This vegan dish gets a kick of taste from orange and spice. Crispy tofu skewers are quick and easy to make – the longest part will be pressing the tofu and marinating. They make a delicious accompaniment to grains or other vegan dishes.
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Tofu
Drain the tofu thoroughly.
Place the block of tofu in a clean baking dish, and weight it down with a fairly heavy pot. This will press out the remaining liquid. Leave for about 45 minutes.
When it's ready, slice the tofu into long sticks.
Remove the skewers from the water if you're using wooden ones.
Thread them through the tofu lengths without piercing at the far end.
Sauce
Make the sauce while you’re waiting on the tofu.
Heat the oil in a pan at a medium-high setting.
Add the garlic and sauté for a minute or two
Next, add the ginger and red pepper flakes, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Sprinkle in the orange zest, stirring for a minute.
Stir in the orange juice and sugar, and bring to a bubbling simmer.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and the water until smooth. Pour it into the pot with the sauce, and simmer for another 5 minutes until thickened.
To Grill
Lightly oil the grill at a medium setting.
Place the tofu skewers on a medium-hot grill for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side - just until there are grill marks.
Turn several times, brushing with more sauce as it caramelizes.
When it's crispy on the outside, serve immediately.
Oven Broil
Place the tofu skewers in a baking sheet, and drizzle with any remaining sauce.
Set the oven to broil, and place the baking sheet on a middle rack.
Turn them over every minute or two, until the tofu crisps on the outside and the sauce caremelizes.