Name: Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 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’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet super simple, this Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe is going to be your new kitchen favorite. Imagine bite-sized cubes of crispy baked tofu smothered in a creamy, nutty sauce that’ll keep you coming back for more.

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 Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce. It’s quick, packed with protein, and that peanut sauce? It’s just the perfect creamy, savory touch that makes every bite irresistible.

Simply Delicious: Crispy baked tofu gives you that golden crunch without deep frying.
Flavor Explosion: The rich peanut sauce blends savory, sweet, and tangy notes effortlessly.
Healthy & Plant-Based: This recipe is vegan, wholesome, and ready in just 35 minutes.
Minimal Fuss: Uses one bowl for coating and sauce, plus easy cleanup with lined baking tray.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients before we get cooking. The great thing about this recipe is you don’t need anything fancy — just fresh tofu and simple pantry staples that come together into something extraordinary. Make sure to grab super firm tofu for the best texture, and use low-sodium soy sauce to balance the flavors without overpowering.

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: The sturdiness helps the cubes hold their shape and achieve that irresistible crisp.
Oil: Keeps the tofu beautifully golden and crispy in the oven without frying.
Cornstarch: This little magic ingredient ensures the tofu gets super crunchy on the outside.
Peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy works — it’s the heart of the sauce, adding richness and depth.
Sesame oil: Adds a subtle toasty note; optional but highly recommended if you have it on hand.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Gives umami flavor without too much saltiness.
Brown sugar: Balances the savory ingredients with a hint of sweetness.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and a tangy zing to cut through the richness.
Hot water: Helps thin the peanut sauce to just the right creamy consistency.
Green onion: Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild sharpness.

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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 Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to make it uniquely yours. Whether you want to add a little extra kick, swap ingredients for dietary needs, or experiment with different textures, this recipe welcomes your creativity.

Spicy Twist: I love adding a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the peanut sauce for an extra kick that wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Nutty Crunch: Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter for added texture that contrasts wonderfully with the crispy tofu.
Serve with Greens: For a fresh balance, I sometimes serve this tofu over a crisp bed of shredded cabbage or steamed bok choy, making it a vibrant, well-rounded meal.
Gluten-Free Version: Simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep this dish safe without sacrificing any flavor.
Extra Crispy Bonus: For a drier peanut coating and even crunchier bites, toss half the sauce with the tofu, bake for an extra 4 to 6 minutes, then drizzle with the remaining sauce just before serving.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Tofu with Rich 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: Coat the tofu for maximum crisp

Start by polishing off the moisture on your super firm tofu—this helps get that irresistible crunch later. In a medium bowl, toss the cubed tofu with 3 tablespoons of oil until every piece shines with a thin coating. Then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch evenly over the tofu and gently mix to cover all sides. This step is key for that perfectly crispy texture you'll love. After this, give the bowl a quick rinse and dry — you'll be reusing it for the sauce, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Bake until golden and crispy

Place your coated tofu cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Try not to overcrowd to ensure even baking and maximum crispiness. Slide them into a preheated oven set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping the tofu gently halfway through to brown both sides beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the tofu pieces turn a lovely golden brown and the edges have a delightful crisp crunch.

Step 3: Whisk together the rich peanut sauce

While the tofu crisps up in the oven, it’s time to whip up that luscious peanut sauce. Grab the bowl you rinsed earlier 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 of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lime juice. Stir well as you add a small splash of hot water—just enough to start loosening the mix. Keep adding hot water gradually, a splash at a time, whisking until your sauce is creamy, smooth, and perfectly pourable.

Step 4: Toss tofu in the peanut sauce

Once your tofu is baked to crispy perfection, transfer it back into the bowl with your freshly made peanut sauce. Gently toss each cube, making sure every delicious piece gets coated in that rich, creamy sauce. The contrast of crunchy tofu and luscious peanut coating is what makes this dish truly special.

Step 5: Garnish and serve immediately

Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions over your saucy tofu for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve it straight away as a snack, appetizer, or as part of a satisfying meal. The contrast between the crispy tofu and the creamy peanut sauce, with a zing from the lime, makes every bite a winner.

Top Tip

Mastering this Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe comes down to a few simple but game-changing tips that make all the difference between a soggy mess and perfectly crunchy, flavorful tofu.

Press or Dry Your Tofu Well: I always make sure to press extra-firm tofu or thoroughly pat dry super-firm tofu before coating it. Removing excess moisture is key to getting that coveted crispiness.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Tossing the tofu cubes in cornstarch before baking creates the magic crusty exterior—trust me, I learned the hard way by skipping it once and regretted that soggy disappointment.
Give Your Tofu Space: Avoid overcrowding the baking tray. Spacing the tofu out ensures even heat circulation and crispiness on all sides—my golden rule every time!
Reuse Your Bowl: To save time and minimize mess, reuse the same bowl for coating the tofu and mixing the peanut sauce. It’s a small trick that makes cleanup so much easier.

How to Serve Crispy Tofu with Rich 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 garnishes elevate this dish beautifully. I love sprinkling chopped green onion on top for a subtle sharpness and a pop of color. You can also add toasted sesame seeds or a few thinly sliced red chili peppers if you want a bit of heat and texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair this Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up all that luscious sauce. Lightly sautéed or steamed Asian greens like bok choy or snap peas complement the savory peanut flavor perfectly, adding freshness and crunch to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover crispy tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the peanut sauce separate if possible and toss just before serving to maintain optimal crispiness.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Arrange baked tofu cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat the tofu in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. If using leftover peanut sauce, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, then toss before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of tofu is best for this recipe?

Super firm tofu is ideal for this recipe because it holds its shape well and crisps up beautifully in the oven. If you only have extra-firm tofu, be sure to press it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before cooking.

Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The peanut sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before tossing with the tofu, and add a splash of hot water if it has thickened.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, consider mixing in some sriracha or chili flakes into the peanut sauce, or garnish with sliced fresh chili peppers. Adjust the spice level to your taste for a perfect kick.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe never ceases to impress. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough to serve as a main course, and utterly delicious every time. Whether you’re vegan, plant-based, or just curious about meatless meals, this dish brings warmth and comfort that’s easy to love. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, just as it has in mine!