Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
4 (portions)
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Calories
275 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu
Description
This recipe starts with pressing extra-firm tofu to remove moisture, which helps achieve a crisp texture during baking. The tofu cubes are marinated briefly in a mixture of tamari, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup to infuse savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Tossing the marinated tofu with cornstarch ensures a crunchy coating forms in the oven.
The peanut sauce pairs creamy peanut butter with tangy lime juice, tamari, chili garlic sauce, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil. This adds a layered, nutty flavor that complements the crispy tofu exterior and tender interior. Baking at a high temperature crisps the tofu without frying.
Often served over rice or cauliflower rice, this dish provides a satisfying plant-based protein with bold flavors. The peanut sauce can also be used as a dip or drizzle, adding versatility to meals or snacks.
Note that cornstarch is crucial for crispiness; arrowroot starch has not been tested as a substitute. Pressing the tofu well will improve texture, and marinating time is short to prevent sogginess.
Ingredients
TOFU
- 14 oz tofu preferably organic, non-GMO, extra firm
- 3 Tbsp tamari or coconut aminos, or soy sauce
- 1 tsp Chili garlic sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil toasted
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 4-5 Tbsp cornstarch (for crispy tofu! You can try subbing arrowroot, but we haven’t tested it and can’t guarantee the results)
PEANUT SAUCE
- 2 ½ Tbsp peanut butter or other nut or seed butter, creamy
- 2 Tbsp tamari (or coconut aminos, but add more to taste as it’s less salty)
- 1 Tbsp Chili garlic sauce
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp sesame oil
FOR SERVING optional
- rice
- cauliflower rice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Start pressing tofu using a tofu press, or wrap in clean, absorbent towel and set something heavy — like a cast iron skillet or books — on top to press out the moisture. Press for about 15-20 minutes.
- In the meantime, prepare peanut sauce by combining peanut butter, tamari, chili garlic sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, and sesame oil in a small mixing bowl and whisking thoroughly to combine. Set aside.
- Cut pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes and add to a large plate. Top with tamari or soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup. Gently toss to combine using hands or a spoon. Let marinate 2-3 minutes, stirring/tossing occasionally.
- Use a slotted spoon or your hands to transfer tofu to a quart-size or large freezer bag. Add cornstarch 1 Tbsp at a time and toss to coat. Continue adding more cornstarch and tossing until tofu is coated in a gummy, white layer (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).
- Transfer tofu to the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping at the 18-minute mark to encourage even baking. It should be firm to the touch, firm on the edges, and slightly browned on the exterior once removed from the oven. Bake slightly longer if needed.
- Heat a large metal or cast iron skillet (12 inch) over medium heat. Once hot, add tofu and the peanut sauce. Toss to coat. Stirring frequently, sauté the tofu for about 2 minutes, or until the tofu is hot and well coated with peanut sauce.
- At this point it’s ready to eat! Enjoy as is or with any Asian-inspired dish. We love it with our Mango Curry, Noodle-Free Pad Thai, or these Thai Noodle Bowls!
Notes
- Press extra-firm tofu for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture before marinating.
- Coat tofu with cornstarch to ensure a crispy baked texture; arrowroot starch is untested as a substitute.
- The peanut sauce can be served as a dip or drizzled over rice or cauliflower rice alongside the tofu.
- Adjust chili garlic sauce to taste depending on desired spice level.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4(portions)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 275 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1portions | |
| Calories | 275 | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 24.5g | 8% |
| Protein | 16.6g | 33% |
| Fat | 14.1g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6g | 13% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.11g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3.45g | 17% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 1356mg | 57% |
| Potassium | 353mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 11.2g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 1.8IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1.31mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 293mg | 29% |
| Iron | 2.87mg | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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