Sticky Orange Glazed Tofu Bowl (Printable)
Golden crispy tofu glazed in sweet orange sauce with fluffy rice and crunchy fresh vegetables.
# What You’ll Need:
→ For the Tofu
01 - 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
04 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
→ For the Orange Glaze
05 - ½ cup fresh orange juice
06 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
07 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup
08 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
09 - 2 teaspoons sesame oil
10 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
12 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
→ For the Bowl
13 - 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
14 - 2 cups red or green cabbage, thinly shredded
15 - 1 carrot, julienned
16 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
17 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
18 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
19 - Fresh cilantro or mint leaves (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Cut the pressed tofu into ¾-inch cubes. Toss gently with soy sauce, then with cornstarch to coat evenly.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer. Sear on all sides until golden and crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
03 - In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
04 - Add the crispy tofu to the glaze and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize around the tofu.
05 - Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top with crunchy cabbage, carrot, cucumber, and glazed tofu.
06 - Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crispy tofu contrasts perfectly with that sticky sweet glaze
- Everything comes together in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup
02 -
- Don't crowd the pan or the tofu will steam instead of crisp up
- The glaze thickens fast once the cornstarch hits, so have your tofu ready
03 -
- Use a wide spatula to flip tofu so it doesn't break apart
- Slice vegetables thin so they stay crunchy and fresh