Description
Crispy baked tofu tossed in a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce, perfect as a satisfying vegetarian main or side dish. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a crunchy texture with a rich, nutty sauce 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 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 ensure each piece is covered, creating a crisp coating.
- Bake the Tofu: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through to crisp evenly on all sides until golden and crunchy.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: While the tofu bakes, 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 a small bowl. Add a splash of hot water and stir vigorously to make a smooth sauce. Gradually add more hot water until you reach a creamy, pourable consistency.
- Toss Tofu with Sauce: When the tofu is done and crispy, transfer it back into the cleaned medium bowl. Pour the peanut sauce over and gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Serve: Plate the tofu, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the tofu well before coating to get maximum crispiness.
- Optional air-frying or pan-frying methods can be used instead of baking for different textures.
- Adjust the peanut sauce thickness by adding hot water gradually to suit your preference.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness and keep the dish healthier.
- This recipe yields about 2 large servings or 4 smaller portions.
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
