If using an oven, pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F. If using an air fryer, preheat at 400 degrees F (if preheating is needed).

Skip this step if your tofu is already very firm or if you have pressed your tofu. To make your tofu extra firm and chewy, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot and stir in ½ tbsp salt. Add the entire block of tofu into the boiling water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes. Once done, drain and rinse the block in cold water to cool down to touch. Lightly pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Once tofu has cooled a bit, carefully rip up tofu into bite-sized pieces. If it’s too hot, you can use a knife to cut into cubes.

Add tofu chunks into a mixing bowl and season with garlic powder and soy sauce. Toss then mix in vegetable oil until well coated. Finally, coat with cornstarch evenly.

Place coated tofu pieces on a lined baking sheet or an air fryer tray, not overlapping or touching.

If using an oven, bake in the oven at 425 degrees F for around 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden, tossing halfway. If using an air fryer, air fry at 400 degrees F for around 15-18 minutes (until crispy and golden), tossing or flipping halfway through.

While the tofu is cooking, prepare the Orange Sauce in a large pan. Add all the ingredients for the Orange Sauce (except cornstarch and water) and bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a medium-low. Boil for around 2 minutes. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water to create a starch slurry. Add to the pan and stir constantly on medium-low heat until the sauce thickens nicely.

Once tofu is cooked, add into the pan and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.

Top with green onions and sesame seeds and serve with rice or noodles! Feel free to add other cooked vegetables as well.