Description
This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce recipe delivers perfectly baked tofu cubes coated in a flavorful and creamy peanut sauce. The tofu is tossed with a light cornstarch coating for a crisp texture and baked to golden perfection, then drizzled with a rich, tangy peanut sauce made with soy sauce, lime juice, and a hint of sweetness. Garnished with green onions, this dish is a delicious and satisfying vegan main that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 1 pound super firm tofu dried and cubed
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Peanut Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu: In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with oil until well coated. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and mix until each piece is evenly coated. Set the bowl aside for later use.
- Bake the tofu: Arrange the coated tofu cubes evenly on a lined sheet pan. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy on all sides.
- Make the peanut sauce: While the tofu bakes, combine peanut butter, optional sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice in a small bowl. Add a splash of hot water and stir continuously until smooth. Gradually add more hot water a little at a time to reach your desired creamy and pourable consistency.
- Coat the tofu: Once the tofu is crispy and cooked, transfer it to the reserved bowl. Pour the peanut sauce over the tofu and gently toss to evenly coat all pieces.
- Serve: Garnish the coated tofu with sliced green onions and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For the crispiest tofu, press extra-firm tofu or pat dry super-firm tofu well, don’t skip the cornstarch coating, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- To minimize cleanup, reuse the same bowl for tossing tofu and mixing the sauce, and line the baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
- Adjust the peanut sauce consistency by adding hot water gradually until you achieve the desired creaminess.
- For a drier peanut coating, toss the baked tofu with half the peanut sauce and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes, then toss with the remaining sauce before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg