Imagine a dish that combines the perfect crunch of golden-brown tofu with a zesty orange ginger sauce that will make your mouth water instantly! This isn't just another boring tofu recipe – it's a flavor explosion that will transform your perception of plant-based cooking. Whether you're a seasoned vegan, a curious foodie, or someone looking to spice up their weeknight dinner routine, this crispy orange ginger tofu with broccoli is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the tofu. Press the block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- While the tofu is pressing, prepare the broccoli. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and cut them into smaller pieces if desired. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed. This will be your marinade for the tofu.
- Once the tofu has been pressed, place the cubes in the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the tofu to ensure all pieces are coated. Allow the tofu to marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- After marinating, remove the tofu from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu cubes and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. This will help achieve a crispy texture when frying.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu cubes to the pan in a single layer, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tofu for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn the tofu pieces to ensure even cooking.
- While the tofu is frying, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and set aside.
- Once the tofu is crispy and golden, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- In the same skillet, you can add the blanched broccoli for a minute to heat through, and then add the remaining marinade to the pan. Stir for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finally, add the crispy tofu back into the skillet with the broccoli and sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the tofu and broccoli in the sauce.
- Serve the crispy orange ginger tofu with broccoli hot, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Press Your Tofu Like a Pro: The key to crispy tofu is removing as much moisture as possible. Use a tofu press or the towel method, and don't rush this step – patience yields the crispiest results!
- Cornstarch is Your Secret Weapon: The cornstarch coating is crucial for achieving that restaurant-quality crispy exterior. Make sure to coat the tofu evenly and shake off any excess.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a medium-high heat and test the oil by dropping a small piece of tofu in – it should sizzle immediately but not burn.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the tofu in batches to ensure each piece gets crispy and golden brown. Overcrowding will steam the tofu instead of frying it.
- Blanch Broccoli Quickly: The key to perfect broccoli is a quick blanch – you want it bright green and tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Save Time by Multitasking: While the tofu is pressing, prepare your marinade and chop your broccoli to make the cooking process smoother.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or some chopped green onions as a final garnish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
