Description
Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring super firm tofu baked to a golden crisp and coated in a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple ingredients for a delicious vegan and gluten-free main or side that can be ready in just 30 minutes.
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, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare tofu: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed tofu with oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and mix well to coat all pieces. Reserve the bowl for later use.
- Bake tofu: Arrange the 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 crispness. The tofu should be golden and crispy when done.
- Make peanut sauce: While the tofu bakes, combine peanut butter, optional sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice in a small bowl. Add a splash of hot water and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Gradually add more hot water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Toss tofu in sauce: Once the tofu is crisp, transfer it back to the reserved bowl. Pour the peanut sauce over the tofu and gently toss to evenly coat each piece.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve the crispy tofu immediately while warm and coated in peanut sauce.
Notes
- To ensure maximum crispiness, press the tofu for at least 20 minutes prior to cubing to remove excess moisture.
- If you prefer, you can pan-fry or air fry the tofu instead of baking for different textures.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the dish.
- The sauce can be adjusted to taste by adding more lime juice for acidity or brown sugar for sweetness.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts for extra crunch and texture, if desired.
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
