Description
This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce recipe offers a perfect blend of crunchy baked tofu coated in a creamy, savory peanut sauce. It's an easy, healthy, and flavorful plant-based dish that’s great for a quick lunch or dinner.
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
- Coat the tofu: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed tofu with 3 tablespoons of oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the tofu and gently mix until all cubes are coated well. Rinse and dry the bowl to use later for the sauce.
- Bake the tofu: Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment or foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through the baking time, until the pieces turn golden brown and become crispy on the outside.
- Prepare the peanut sauce: While the tofu bakes, combine 3 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 teaspoon sesame oil (if using), 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon lime juice in the previously used bowl. Add a small splash of hot water and stir well until smooth. Gradually add more hot water, one splash at a time, until you reach a creamy and pourable sauce consistency.
- Coat the tofu with sauce: After baking, transfer the crispy tofu back into the bowl with the peanut sauce. Gently toss the tofu to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately as a delicious snack, appetizer, or part of a meal.
Notes
- For the crispiest tofu: Press extra-firm tofu or pat dry super-firm tofu well before coating; do not skip the cornstarch step, and avoid overcrowding on the baking tray to ensure even crisping.
- To minimize clean-up: Reuse the same bowl for coating tofu and mixing peanut sauce. Line the baking tray with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
- Adjust the sauce consistency by adding hot water slowly while whisking until you reach your preferred creaminess.
- For a drier peanut coating, toss half of the peanut sauce with the baked tofu, return to the oven and bake for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, then toss with remaining sauce before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
