Description
Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make plant-based dish featuring oven-baked tofu cubes coated in a crispy cornstarch layer and covered with a creamy, savory peanut sauce. Perfect as a snack or a main course for 2 to 4 servings.
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 3 tablespoons of oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the tofu and mix gently to cover all pieces evenly. Rinse and dry the bowl for later use.
- Bake the tofu: Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the tofu is golden and crispy on all sides.
- Make the peanut sauce: While the tofu is baking, 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, a little at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
- Toss tofu with sauce: When tofu is crispy, transfer the cubes back into the reserved bowl. Pour the peanut sauce over the tofu and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately while warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For the crispiest tofu, press extra-firm tofu or pat super-firm tofu dry before starting, do not skip the cornstarch coating, and avoid overcrowding the pan while baking.
- To minimize clean-up, reuse the same bowl for making peanut sauce and line the baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
- Adjust the peanut sauce consistency by adding hot water a splash at a time until you get your preferred creaminess.
- For a drier, thicker peanut coating, toss the baked tofu with half of the sauce and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes before tossing with the remaining sauce to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
