Name: Crispy Tofu with 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, sliced for garnish

Nothing beats the satisfying crunch of perfectly baked tofu glazed in a rich, nutty dressing — that’s exactly what this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe delivers. It’s a quick and wholesome vegetarian dish that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes.

A white speckled bowl filled with multiple square pieces of tofu covered in thick, glossy dark brown sauce, topped with bright green sliced scallions scattered evenly over the tofu. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a light beige cloth and a pair of wooden chopsticks with red patterns to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve been making this crispy baked tofu with peanut sauce on repeat — it’s incredibly simple but delivers big on taste and texture. Whether you’re a tofu lover or new to it, this easy recipe makes it irresistible.

Crunchy Texture: Baking the tofu with cornstarch creates that amazing crispy exterior without frying.
Rich, Creamy Sauce: The peanut sauce is velvety with just the right balance of salty, sweet, and tangy notes.
Quick & Straightforward: Ready in only 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a flavorful side to complement your meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this crispy tofu with peanut sauce recipe, aim for super firm tofu to ensure that crispy texture holds up. For the peanut sauce, you can use creamy or crunchy peanut butter depending on your texture preference—the rest of the ingredients are pantry-friendly staples you probably already have on hand.

Flat lay of a block of super firm tofu cut into neat cubes, a small white bowl with golden cooking oil, a small white bowl filled with fine white cornstarch, a small white bowl holding creamy peanut butter, a small white bowl of dark low-sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl containing light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl with bright lime juice, two whole uncracked brown eggs, and fresh green onion stalks with vibrant green tops, all arranged symmetrically 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: Holds its shape well and crisps up beautifully when baked.
Oil: Helps the tofu crisp and brown nicely in the oven.
Cornstarch: The magic ingredient for that irresistible crunchy coating.
Peanut Butter: Provides creamy, nutty richness central to the sauce's flavor.
Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle toasty depth—optional but highly recommended.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Balances saltiness while keeping the dish healthy.
Brown Sugar: Brings a touch of sweetness to mellow and enhance the flavors.
Lime Juice: A splash of acidity that brightens the entire peanut sauce.
Hot Water: Used to adjust the peanut sauce to a smooth, creamy drizzle.
Green Onion: Adds a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color as garnish.

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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

One of the best parts about this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to tweak the flavors and textures to suit your mood or dietary needs—once you get the basics down, the sky’s the limit!

Variation: For an extra zing, I sometimes add a touch of sriracha or chili flakes right into the peanut sauce. It gives the dish a wonderful spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy nuttiness.
Gluten-Free: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep this gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Crunch Boost: Toss in some toasted peanuts or chopped cashews on top for an added crunch that makes every bite even more satisfying.
Seasonal Twist: Add some steamed broccoli or roasted bell peppers when tossing the tofu in peanut sauce to make this a colorful and nutrient-packed meal.
Air Fryer Method: If you’re short on time, try air-frying the tofu cubes at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through. You’ll still get that incredible crispiness without heating up the whole oven.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe

A silver metal bowl holds many small cubes of pale yellow tofu, each cube textured with tiny crumbs, arranged loosely inside. The cubes vary slightly in size but form a rough single layer covering the bowl's base. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with visible light wrinkles and creases, giving a soft contrast to the solid shapes inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Tofu

Start by drying your super firm tofu thoroughly—this helps get that coveted crunch. Then cube it into bite-sized pieces and toss gently in a medium bowl with 3 tablespoons of oil until every piece shines with a slick coating. Next, sprinkle on 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and lightly mix to coat each cube evenly. This layer is the secret to locking in crispiness during baking. Once coated, rinse and dry the bowl so you can reuse it later for tossing with the sauce.

Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lay the coated tofu cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even heat circulation. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through so every side turns beautifully golden and crunchy. You’ll know it’s done when the cubes have a satisfying crisp crackle and a deep golden hue.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Sauce

While your tofu crisps in the oven, combine 3 tablespoons of creamy or crunchy peanut butter, 1 teaspoon of optional sesame oil, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon lime juice in a small bowl. Stir them together, then add a splash of hot water and mix vigorously until silky smooth. Keep adding hot water a little at a time until your sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency that will lovingly coat each tofu cube.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Once the tofu is out of the oven and irresistible with its golden crust, transfer it back into your cleaned medium bowl. Pour over the luscious peanut sauce and toss gently to ensure every square is evenly coated. For the final touch, sprinkle sliced green onions on top—this adds a fresh pop of color and a mild oniony bite that complements the rich sauce beautifully. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the crispiest tofu texture and the perfect balance of flavors in your peanut sauce every time you make this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe.

Dry the Tofu Thoroughly: Pat your super firm tofu completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before tossing with oil and cornstarch. This small step makes a huge difference in achieving that golden, crunchy exterior.
Even Coating is Key: Sprinkle the cornstarch slowly over the tofu cubes and gently toss rather than stirring too aggressively. This helps every piece get a nice, even coating without clumps, which bakes into a perfect crisp.
Flip Midway Through Baking: Flipping the tofu cubes about halfway through the 25-minute bake ensures every side crisps up evenly, giving you that irresistible crunch all around.
Adjust Sauce Consistency Slowly: When making the peanut sauce, add hot water little by little. It’s easier to thin the sauce gradually to your preferred creamy consistency than to fix it if it becomes too runny.

How to Serve Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe

A white octagonal bowl filled with a bed of white cooked rice topped with several pieces of golden brown, grilled tofu cubes in a thick orange curry sauce. The curry has a creamy texture and is spread on top of the rice, with fresh green cilantro leaves scattered over the tofu and sauce. A bright lime wedge rests on one side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a beige fabric with a green and white checkered napkin and a silver fork nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this dish beautifully. I love sprinkling sliced green onions on top for a fresh bite and a pop of color. For a bit more texture and flavor, toast some sesame seeds or chopped peanuts and sprinkle them over the tofu just before serving. A few fresh cilantro leaves also add a lovely herbal note that complements the peanut sauce.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. For a light contrast, try serving it alongside a crunchy Asian slaw or simple stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas. It also works great as a topping for noodles or in grain bowls with quinoa or brown rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tofu and peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, keep the tofu and sauce separate if you can, then toss them together just before serving again.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked tofu, but keep in mind the texture may soften slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze leftovers, cool the tofu completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest reheated tofu, warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crunchy again. You can also reheat in a non-stick skillet on medium heat, turning gently to avoid breaking the cubes. Add the peanut sauce after reheating to keep its fresh, creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of tofu for this recipe?

For the crispiest result in this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe, super firm tofu is best because it holds its shape and dries out well. Firm or extra-firm tofu can be used but may yield a softer texture.

Is the peanut sauce vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! This peanut sauce recipe uses simple plant-based ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and optional sesame oil, making it vegan and perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I adjust the heat level in the peanut sauce?

This recipe doesn’t include spicy ingredients, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or a little chili garlic sauce to the peanut sauce to customize the heat to your liking.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe becomes a favorite in your kitchen! It’s one of those dishes that’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive and flavorful enough to serve guests. With just 30 minutes and a handful of ingredients, you get crunchy, creamy, and absolutely delicious results. Don’t be afraid to get creative with garnishes and sides to make it your own. Enjoy every bite—your taste buds will thank you!