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To make a delicious Sesame Orange Tofu Stir Fry, gather these ingredients: - 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup snap peas - 3 green onions, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges) - Zest of 1 orange - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Salt and pepper to taste The main star of this dish is the tofu. Firm tofu gives the dish texture and protein. Pressing it removes water, helping it fry better. The sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the orange. Fresh orange juice and zest bring a bright, citrusy taste. The bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas add color and crunch. Garlic and ginger provide warmth and depth. If you don’t have firm tofu, try extra-firm or tempeh. You can swap sesame oil for olive oil if needed. Any colorful veggies work well; zucchini or carrots are great choices. For a soy-free option, use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. If you're out of fresh oranges, bottled orange juice can be a quick fix, but fresh is best for flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, press the tofu to remove extra water. This helps it get crispy. Cut the pressed tofu into small cubes. In a bowl, toss the cubes with cornstarch. Make sure each piece is coated well. This step gives the tofu a nice crunch when cooked. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of sesame oil. Once hot, add the coated tofu. Sauté the tofu for about 8 to 10 minutes. Cook until it turns golden brown on all sides. Remove the tofu and set it aside. In the same skillet, pour in the other tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Stir-fry these veggies for about 5 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. Next, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until you smell their great aroma. Now, pour in the fresh orange juice and orange zest. Add the soy sauce, too. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the tofu to the skillet. Toss everything together for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and coat all the ingredients. Season your stir fry with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Remove the dish from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your colorful and tasty meal! Pressing tofu helps remove extra water. This step is key. It makes your tofu crispier. To press tofu, wrap it in a clean towel. Place a heavy pan on top for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into small cubes. Toss the cubes in cornstarch. This helps to create a nice crust during cooking. To boost the orange flavor, use fresh oranges. Fresh juice tastes better than bottled juice. Zest the orange before juicing. The zest adds a strong citrus aroma. You can also add a splash of orange liqueur. This adds depth and richness to the dish. Use a hot skillet or wok for cooking. This helps brown the tofu well. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it can steam the food. Cook in batches if needed. Stir-fry the veggies quickly to keep them crisp. Add garlic and ginger last for the best flavor. Pour in the orange sauce and stir everything together. This way, every piece gets coated in that delicious sauce. Pro Tips Press Tofu Thoroughly: Make sure to press the tofu for at least 15-30 minutes to remove excess moisture, ensuring it absorbs the flavors better and achieves a crispier texture. Vegetable Crunch: For the best texture, avoid overcooking the vegetables. They should be tender yet still crisp, retaining their vibrant color and nutrients. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your oranges, feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce or add a pinch of sugar if you desire a sweeter sauce. Garnish for Flavor: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil just before serving can enhance the flavor profile of the dish, giving it a fresh and aromatic finish. {{image_2}} To make your Sesame Orange Tofu Stir Fry even tastier, consider some fun add-ins. You can use: - Carrots: Shredded or sliced for crunch. - Mushrooms: Add a rich umami flavor. - Baby corn: For a sweet bite. - Cashews: They add a nice crunch and flavor. Feel free to mix and match these options. Each one brings a new taste to the dish. This recipe is already vegan, but you can enhance it. Try using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This adds a hint of sweetness. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess. This will balance the orange flavor well. If you're looking for gluten-free options, swap soy sauce for tamari. It has a similar taste but works for those avoiding gluten. Ensure your tofu is labeled gluten-free too. You can also use cornstarch as a thickener, which is naturally gluten-free. This will keep your dish safe and delicious! To keep your Sesame Orange Tofu Stir Fry fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the stir fry cools down before sealing it. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat your leftovers, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to keep it moist. Stir frequently until it is hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. To freeze the stir fry, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use many types of vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work well. You can also try carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just cut them into small pieces for even cooking. Mix and match based on what you have at home! To add heat, try adding red pepper flakes or sriracha. You can stir in a teaspoon or two of your favorite hot sauce. If you like fresh heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños. Start small, then taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. This stir fry pairs well with rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with noodles if you prefer. For a light option, try it with a side salad. Adding some fresh fruit can also brighten the meal. Enjoy mixing flavors and textures! This blog post covered all you need for a tasty Sesame Orange Tofu Stir Fry. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and ways to enhance flavors. I shared tips for pressing tofu and cooking like a pro. Variations allow for creative tweaks, catering to different diets. Finally, we discussed how to store leftovers for future meals. Enjoy experimenting with this dish. It’s simple, fun, and packed with flavor. You’ll love making it your own.

Sesame Orange Tofu Stir Fry

A vibrant and flavorful stir fry featuring tofu, fresh vegetables, and a zesty orange sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 3 unit green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 unit zest of 1 orange
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into small cubes. Toss the cubed tofu in a bowl with corn starch until evenly coated.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated tofu and sauté until golden brown on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and return the tofu to the skillet. Toss everything together for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the ingredients evenly.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir fry.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve with extra sesame seeds and orange slices for garnish.
Keyword orange, sesame, stir fry, tofu, vegan