Name: Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
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’re craving a dish that’s satisfyingly crunchy, delightfully creamy, and totally vegan-friendly, you’re in for a treat. This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want something quick, flavorful, and comforting all at once.

A clear square glass container filled with golden brown tofu cubes coated in a shiny reddish-brown peanut sauce, topped with bright green sliced scallions scattered evenly across the tofu, placed on a white marbled surface with the slightly open container lid showing a handwritten label that says

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 love how this recipe transforms simple super firm tofu into golden, crispy bites that soak up a luscious peanut sauce — it’s like a party of textures and flavors in every mouthful. Plus, it’s so darn easy to make!

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous meals.
Vegan & Protein-Packed: Uses super firm tofu for a hearty meal that keeps you full and fueled.
Flavorful Peanut Sauce: Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet — it perfectly complements the crispy tofu.
Minimal Fuss: You only need one bowl for coating the tofu and stirring up the sauce, which means less cleaning!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need and why each ingredient is a star in this recipe. When shopping, look for super firm tofu—it holds its shape beautifully and crisps up without crumbling.

Flat lay of a block of super firm tofu cut into cubes, a small pile of golden cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy peanut butter, a small white ceramic bowl with dark low-sodium soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl with clear oil, a few fresh green onions with bright green stalks, placed 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: This type of tofu is dense and perfect for baking, giving you that satisfying crunch without falling apart.
Oil: A little oil helps the tofu crisp up nicely in the oven.
Cornstarch: This is the secret to that crispy exterior—don’t skip it!
Peanut butter: Choose unsalted creamy or crunchy based on your texture preference; it forms the base of a rich, savory sauce.
Sesame oil (optional): Adds a toasty, nutty depth, but you can leave it out if you prefer a milder sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness while keeping things balanced.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that brightens the sauce.
Lime juice: For a zingy freshness that cuts through the richness.
Hot water: Used to thin out the peanut sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
Green onion: A simple garnish that adds color and a fresh bite.

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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

This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to tweak it to suit your taste buds or pantry staples. Whether you like it extra saucy, a little spicier, or packed with veggies, you can make it truly your own.

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the peanut sauce for a delightful heat. I love this twist when I’m craving something with a little more punch.
Veggie Boost: Toss in steamed broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots for a colorful, nutrient-packed meal. Stirring the veggies into the peanut-coated tofu just before serving keeps everything fresh and crisp.
Crunch Factor: For an extra crunchy peanut coating, try tossing half the baked tofu with peanut sauce, then bake for another 4-6 minutes before coating it with the remaining sauce. I do this when I want that irresistible texture that keeps me coming back for more.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed or tahini to make this recipe safe for those with nut allergies, while still keeping the creamy, savory vibe.

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

The dish is served in a white octagonal bowl filled with a base layer of white rice. On top of the rice is a creamy orange curry with visible spices and sauce texture. Scattered on the curry are golden-brown fried tofu cubes with a slightly crispy outside. Green cilantro leaves are placed across the tofu and curry, adding a fresh touch. A wedge of lime sits on the edge of the bowl, partially resting on the curry. The bowl is placed on a beige woven fabric with a white marbled surface underneath, accompanied by a green-and-white checkered cloth napkin and a silver fork. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Tofu with Care

Start by drying your super firm tofu thoroughly—this step is key for getting maximum crispiness. Cut it into bite-sized cubes, then toss them gently in a medium bowl with 3 tablespoons of oil to ensure every piece gets a nice sheen. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch evenly over the tofu and stir well to coat each cube in a thin, even layer. A light coating like this creates that irresistible golden crust when baking. I find rinsing and drying the bowl right after also makes clean-up easier and preps it perfectly for the peanut sauce mixing later.

Step 2: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the coated tofu cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking. Pop them into a preheated oven set at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 25 minutes, turning the cubes halfway through so they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when they’re a beautiful golden brown and have a satisfyingly crunchy texture on the outside. This method keeps the inside soft and the outside perfectly crisp, which is what makes this dish so addictive.

Step 3: Whip Up the Peanut Sauce

While the tofu is baking, clean your bowl and combine 3 tablespoons of creamy or crunchy peanut butter, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (if you’re using it), 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon lime juice. Stir everything together, then add a splash of hot water to loosen the sauce. Keep adding hot water little by little until you reach a creamy, smooth consistency that perfectly coats the tofu. This sauce is the heart of the recipe—rich, tangy, and slightly sweet with that unmistakable peanut goodness.

Step 4: Coat and Toss the Tofu

Once your tofu cubes are golden and crispy, transfer them back into the bowl with the peanut sauce. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly, making sure every cube is drenched in that luscious sauce without losing its crispiness. I like to do this quickly so the tofu stays warm and crunchy, with just enough sauce to give every bite a burst of flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm

Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve your Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce immediately so you can enjoy the perfect balance of crispy texture and creamy sauce while it’s still warm. This dish is fantastic on its own, over rice, or alongside steamed veggies for a wholesome, tasty meal.

Top Tip

Some simple tricks can really make your Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe shine. These tips come from lots of hands-on kitchen time and make all the difference in getting that perfect crunch and luscious sauce every time.

Press or Dry Your Tofu: Even with super firm tofu, patting it dry is key. Removing excess moisture helps the cornstarch stick and ensures each cube crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: >This little dusting creates that golden, crunchy exterior. I learned the hard way that tofu without it tends to come out soft and less satisfying.
Use a Single Layer on the Baking Sheet: Crowding the pan steams your tofu instead of baking it. Giving each cube space helps achieve even crispiness on all sides.
Adjust Your Sauce Gradually: Add hot water a splash at a time while whisking to reach the perfect creamy, dippable texture. This method prevents your peanut sauce from becoming too thin or thick.

How to Serve Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe

A metal bowl filled with two layers of white tofu cubes, each cube coated lightly with a yellow seasoning giving a soft textured look, set on a white marbled surface. The tofu pieces appear fresh and evenly cut, filling the bowl with a simple and clean presentation, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh green onions add a bright crunch and pop of color that contrasts perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce. For an extra zing, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts on top. A wedge of lime on the side can give an optional citrusy lift just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed brown rice to soak up the sauce. For more veggies, try a crunchy Asian cucumber salad or quickly sautéed bok choy with garlic. Roasted sweet potatoes or a simple noodle bowl with fresh herbs would round out your meal beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover crispy tofu coated in peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll keep well for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the tofu may lose a bit of its crispness as it cools.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked tofu cubes before adding the peanut sauce. Lay them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Note that freezing the tofu after coating in sauce may affect texture and sauce consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the tofu cubes on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to help regain some crispiness. You can drizzle a little extra peanut sauce before serving if the coating has dried out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use firm tofu instead of super firm tofu for this recipe?

Yes, but extra steps may be needed. Press firm tofu thoroughly to remove as much water as possible so it crisps well in the oven. Super firm tofu is ideal because it holds its shape better and tends to get crisper.

Is the peanut sauce suitable for those with nut allergies?

Unfortunately, this recipe relies on peanut butter for that rich flavor. If you have a nut allergy, try substituting with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter, but keep in mind the taste and texture will differ.

How can I make the peanut sauce spicier?

You can add a dash of sriracha, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce when mixing. Adjust gradually to your heat preference.

Can I prepare the peanut sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The peanut sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before tossing with freshly baked tofu for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce at home truly transforms a simple ingredient into a satisfying, flavorful meal that's both healthy and comforting. With just a few pantry staples and a little care, you can enjoy a dish bursting with crunchy texture and creamy, tangy sauce anytime. I hope this recipe becomes one of your go-to weeknight dinners—easy to prepare, delicious, and so good you’ll want to make it again and again.