Vegan Orange Chicken - DrNewMed Healthy Recipes for Healthy Eating

The finest vegan orange chicken and rice ever had, cooked with soy curls and served with sautéed bok choy. A whole foods plant-based, gluten-free, and oil-free meal that will quickly become a family favourite.

Ingredients

2 cups soy curls
1 cup vegetable broth or water
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce

1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)

For Serving

Cooked rice
Steamed broccoli florets
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Soy Curls: In a large bowl, soak the soy curls in vegetable broth or water and soy sauce (or tamari) for about 10 minutes until they become tender and rehydrate. Drain the excess liquid and squeeze out any excess moisture from the soy curls.
Make the Orange Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, maple syrup (or agave syrup), tomato paste, cornstarch, grated orange zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
Coat the Soy Curls: In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend). Toss the rehydrated soy curls in the flour mixture until they are coated evenly.
Fry the Soy Curls: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated soy curls to the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried soy curls from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Prepare the Orange Sauce: In the same skillet or wok, pour the prepared orange sauce and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine the Soy Curls and Orange Sauce: Add the fried soy curls to the simmering orange sauce, tossing them gently until they are well coated with the sauce.
Serve the Vegan Orange Chicken: Serve the vegan orange chicken over cooked rice, and garnish with steamed broccoli florets, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds (if desired).