Description
This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce recipe features super firm tofu baked to golden perfection and coated in a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce. It's an easy, vegan-friendly dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that offers a satisfying crunch and a rich, savory taste.
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
- Green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Tofu: In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with oil to coat evenly. Then add the cornstarch and mix thoroughly until the tofu is evenly coated. Rinse and dry the bowl to use later for the sauce.
- Bake the Tofu: Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer on a sheet pan. Bake in a preheated oven 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, sesame oil (if using), soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice in the reserved clean bowl. Add a small splash of hot water and stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sauce consistency by gradually adding more hot water as needed.
- Coat the Tofu: Once the tofu is crispy, transfer it back into the bowl with the peanut sauce. Gently toss the tofu cubes until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve immediately while the tofu remains crispy and warm.
Notes
- For the crispiest tofu: Press extra-firm tofu or pat dry super-firm tofu, don’t skip the cornstarch, and avoid overcrowding the baking pan.
- To minimize clean-up: Re-use the same bowl for coating tofu and mixing the sauce, and line your baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
- To adjust the sauce thickness: Add hot water gradually a splash at a time and whisk well until you get your preferred creamy consistency.
- For an extra crunchy peanut coating: Toss half the peanut sauce with the baked tofu, then bake for an additional 4-6 minutes before tossing with the remaining sauce to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
