Name: Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound super firm tofu dried and cubed; 3 tablespoons oil; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons unsalted creamy or crunchy peanut butter; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon lime juice; Hot water as needed for sauce consistency; Green onion for garnish

If you’ve ever wondered how to nail that perfect balance of crunchy and creamy in your vegan dinners, this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is about to become your go-to. Trust me, once you taste these golden tofu cubes smothered in that rich, tangy peanut sauce, you’ll be hooked.

The image shows a clear glass meal prep container filled with golden brown crispy tofu cubes covered in a shiny, thick peanut sauce. The tofu pieces are placed closely together in one layer inside the container. Bright green sliced scallions are scattered on top, adding contrast to the rich reddish-brown tofu and sauce. The container lid is open and partially covering the top left corner. This is all set on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the glossy texture of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I baked tofu with a simple cornstarch coating and topped it with a silky peanut sauce – game changer! It’s amazing how such straightforward ingredients can deliver a vibrant, satisfying meal that feels both healthy and indulgent.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the hassle.
Perfectly Crispy: The cornstarch coating and baking technique give the tofu that irresistible crunchy exterior.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The peanut sauce blends savory, sweet, and tangy notes that bring the whole dish to life.
Vegan and Nutritious: A wholesome plant-based meal packed with protein and satisfying textures.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic is really in keeping it simple with quality basics. When shopping, grab super firm tofu that’s nicely dried to get that crispy texture. Having creamy or crunchy peanut butter on hand lets you customize the sauce just how you like it.

Flat lay of super firm tofu cubes, glossy golden oil in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with fine pale cornstarch, a small white bowl with creamy peanut butter, a small white bowl holding dark soy sauce, a small white bowl with golden brown sugar, a small white bowl containing fresh lime juice, and fresh green onion stalks placed neatly, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Super firm tofu: Its dense texture holds up beautifully when baked and crisps wonderfully with a light cornstarch coating.
Oil: Helps the tofu get golden and crispy in the oven without frying, keeping it lighter but still flavorful.
Cornstarch: A key player in creating that crave-worthy crisp outside on your tofu cubes.
Peanut butter: The base for the creamy sauce that’s rich, nutty, and comforting – choose creamy or crunchy to suit your mood.
Sesame oil (optional): Adds a subtle toasty depth that pairs perfectly with the soy and lime.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings that essential umami flavor while keeping the sodium balanced.
Brown sugar: A little sweetness that rounds out the tang and saltiness in the sauce.
Lime juice: Injects a fresh, tangy brightness that elevates the sauce from good to irresistible.
Hot water: Used to thin the peanut sauce to just the right creamy, pourable consistency.
Green onion: Adds a fresh, crisp garnish that gives the dish a pop of color and mild oniony kick.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you love it spicy, extra creamy, or packed with veggies, the base is flexible and forgiving. Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your taste buds and pantry!

Spicy Kick: I like adding a small drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce for a nice heat balance that cuts through the richness. It adds such a lovely depth without overpowering the dish.
Nut-Free Version: If peanuts aren’t your thing, sunflower seed butter or tahini can make a fantastic alternative sauce base. Just swap it in and adjust the soy sauce and lime to keep that tangy, savory vibe alive.
Seasonal Veggies: Sometimes I toss in roasted broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots alongside the tofu for extra crunch and color. It turns this into a fuller meal without adding fuss.
Extra Crunch: For an even crispier exterior, lightly spray the tofu cubes with oil halfway through baking, or give them a quick broil for 2-3 minutes once baked before coating them in the sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe

The image shows a bowl with white rice forming the bottom layer, topped with pieces of golden-orange tofu coated in a thick, creamy yellow curry sauce with visible spices. Bright green cilantro leaves are scattered across the top, adding fresh color, and there is a wedge of lime placed on one side inside the bowl. The bowl itself is dark with an octagonal shape. The bowl sits on a beige cloth surface next to a white plate holding lime slices and part of a green and white checked napkin is seen near a metal fork. The surface under everything is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Tofu for Maximum Crispiness

Start by grabbing 1 pound of super firm tofu—make sure it’s well drained and dried to avoid sogginess. Toss the cubed tofu gently into a medium bowl with 3 tablespoons of oil, coating every piece evenly. Next, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over it and mix until all cubes have a light dusting. This step is key for building that irresistible crispy crust during baking.

Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the coated tofu cubes evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded—this helps them cook crisp all around. Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through so every side gets that beautiful golden brown color. Keep an eye out for that satisfying crunch as the tofu finishes baking!

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Sauce

While the tofu is baking, mix together 3 tablespoons of peanut butter, an optional teaspoon of sesame oil for extra nuttiness, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lime juice in a small bowl. Add a splash of hot water and stir continuously until silky smooth, then keep adding more hot water a little at a time until you reach your perfect creamy and pourable sauce consistency. This sauce is the flavor-packed star of the show!

Step 4: Coating the Crispy Tofu

Once your tofu cubes are golden and crisp, transfer them back into the waiting bowl. Pour your luscious peanut sauce over the top and gently toss to coat every bite in that tangy, creamy goodness. Take care not to break the cubes but make sure each piece gets that perfect blanket of flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finally, sprinkle sliced green onions over the coated tofu for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve this dish right away to enjoy the best combination of crunchy tofu and silky sauce. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a crunchy salad for a satisfying meal.

Top Tip

Getting that perfect crisp on tofu without deep frying can feel tricky, but these tips will make your Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe shine every time.

Press and Dry: Even though we use super firm tofu, patting it thoroughly dry before coating ensures less moisture, which means crispier results in the oven.
Cornstarch Magic: Tossing tofu in cornstarch was a game changer—I learned that skipping this step makes the tofu soggy rather than crunchy.
Space Them Out: Give each tofu cube room on the baking sheet; overcrowding traps steam and prevents crispness.
Reuse Your Bowl: To save on cleanup, I always use the same bowl for tossing tofu and mixing the peanut sauce—it’s a small trick that adds up!

How to Serve Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe

A shiny metal bowl filled with several cubes of pale yellow tofu, each cube lightly coated with a powdery substance, arranged randomly inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled textured surface with soft lighting that highlights the texture and color of the tofu cubes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Green onions are the classic garnish here—they add a fresh, vibrant pop and subtle bite. You can also sprinkle in some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra crunch and nuttiness. A few sprigs of fresh cilantro brightens the dish further, while a wedge of lime on the side gives an optional citrus twist.

Side Dishes

This crispy, flavorful tofu pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a fluffy quinoa pilaf to soak up that luscious peanut sauce. For a veggie boost, sautéed bok choy, roasted broccoli, or a crunchy Asian slaw make excellent complements. You can also serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a refreshing balance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover crispy tofu tossed in peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a convenient vegan meal prep option or quick lunch.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked tofu cubes (without peanut sauce) by spreading them out on a tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat and toss with freshly made peanut sauce for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm tofu cubes in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness before drizzling with peanut sauce again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the tofu soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular firm tofu instead of super firm?

Yes, you can, but you'll want to press it longer to remove as much moisture as possible. This helps achieve a crispier texture when baked.

Is the sesame oil necessary in the peanut sauce?

The sesame oil is optional but adds a lovely depth and nutty aroma to the sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, the sauce will still be delicious without it.

How do I make sure the tofu stays crispy and doesn't get soggy?

Coating with cornstarch, baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping halfway, and avoiding overcrowding on the baking sheet are key steps for crispy tofu. Also, serve the tofu immediately after coating with the peanut sauce for the best texture.

Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The peanut sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, and add a bit of hot water if it has thickened too much.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of those simple, satisfying dishes that never fails to impress — whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just tofu-curious! The combination of crunchy tofu tossed in that creamy, tangy peanut sauce brings comforting flavors while keeping things light and healthy. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this recipe a regular in your kitchen. Happy cooking!