Orange Tofu

Easy and tasty orange tofu recipe, vegan and gluten free!

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup orange juice

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 tablespoon raw sugar

• 2 tablespoons gluten free tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten free)

• 2 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons of water

• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

• half of a package of extra firm tofu (about 7-8oz)

• thinly sliced bell pepper and thinly sliced onion (optional)

Directions

1. Prep the tofu by draining the water from it, followed by placing a few paper towels on it, and a heavy book, or pot, or pan on top to help squeeze the excess moisture out of the tofu. Ideally, have the tofu sit like this for about 2 hours. If necessary to skip this step, be sure to dry out the tofu as much as possible for the best texture. Then, slice the tofu into cubes.

2. In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili flakes (if using), and orange juice.

3. Heat oil in very large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add tofu to the pan by pressing the tofu cubes firmly into the pan. Be sure to space out the tofu cubes so they are not too close to each other (if necessary cook in two batches). Let the tofu sit without touching for 6-8 minutes. Check if tofu is brown enough, if not continue cooking and checking. If desired brownness is achieved, then flip the tofu and brown the other sides.

4. Remove tofu from pan and set aside.

5. Add garlic, bell peppers, and onions to the pan and sauté until desired doneness (about 1-2 minutes, I like the veggies to have a bit of crunch to them).

6. Add the sauce into the pan with the veggies, and cook until the sauce begins to bubble (2-4 minutes). Reduce heat to simmer, cook for another minute, stir in the tofu gently and make sure all the tofu is coated. Turn off the heat.

7. For best flavor, I like to let the orange tofu sit for about an hour or more before eating. Makes for a great weekly meal prep!

8. Serve with rice (white, brown, jasmine, sushi style), noodles, or any other favorite tofu accompaniment!

Notes:

• Feel free to sub out any vegetables you like.

• Adjust spice levels to your liking, sriracha works here too.

• Double the recipe for a full 14oz-16oz package of tofu (depending on how saucy you like it!)