Crispy Baked Tofu Peanut (Printer-friendly)
Crispy golden tofu paired with a rich, spicy peanut sauce offers a bold and satisfying flavor.
# What You Need:
→ Tofu
01 - 14 oz firm tofu
02 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
→ Spicy Peanut Sauce
06 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
07 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
08 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
09 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
10 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
11 - 1-2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
12 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
13 - 2-3 tbsp warm water (to desired consistency)
→ Garnish (Optional)
14 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
15 - 1 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped
16 - Fresh cilantro leaves
17 - Lime wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Wrap the tofu block in a clean towel and place a weight on top. Press for 10 to 15 minutes to extract excess moisture.
03 - Cut the pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.
04 - In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently.
05 - Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
06 - Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, sriracha, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Add warm water gradually until smooth and pourable.
07 - Serve the baked tofu hot, drizzled with the spicy peanut sauce. Garnish with spring onions, chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The tofu comes out impossibly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, proving that plant-based protein can absolutely satisfy.
- That spicy peanut sauce hits every flavor note at once—creamy, tangy, spicy, and nutty—making this feel way more indulgent than it actually is.
02 -
- Pressing the tofu is non-negotiable if you want crispiness; skipping this step leaves you with steamed tofu no matter how high your oven goes.
- Don't skip flipping the tofu halfway through baking—this simple step is what gives you that all-around golden crust everyone loves.
03 -
- Keep that parchment paper on the baking sheet—it's the secret to tofu that releases cleanly instead of sticking and tearing.
- A drizzle of sesame oil on top of the finished dish adds an extra layer of nutty aroma that takes it from good to unforgettable.