Orange Tofu

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!

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.

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

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.

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. 

Recipe FAQs

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.

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

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