This mandarin tofu salmon is a beautifully balanced dish where sweet, citrusy notes perfectly complement the richness of the fish and the delicate texture of tofu. Ready in just about 35 minutes, this effortless salmon tofu bake is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner that feels elegantly simple. The glossy, savory-sweet mandarin sauce salmon creates a memorable meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

I first fell for the combination of citrus and seafood while traveling, and it inspired me to create this go-to recipe for my own kitchen. The bright aroma of fresh mandarin oranges mingling with savory soy and ginger transforms the entire house, signaling a special meal is on its way. I love serving this salmon with tofu alongside fluffy rice for a complete dinner, and it pairs wonderfully with the vibrant flavors of our Hibachi Shrimp. For dessert, a slice of our Citrus Upside-Down Cake makes the perfect, light ending.

Four Reasons This Mandarin Tofu Salmon Shines

Effortless Elegance: This one-pan meal feels luxurious but comes together with minimal cleanup.
Perfect Flavor Harmony: The sweet mandarin orange sauce beautifully balances the savory salmon and tofu.
Weeknight Fast: From prep to plate in just 35 minutes for a stress-free dinner.
Wholesome and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and bright, fresh ingredients for a nourishing meal.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Mandarin Tofu Salmon

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Main Components

Salmon Fillet: Use skin-on or skin-off. I prefer skin-off for easier serving and quicker sauce absorption.
Firm Tofu: Drained and cubed. Firm tofu holds its shape beautifully during baking.

For the Mandarin Sauce

Soy Sauce: Provides the essential salty, umami base for the sauce.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes slightly in the oven.
Mandarin Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice gives the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor.
Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and richness.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced and grated for the best aromatic punch.

For Thickening and Garnish

Cornstarch and Water: A simple slurry to transform the pan juices into a glossy sauce.
Mandarin Orange Segments: Added at the end for bursts of fresh fruit.
Green Onions: A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a mild oniony bite.

Mandarin Tofu Salmon

Try this delicious mandarin tofu salmon recipe with tender salmon, firm tofu, and sweet glaze. Ready in 35 minutes for a healthy dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 37

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

oven
9×13-inch baking dish
paper towels
small bowl
whisk
measuring cups
measuring spoons
knife
cutting board
stovetop

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1.25 pounds salmon fillet skin on or off
14 ounces firm tofu drained and cut into 1-inch cubes

Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon olive oil

Slurry and Garnish

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
2 mandarin oranges peeled and separated into segments
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels and cut it into 4 equal portions. Arrange the salmon and cubed tofu in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, mandarin orange juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the honey is fully dissolved.
Pour the mandarin sauce evenly over the salmon and tofu in the baking dish, turning the salmon pieces to coat them on all sides.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
While the salmon bakes, whisk the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Once the salmon is cooked, carefully transfer the baking dish to the stovetop. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the hot liquid in the baking dish and stir gently over low heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Gently stir in the mandarin orange segments and let the dish rest for 2 minutes to allow the oranges to warm through. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Keyword mandarin tofu salmon

Simple Ways to Customize Your Dish

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
Different Citrus Try using fresh orange or tangerine juice and segments if mandarins are unavailable.
Extra Vegetables: Add broccoli florets or snap peas to the baking dish for a complete meal.

My Pro Tips for Flawless Mandarin Tofu Salmon

Pat the Salmon Dry: This crucial step ensures the skin gets crispy and the sauce adheres properly.
Use Fresh Juice: For the brightest flavor, squeeze your own mandarin juice instead of using bottled.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Check at 15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Thicken the Sauce Gently: Stir the cornstarch slurry over low heat to avoid clumping and achieve a silky texture.

How to Store and Reheat Your Leftovers

Store: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freeze: I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the tofu’s texture can become watery upon thawing.
Reheat: Gently reheat portions in a covered oven-safe dish at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can whisk the sauce and cube the tofu a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can. Firm white fish like cod or halibut work well as substitutes for salmon. Just be mindful that the cooking time may need slight adjustment depending on the thickness of the fillets. You might enjoy our Baked Cod recipe for another simple seafood option.

What tofu is best for baking?

Firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal for baking because it holds its shape and doesn’t release too much water. Make sure to drain it well and pat it dry with paper towels before cubing it for the best texture in the finished dish.

Is this mandarin tofu salmon gluten-free?

This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The mandarin sauce can be whisked together up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights. Just give it a good stir before using.

More Delicious Dinner Recipes to Try

Why This Mandarin Tofu Salmon Will Become a Staple

With its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and citrusy flavors, this mandarin tofu salmon is a truly satisfying meal. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet impressive enough for guests, making it endlessly versatile. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.

Mandarin Tofu Salmon Bake