Name: Crispy Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 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 love that perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and just a touch of heat, then you’re going to adore this Crispy Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and quickly became one of my go-to plant-based dishes!

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the first time I baked the tofu with a cornstarch coating, I was hooked. This recipe nails that crispy texture on the outside while keeping the tofu tender inside, and the peanut sauce adds a rich, spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Deliciously Crispy Tofu: Oven-baking with cornstarch creates a perfectly crunchy coating without frying.
Easy and Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal or snack.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The creamy peanut sauce has a lovely balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a hearty snack that’s vegetarian and satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right tofu and quality peanut butter really makes a difference here. Make sure your tofu is super firm and nicely dried to get that ultimate crispiness, and pick peanut butter that matches your texture preference—creamy or crunchy.

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: Its sturdy texture holds up well in the oven without falling apart.
Oil: Helps crisp up the tofu cubes and creates a golden bake.
Cornstarch: The secret to that addictive crunch coating your tofu in every bite.
Peanut butter: Adds richness and depth—feel free to choose creamy or crunchy based on your mood.
Sesame oil: Optional but adds a lovely nutty aroma to the sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness with umami without overpowering.
Brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel-like sweetness to the sauce.
Lime juice: Lifts the flavors, giving the sauce a refreshing tang.
Hot water: Adjusts the peanut sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
Green onion: Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild bite.

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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

The beauty of this Crispy Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe is that it’s a fantastic canvas for your own twists and preferences. Whether you want to spice it up more, add some crunch, or make it allergy-friendly, there’s room to customize!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the peanut sauce to bring some heat without overpowering the creamy texture.
Nut-Free Variation: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to keep the flavor rich for those with nut allergies—trust me, it’s just as delicious.
Seasonal Twist: Toss in some roasted veggies like bell peppers or snap peas before serving for a fresh, colorful plate.
Crunch Factor: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed roasted peanuts on top for that satisfying crunch I can’t get enough of.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Tofu with Spicy 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 Crispy Perfection

Start by drying your super firm tofu as much as possible to remove excess moisture. Then, toss the cubed tofu with 3 tablespoons of oil in a medium bowl so every piece gets a light sheen. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the tofu cubes and gently mix until each piece is evenly coated with that fine powder. This step is the secret weapon for achieving that irresistible crunch in the oven—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined or lightly greased sheet pan. Make sure not to overcrowd them to allow air to circulate, which helps them crisp up evenly. Pop the pan into a preheated oven set to 400°F and bake for 25 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through cooking. You’ll want to see a golden, slightly crunchy appearance on all sides—the texture here is everything!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Peanut Sauce

While the tofu bakes, grab that same bowl you used earlier and combine 3 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (if using), 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice. Add a small splash of hot water and stir vigorously until smooth and creamy. Keep adding hot water a little at a time until you reach a pourable, luscious sauce consistency that can coat every tofu cube perfectly.

Step 4: Toss and Coat the Crispy Tofu

When the tofu is done baking and delightfully crispy, transfer it back into your prepared bowl. Pour the peanut sauce over the tofu and gently toss to ensure every cube is generously coated. This step brings the rich, savory flavors and the satisfying crispiness together beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm

Finish your dish by sprinkling chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the peanut sauce’s creaminess alongside that perfectly crisp tofu. It makes for an ideal snack or a main dish for 2 to 4 hungry people—let the warmth and flavors shine!

Top Tip

Mastering the art of this Crispy Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe is all about those little details that make a huge difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tried-and-true tips from my kitchen to yours!

Press and Dry Your Tofu: Even with super firm tofu, patting it dry before coating helps the cornstarch adhere better for that unbeatable crispiness.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: This step is essential—trust me, I once skipped it and ended up with soggy tofu, which was a major disappointment!
Use the Same Bowl: Saving time and washing up is a win! Tossing tofu and mixing peanut sauce in the same bowl is my favorite cleanup hack.
Space Out the Tofu on the Pan: Crowding causes steaming instead of crisping. Keeping tofu cubes apart ensures every bite is perfectly golden.

How to Serve Crispy Tofu with Spicy 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

Finishing touches elevate this dish wonderfully! Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions for a mild bite and vibrant color. For an extra kick, a few red chili flakes or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil complement the spicy peanut sauce beautifully. You can even add some crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch contrast.

Side Dishes

This crispy tofu pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up that luscious peanut sauce. For a fresh, crunchy element, serve alongside a simple cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy with garlic. Roasted veggies like snap peas or bell peppers also make a colorful and tasty addition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover crispy tofu coated in peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or snacks.

Freezing

While the tofu is best fresh for maximum crispness, you can freeze baked tofu cubes before adding the sauce. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Defrost in the fridge before reheating and tossing with fresh peanut sauce.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness, reheat tofu cubes in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes on a lined baking sheet. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that texture intact. Once warmed, toss with peanut sauce again and serve immediately for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular tofu instead of super firm tofu?

For the crispiest results, super firm tofu is best because it holds its shape and releases less moisture. If using regular firm tofu, press it thoroughly to remove excess water before proceeding.

How spicy is the peanut sauce in this recipe?

This particular recipe has a mild spice level thanks to the optional sesame oil and flavorful soy-lime base. To amp up the heat, feel free to add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce directly into the peanut sauce.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

If you need a nut-free alternative, try swapping peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini. The flavor will differ, but it still creates a creamy, delicious sauce to coat the crispy tofu.

What else can I serve with this tofu for a complete meal?

Adding steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh vegetable stir-fry makes this dish a satisfying main course. You can also serve it with leafy greens or a crunchy Asian-style slaw for balance and variety.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes—it’s simple, flavorful, and so satisfying. I love how the crispy tofu cubes soak up the creamy, tangy peanut sauce without losing their crunch. Whether you’re looking for a plant-based main or a delicious snack, this recipe delivers every time. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do.