high heat, begin cooking the onions and mushrooms until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are browned.
      • Now, add red bell peppers and pea pods; toss to incorporate with the mushrooms and the onions, and continue to cook for approximately 7 minutes.
      • Lastly, add the bok choy and purple cabbage.
      • Stir to combine, and add the reserved orange sauce.
      • Cook until bok choy and purple cabbage is slightly wilted.

      Assembling the Orange Tofu Bowl

      • Place ½ cup of quinoa in the center of the bowl.
      • Spoon stir-fried vegetables around the quinoa.
      • Add sliced of grilled tofu.

      Notes

      • When cooking with tofu, focus on texture and flavor.
      • Marinate tofu overnight for the most profound flavor.
      • Choose the appropriate tofu for the correct cooking purpose.
      • Freeze and thaw tofu for a spongier consistency
      • Cornstarch is the secret weapon in the fight against soggy baked tofu.
      • When air frying or grilling tofu, you do not need cornstarch.
      • Use a heavy weighted pan and towels or a tofu press if pressing tofu.

      Nutrition

      Serving: 6gCalories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 18gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 383mgPotassium: 1459mgFiber: 10gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 14085IUVitamin C: 231mgCalcium: 399mgIron: 6mg
      Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
      Kathy Carmichael

      Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

      www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

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        July 27, 2020 at 2:10 pm

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        July 26, 2020 at 3:52 pm

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