How to Make Vegan Orange Chicken – Easy Recipe

If you’re like me, you sometimes crave that classic sweet and tangy orange chicken you used to order from your favourite takeout spot. I know I do—especially when I want something comforting yet bursting with flavour. But since going vegan, I’ve been on a mission to recreate my favourite dishes and let me tell you, this Vegan Orange Chicken does not disappoint.

The first time I made this dish, I was sceptical. Could a plant-based version hit the spot? Spoiler alert: it did! Let me walk you through everything you need to know so you can enjoy this delightful recipe in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Vegan Orange Chicken

Let’s talk about ingredients. I promise you won’t need anything fancy; you might already have most of these in your pantry. When I first tried this recipe, I didn’t have to run to the store—always a win in my book!

1. The Orange Sauce

This sauce is where the magic happens. It’s sweet, tangy, and sticky enough to coat every crispy bite perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh Orange Juice: I love using freshly squeezed orange juice; it makes the sauce taste much brighter and fresher. But store-bought works, too.
• Soy Sauce: Adds that perfect salty balance to the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: This gives the sauce a caramelized, slightly rich flavour.
• Rice Vinegar: Trust me, a little tanginess makes all the difference.
• Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is best, but powdered works in a pinch.
• Cornstarch Slurry: This is the secret to that glossy, thick texture that clings to every bite.

2. Vegan Chicken Options

Here’s where you can get creative. I’ve tried this with all kinds of plant-based proteins, and each one brings its charm:

• Tofu: My go-to. Make sure it’s firm or extra-firm, and press it for the best results.
• Seitan: If you want something with a meaty texture, seitan is amazing.
• Tempeh: It’s nutty and hearty and soaks up flavours beautifully.

3. Flavor Boosters

These little extras elevate the dish:

• Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle nuttiness.
• Red Chili Flakes: Just a pinch if you like a little heat.
• Sesame Seeds: They’re optional, but I love sprinkling them on for texture and presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Recipe

I couldn’t believe how easy it was the first time I made this. Here’s how you can recreate it step by step:

Step 1: Prep Your Vegan Chicken

If you’re using tofu, press it first. (I’ve mistakenly skipped this step before, and let’s just say soggy tofu isn’t the vibe.) Once pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes and toss it in cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This step gives it that crispy coating we all love.

For seitan or tempeh, you can skip the pressing but still coat it with cornstarch to get that golden crust when cooking.

Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce

Combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, and once the sugar dissolves, stir in your cornstarch slurry. Don’t skip the stirring—you’ll want a smooth, thick sauce ready to coat your vegan chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Vegan Chicken

Warm up a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your tofu, seitan, or tempeh, and cook until golden and crispy on all sides. I’ve also used my air fryer for this step, which works like a charm.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Here comes the fun part! Toss your crispy vegan chicken in the orange sauce until every piece is beautifully coated. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even alongside roasted veggies. The amazing aroma will have your mouth watering in no time!

Tips for Perfect Vegan Orange Chicken

I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to make this dish even better:

Get That Perfect Crispy Texture

• Coat your tofu or seitan generously with cornstarch.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. If you do, things can get soggy instead of crispy.

Balance the Flavors

Taste the sauce as you go. If it tastes too sweet, just mix in a dash of rice vinegar. Too tangy? A bit more brown sugar will fix it.

Make It Gluten-Free

• Swap soy sauce for tamari, and use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs for coating.

Elevate Your Presentation

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and add a few sliced green onions. The small detail makes the dish look just as amazing as it tastes.

Variations of Vegan Orange Chicken

The best thing about this recipe is how versatile it can be. Here are some variations I’ve tried and loved:

• Cauliflower Orange Chicken Roasted cauliflower florets work beautifully as a lighter, veggie-forward option.
• Spicy Orange Chicken: If you’re like me and love a little heat, add a dash of sriracha or extra chilli flakes to the sauce.
• Healthier Version: Bake or air-fry your vegan chicken instead of pan-frying to cut down on oil.
• Kid-Friendly: When I made this for my niece and nephew, I skipped the chilli flakes and added a touch of maple syrup for extra sweetness. They loved it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Orange Chicken

What is orange tofu made of?

It combines crispy tofu and a sauce made with orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatics like garlic and ginger. It’s sweet, tangy, and downright addictive.

What makes tofu rubbery?

Tofu can turn rubbery if it’s overcooked or wasn’t pressed properly to remove excess moisture. Using firm or extra-firm tofu helps a lot.

Why put tofu in salt water?

Soaking tofu in salt water tightens its texture and helps it hold its shape better during cooking. It also enhances the flavour.

Is Vegan Orange Chicken healthy?

Absolutely! It’s a lighter, plant-based alternative to the traditional dish, especially if you bake or air-fry your protein. Plus, the orange sauce is made with fresh, simple ingredients.

Conclusion Vegan Orange Chicken

There you have it, my tried-and-true recipe for Vegan Orange Chicken. Every time I make this dish, it brings back memories of family dinners and cozy nights. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so much fun to make. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating a takeout favourite in your kitchen.

I hope you try this recipe and love it as much as I do. If you do, please share your experience in the comments below or tag me on social media with your creations. I’d love to see how yours turns out! And if you have any tips or variations, let’s keep the conversation going. Happy cooking!

More vegan Chicken Recipes

Vegan Chicken Curry

Vegan White Chicken Chili