Sticky Orange Tofu Bites

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These sticky orange tofu bites are the perfect balance between sweet and savory, thanks to the flavorful orange glaze made from fresh orange juice and zest. Cooking the tofu with a bit of cornstarch on the outside helps the glaze cling to the pieces. Serve these tasty bites on a plate with wooden picks for guests to enjoy, or serve them over brown rice for a hearty main dish.

Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4
  • The orange glaze brings a bright and tangy flavor to these tofu bites.
  • Tofu offers complete protein and important minerals like iron and calcium for strong bones.
  • Cooking the tofu with cornstarch helps the tasty glaze stick to each piece.

If you’re a fan of orange chicken, then you’ll love these Sticky Orange Tofu Bites! They’re the perfect combo of sweet and savory flavors, with a bright and tangy orange glaze. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, and its mild flavor is the ultimate backdrop for bold flavors. Whether you’re serving them up as an appetizer or tossing them over brown rice for a main, these sticky tofu bites are saucy and delicious. Ready to see for yourself? Read on for our expert tips and tricks for making these tofu bites perfectly every time.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

  • We like super-firm tofu for this recipe. It’s the most dense and keeps its shape well when it’s cooked. If you can’t find super-firm, extra-firm will work well.
  • Watch the glaze closely after you add the cornstarch. It should thicken quickly, and the texture should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon. Once it has thickened, remove it from the heat to prevent over-thickening.
  • If you want to give this recipe a try with another protein, tempeh or chicken thighs or chicken breast pieces all will work well.

Nutrition Notes

  • Tofu is an excellent plant-based protein to incorporate into your diet. Made from soybeans, tofu is a complete source of protein, as it provides the nine essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce. It’s also a good source of iron, a mineral that our bodies need to maintain a healthy immune system. Plus, tofu offers calcium to support bone health.
  • Orange juice forms the base of the sauce, and the natural sweetness of the fruit eliminates the need for any added sugars. Orange juice contains potassium and folate, two nutrients that support heart health.
an image of the Sticky Orange Tofu Bites

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 (16-ounce) package super-firm tofu, drained and patted dry

  • 4 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided

  • 4 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or avocado, divided

  • ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch plus teaspoons, divided

  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon grated garlic

  • ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

  • ¾ cup orange juice (from 3 medium oranges

  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon light brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • 1 medium scallion, thinly sliced (2 tablespoons)

  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Directions

  1. Slice tofu into 1-inch-thick slices. Press the slices dry with paper towels, then cut each slice into 1-inch cubes; transfer to a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon neutral oil and ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic; toss to coat. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons cornstarch; toss to coat.

    Cubed tofu being coated in a bowl with seasoning and flour

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

  2. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu; cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crisped on all sides, about 12 minutes. Transfer the tofu to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.

    Person cleaning a frying pan with a paper towel next to a plate of cooked tofu cubes

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

  3. Add 1 teaspoon sesame oil to the skillet; heat over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1 teaspoon orange zest, ¾ cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 2 tablespoons vinegar and the remaining 3 tablespoons soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.

    A bowl containing sauce or marinade, with a side dish of tofu bites on a plate

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

  4. Whisk 1 tablespoon water and the remaining 2½ teaspoons cornstarch together in a small bowl. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan; cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.

    Sauce simmering in a pan, tofu bites on a plate nearby

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

  5. Add the reserved tofu to the pan and turn to coat in sauce. Transfer the tofu bites to a large plate; drizzle with the remaining sauce from the pan. Sprinkle with sliced scallions and ½ teaspoon sesame seeds.

    an image of the Sticky Orange Tofu Bites

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make this recipe gluten free?

    Yes! Simply swap out the reduced-sodium soy sauce for reduced-sodium tamari.

  • What can I serve with these tofu bites?

    If you want to turn these bites into a main dish, try serving them over your favorite whole grain like brown rice or quinoa. You could also toss them with sautéed veggies or enjoy them as part of a grain bowl or on top of a salad.

  • How should I store this sticky orange tofu?

    These tofu bites are best eaten immediately so they don’t lose their crispiness; however, you can store them. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated. You won’t get the same crispiness as the day you make them, but they’ll still be delicious.

EatingWell.com, May 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

317 Calories
21g Fat
21g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size ¾ cup
Calories 317
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 21g 8%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 11g
Added Sugars 8g 16%
Protein 13g 26%
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 2g 11%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Vitamin A 9µg
Vitamin C 25mg 28%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 3mg 17%
Folate 34µg
Vitamin K 21µg
Sodium 532mg 23%
Calcium 344mg 26%
Iron 3mg 16%
Magnesium 58mg 14%
Potassium 322mg 7%
Zinc 1mg 13%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 1g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Hilary Meyer
Hilary Meyer
Hilary Meyer is a recipe developer, tester, and content creator. After graduating from culinary school, she started working the EatingWell Test Kitchen in 2006, developing and testing recipes.
and
Alex Loh
Square Headshot of Alex Loh
Alex Loh is EatingWell's food editor. As part of the food team, she creates healthy, delicious recipes for the EatingWell audience. Alex also writes informative food and cooking articles that range from how to store ground beef to the best picks from Trader Joe's. Alex conducts product and taste tests to find the best options, from salad spinners to salsas.