Asian Style Tofu in Spicy Orange Sauce Recipe
A vibrant, flavorful dish that packs a punch of spice and tang, this Asian Style Tofu in Spicy Orange Sauce is perfect as a starter or a delightful side dish for any weeknight dinner. With firm tofu as the main ingredient, paired with the sweet and spicy notes of orange juice, brown sugar, and sriracha sauce, this dish is a feast for the taste buds. The sesame oil adds a nutty richness, while toasted sesame seeds bring in a crunch that complements the tender tofu. This dish is a great choice for those seeking a high-protein, vegetarian meal that’s simple yet exciting to prepare.
Ingredients for Asian Style Tofu in Spicy Orange Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Firm Tofu | 400 grams |
| Orange Zest (Rind) | 2 teaspoons |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole Black Peppercorns – freshly ground | 1/2 teaspoon |
| All Spice Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Rice Vinegar | 3 tablespoons |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Orange Juice | 1/2 orange (juice) |
| Sriracha Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Minced Ginger | 4 tablespoons |
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Toasted Sesame Seeds (Til Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Asian
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Instructions to Prepare Asian Style Tofu in Spicy Orange Sauce
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Prepare the Tofu: Begin by cutting the firm tofu into cubes. In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu with cornstarch, orange zest, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and all spice powder. Ensure that the tofu is well coated with the mixture and set it aside.
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Make the Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, brown sugar, fresh orange juice, and sriracha sauce. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined. Set this sauce mixture aside.
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Cooking the Tofu: Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until they begin to turn golden brown, about 5β7 minutes. Keep turning the tofu to ensure it browns evenly on all sides.
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Add the Aromatics: Once the tofu is golden, add the minced ginger (and garlic, if using) to the pan. SautΓ© the tofu with the ginger for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour the pre-prepared vinegar and orange juice sauce mixture into the pan with the tofu. Stir well and let the sauce cook down for about 5-7 minutes or until it begins to thicken and becomes sticky. This will intensify the flavors.
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Finishing Touches: Adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or sriracha to taste. Add the toasted sesame seeds and give it one final stir. Continue cooking for another minute, ensuring that everything is well coated with the sauce.
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Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Asian Style Tofu in Spicy Orange Sauce warm. This dish works wonderfully as a starter or as a side dish to complement other main courses.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve this Asian Style Tofu in Spicy Orange Sauce with a side of Hakka Noodles or steamed jasmine rice. The combination of crispy tofu and the vibrant, spicy-sweet sauce pairs perfectly with the soft noodles or rice, making for a satisfying and balanced dinner.
Pro Tips
- Texture of Tofu: If you prefer your tofu to be extra crispy, press it before cooking to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu absorb the sauce better and gives it a delightful texture.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha sauce depending on how spicy you like your dish. Add more for a fiery kick or reduce it for a milder flavor.
- Adding Garlic: If you enjoy garlic, consider adding minced garlic along with the ginger to enhance the flavor even further.
This Asian Style Tofu in Spicy Orange Sauce is not only a great way to enjoy a high-protein vegetarian meal, but it also introduces a perfect balance of flavors that can easily be adapted to suit different spice preferences. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a weeknight dinner or as a main course for a light and healthy meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
