If you’re looking for the ultimate weeknight dinner that brings bold flavors and sensational texture to your table, let me introduce you to Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu. Imagine golden cubes of tofu, perfectly crisp on the outside, with an irresistible creamy peanut sauce that clings to every bite. This vegan delight is as satisfying as it is simple to make, guaranteed to wow even the most devout tofu skeptics. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice, a bowl of noodles, or tucked into a bright stir-fry, Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu is about to become your new go-to comfort food!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s beautiful about this recipe is how a handful of essential, everyday ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed masterpiece. Each component in Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu has its own role, from making the tofu shatteringly crisp to giving the sauce its signature swoon-worthy richness.
- Extra-Firm Tofu: The superstar protein; pressing is key for that crave-worthy crispy texture.
- Cornstarch: Gives each tofu cube a delicate, snappy coating you can actually hear when you bite in.
- Soy Sauce: Adds that essential salty, umami punch; you’ll use it in both the tofu and peanut sauce.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle infuses a gorgeous toasty aroma into every bite.
- Neutral Oil: Helps the tofu become gorgeously golden all over—go for avocado or canola here.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The base of your luscious sauce; creamy is best for smoothness and flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: Cuts through the richness and brings a gentle zing to the sauce.
- Maple Syrup: Just enough sweetness to balance and round out the peanut sauce.
- Fresh Ginger: A teaspoon of zing; it really wakes up the whole dish.
- Garlic: Essential for that freshly aromatic kick.
- Warm Water: Brings your sauce together to just the right consistency—start with a bit and add as needed.
- Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: For the finishing touch—these garnishes make it as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Make Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu
Step 1: Prepare and Press Your Tofu
Start by pressing your extra-firm tofu. This step really can’t be skipped; the less water, the crispier your tofu. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place something heavy on top for about 15 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes—you want every piece to be equally coated and just the right size for snacking.
Step 2: Coat the Tofu
In a large bowl, toss your cubed tofu with cornstarch, a tablespoon of soy sauce, sesame oil, and your chosen neutral oil. This combo is magic: soy sauce seasons within, oils help with browning, and cornstarch forms the crunchiest, lightest shell. Make sure every piece is glistening and evenly dusted.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the so-ready tofu pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide it into your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through. You’ll be rewarded with nuggets of pure crispy joy—golden edges are what you’re after!
Step 4: Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce
While that tofu is working its magic in the oven, grab a bowl and whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, freshly grated ginger, and garlic. Slowly add warm water, whisking until the sauce is silky and pourable. Taste and tweak as needed—you’re looking for balanced salty, sweet, and tangy notes.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
When your tofu is done, transfer it straight to a large bowl. Pour over your peanut sauce (don’t be shy!) and gently toss to coat every golden piece. Serve immediately for max crispiness, and don’t forget a shower of chopped green onions and sesame seeds right before digging in.
How to Serve Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu
Garnishes
The final sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds isn’t just for looks—they add pops of freshness and a subtle nutty crunch that lift the entire dish. Want extra extravagance? A handful of chopped roasted peanuts or a dash of chili flakes takes the wow factor even higher.
Side Dishes
Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu shines brightest when paired with fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or warm noodles. For color and crunch, serve it over stir-fried vegetables like snap peas and broccoli, or try a cool slaw tossed with a splash more of that peanut sauce. The possibilities truly feel endless.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re in the mood to impress, thread your saucy tofu cubes onto skewers for a fun party platter. Or, turn them into lettuce wraps with shredded carrots and cucumber. For a cozy meal, nestle Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu in a big bowl with noodles, greens, and extra drizzles of sauce for the ultimate comfort food vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though I won’t blame you if you don’t!), let the Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days without losing its savory power.
Freezing
Baked tofu actually freezes beautifully! Arrange the cooled tofu cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. While the texture may be a bit chewier after thawing, it’s still delicious—and perfect for meal prep.
Reheating
To bring back the crunch, spread leftovers on a baking sheet and reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or pan-fry over medium heat. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven or skillet will restore that coveted crispiness to your Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu.
FAQs
Can I use firm tofu instead of extra-firm?
Extra-firm tofu gives the best texture for Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu, but firm tofu will still work in a pinch—just make sure to press it well so you don’t end up with soggy cubes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and you’ll have a gluten-free platter of Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu everyone can enjoy.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
You sure can! Mix up the peanut sauce and store in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and whisk in a splash of warm water if it thickens up too much.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add a fiery kick, stir in sriracha, chili-garlic sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper directly into your peanut sauce—you’re in total control of the heat!
What can I do with leftover Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu?
Leftovers are fantastic tossed into salads, stuffed into pita sandwiches with fresh veggies, or piled onto grain bowls. Honestly, it never lasts long at my house, so you might want to make a double batch!
Final Thoughts
Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu is a recipe that manages to be shockingly easy and endlessly satisfying, whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or just tofu-curious. I hope you’ll give it a whirl in your kitchen—the crisp, nutty, saucy magic might just make it your new weeknight obsession!
Print
Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the irresistible crunch of this Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu, a delectable vegan dish featuring tofu cubes baked to perfection and coated in a creamy peanut sauce.
Ingredients
Tofu:
- 1 block (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
Peanut Sauce:
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin sauce)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prep tofu: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss pressed and cubed tofu with cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, and neutral oil.
- Bake tofu: Arrange tofu on the baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Make peanut sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, ginger, garlic, and warm water until smooth.
- Coat tofu: Toss baked tofu with peanut sauce until coated.
- Serve: Serve tofu topped with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- This tofu pairs well with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
- For a spicy kick, add sriracha or chili flakes to the peanut sauce.
- For extra texture, sprinkle crushed peanuts before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
