Pan Fried Orange Tofu and Rice

Serves 4

1 C Orange Juice

4 TBSP Rice Vinegar

3 TBSP Brown Sugar

2 TBSP Sweet Chili Sauce, I prefer Mae Ploy.

2 TBSP Soy Sauce, I use Low Sodium.

1/2 TSP Sesame Oil

1/2 TSP Red Pepper Flakes

Salt and Pepper, for taste

1/4 C Flour

1 Egg, Whisked

1 TBSP Water

3/4 C Panko

Dash of Garlic Powder and Cinnamon

1 Package of Firm Tofu, Drained, Dried, and Chopped into 1 to 2 INCH Cubes

1/4 C Canola Oil

In a small sauce pan, add all the sauce ingredients: orange juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper flakes and bring it to a boil on medium high heat. Once it starts to a boil turn down the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. (I preferred it a little runny unlike the Chinese restaurants, so I cooked it until it got to the consistency I wanted.) If you like it thick, I would suggest making a slurry of a tablespoon of flour and 2 tablespoon water and then added to the sauce.

To prepare the tofu, cut the tofu into cubes, and then between two clean towels or two or three sheets of paper towels on each side of the tofu press the tofu to dry it out. It will take two or three times, so before each time wring out the towel

To start the tofu, a dredge station of three plates/bowls will need to be create: first one will have flour, second one will be the whisked egg and water that you mix in, and then panko, garlic powder, and cinnamon in the other.

While you prep the tofu by covering each cube with each of the mixture, add the oil in a deep skillet and set the heat to medium high. The edge of the pan should be about 2 to 3 inches high, so it is less risk of the oil flying everywhere.

Once the tofu is ready, the oil should be ready, so you can then add the tofu. You will flip the tofu as the sides get golden brown, so the tofu is browned on each side. It should take about 10 to 15 minutes to cook.

Once the tofu is done, drain the excess oil and then add the sauce into the pan and incorporate it into the tofu.

Serve over rice and enjoy!