Description
This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce recipe features super firm tofu baked to golden perfection and coated in a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce. With just seven ingredients and only 30 minutes to prepare, it's a bold and satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick dinner or an impressive appetizer.
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 cubed tofu with oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and mix gently to coat each piece thoroughly. Rinse and dry the bowl for later use to avoid cross-contamination of cornstarch.
- 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 the tofu halfway through to ensure even crispiness. The tofu should turn golden and crispy on the outside.
- Make the peanut sauce: While the tofu bakes, combine peanut butter, sesame oil (if using), low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice in a small bowl. Add a small splash of hot water and whisk until smooth. Continue adding hot water gradually until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
- Combine tofu and sauce: Once the tofu is crisp, transfer it back into the reserved bowl. Pour the peanut sauce over the tofu and toss gently to evenly coat all pieces.
- Serve: Garnish the tofu with chopped green onions and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use super firm tofu and press it well to remove excess moisture for the crispiest results.
- You can substitute low-sodium tamari for soy sauce to make the recipe gluten free.
- If preferred, you can air fry or pan-fry the tofu instead of baking it.
- Add crushed peanuts or chili flakes on top for extra texture and spice.
- The peanut sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 39 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
