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Before becoming a vegetarian, orange chicken was one of my favorites. In fact, it was actually the last meal with meat that I ate before becoming a vegetarian back in 2012, so this vegan orange chicken recipe feels a little nostalgic to me.

Each bite is coated in sticky, sweet-tangy sauce and captures everything I loved about the original, but it’s completely plant-based and loaded with 35 grams of protein per serving.

The secret? High-protein tofu that soaks up all that zesty orange flavor.

The base starts with extra-firm tofu, pressed and torn into bite-sized chunks for that realistic “chicken” texture. A quick toss in cornstarch and a hot skillet gives it a bit of crunch. The sauce is a fresh blend of orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger for a bright and balanced taste.

Unlike takeout versions that can be heavy or overly sugary, this vegan orange chicken keeps things light while delivering the same signature flavor of regular orange chicken. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or a bed of steamed broccoli for a nutritious meal.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor in every bite
High-protein and completely plant-based
Comes together in less than 30 minutes for busy weeknights
Perfect for meal prep or enjoying right away
Pairs effortlessly with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal

What you’ll need

Tofu – Preferably super-firm, but drained and pressed extra-firm tofu works too
Orange juice – Forms the base of the sauce
Soy sauce or tamari – Gives umami richness
Rice vinegar – Balances out the sweetness
Sugar – Creates a sticky glaze
Ginger paste – Adds warm, zesty spice
Garlic – Boosts the flavor and aroma
Cornstarch – Helps tofu get crispy
Olive oil – Prevents tofu from sticking to the pan

Recipe tips

Cut the tofu into evenly sized pieces to ensure it cooks and crisps uniformly.

Toss the tofu in cornstarch for the best golden, lightly crispy texture.

Simmer the sauce until glossy so it clings beautifully to every piece.

How to make this recipe

In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.
Using your hands, crumble the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu.
Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the tofu is lightly browned.
Pour in the sauce and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
Enjoy as is or serve alongside rice and your favorite veggies!

FAQ

Yes! Be sure to drain and press it well for 20-30 minutes to remove excess moisture so that it crisps up properly.

Maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar all work as alternatives, though the sauce may be slightly less sticky. Keep in mind that I haven’t tested these swaps, so your results may vary.

I love serving this with rice and steamed veggies, like broccoli, carrots, bok choy, or cauliflower. It also works well served with noodles, stuffed in lettuce wraps, or paired with other grains, like quinoa or couscous.

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High-Protein Vegan Orange Chicken

This high-protein vegan orange chicken swaps meat for crispy tofu, delivering the same familiar sweet, tangy flavor with 35 grams of plant-based protein per serving.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Keyword 10 ingredients or less, 30 minutes or less, copycat, gluten-free, high-protein, low-carb, tofu, vegan, vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings 2

Ingredients

1 cup orange juice
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tbsp ginger paste
4 cloves garlic
1 (16-oz) package super-firm tofu
1-2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.
Using your hands, crumble the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu.
Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the tofu is lightly browned.
Pour in the sauce and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
Enjoy as is or serve alongside rice and your favorite veggies!