Name: Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 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 for garnish

If you’re craving a dish that’s both crunchy and creamy, you’ve got to try this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those meals that satisfies with a perfect balance of textures and flavors – crispy baked tofu paired with a rich, tangy peanut sauce that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

The image shows a clear glass meal prep container filled with golden brown crispy tofu cubes covered in a shiny, thick peanut sauce. The tofu pieces are placed closely together in one layer inside the container. Bright green sliced scallions are scattered on top, adding contrast to the rich reddish-brown tofu and sauce. The container lid is open and partially covering the top left corner. This is all set on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the glossy texture of the sauce. 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 have to confess: crispy tofu has been a game-changer in my kitchen. This particular recipe is a favorite because it’s quick, uses simple ingredients, and delivers big on comfort and flavor every time.

Crunchy and Creamy: The tofu gets perfectly golden and crispy in the oven, then gets drenched in a silky, flavorful peanut sauce.
Plant-Based Protein: A fantastic vegan-friendly main that’s filling and nutritious.
Easy to Make: With just a few steps and common pantry staples, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under 35 minutes.
Versatile Sidekick: Great on its own, over rice, tossed with noodles, or alongside steamed veggies.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to this crispy tofu dish, having the right ingredients makes all the difference – from the tofu itself to the peanut sauce that brings everything to life. Here are my go-to choices and tips for sourcing:

Flat lay of super firm tofu cubes, glossy golden oil in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with fine pale cornstarch, a small white bowl with creamy peanut butter, a small white bowl holding dark soy sauce, a small white bowl with golden brown sugar, a small white bowl containing fresh lime juice, and fresh green onion stalks placed neatly, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: This type holds its shape well, giving you those crispy edges and a satisfying bite.
Oil: A neutral oil helps crisp the tofu without overpowering the flavor.
Cornstarch: This secret weapon creates that irresistible crispy coating when baked.
Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy both work wonderfully, providing a rich, nutty base for the sauce.
Sesame Oil: Optional, but it adds a subtle toasty aroma that deepens the sauce’s complexity.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: For that umami punch, without making the sauce too salty.
Brown Sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a subtle caramel sweetness.
Lime Juice: A splash of acidity to brighten and cut through the richness of the peanut butter.
Hot Water: To loosen the sauce to your desired creamy, pourable consistency.
Green Onion: For fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and a mild bite.

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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

The beauty of this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is how easily it adapts to your taste and pantry staples. Feel free to switch up the sauce or tofu prep to make it truly your own!

Crunchy vs. Creamy Peanut Butter: I usually go for crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but if you love a silky sauce, creamy peanut butter works perfectly too.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the peanut sauce if you like a little heat. It brings such a wonderful kick that balances the richness.
Herb Swap: Instead of green onions, I sometimes sprinkle fresh cilantro or chopped Thai basil on top — it adds a bright, herbal note that freshens each bite.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing umami flavor.
Tofu Texture Variations: Use extra-firm tofu pressed to remove excess moisture for an even crisper exterior, or try marinating the tofu beforehand for deeper flavor infusion.

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

The image shows a bowl with white rice forming the bottom layer, topped with pieces of golden-orange tofu coated in a thick, creamy yellow curry sauce with visible spices. Bright green cilantro leaves are scattered across the top, adding fresh color, and there is a wedge of lime placed on one side inside the bowl. The bowl itself is dark with an octagonal shape. The bowl sits on a beige cloth surface next to a white plate holding lime slices and part of a green and white checked napkin is seen near a metal fork. The surface under everything is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Tofu Like a Pro

Start by drying your super firm tofu thoroughly and cutting it into bite-sized cubes. Toss the cubes in 3 tablespoons of oil to help them crisp up, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix gently but thoroughly so every cube gets coated — this little step is key for that golden crunch. Use your hands or a spoon to make sure the coating is even. Rinse and dry your bowl now, as you’ll reuse it to make the sauce later. This prep takes about 5 minutes and lays the foundation for perfectly crispy tofu.

Step 2: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Spread your coated tofu evenly on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil to avoid sticking. Make sure the cubes aren’t touching each other — overcrowding will trap steam and prevent crispiness. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through (around the 12-minute mark). You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn golden brown and the texture is satisfyingly crispy to the touch. The baking time is just right for achieving crunch without drying out.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Sauce

While the tofu crisps in the oven, grab the same bowl you used earlier and combine 3 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (optional, but gives a wonderful nutty depth), 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon lime juice. Add a splash of hot water and stir vigorously until smooth. Keep adding hot water a little at a time until the sauce is creamy and pourable without being runny. This usually takes just 3-5 minutes and is a great time to taste and adjust sweetness or tang.

Step 4: Coat and Serve Immediately

Once your tofu is gloriously crispy, transfer it directly to the bowl with your peanut sauce. Gently toss the cubes so every piece gets evenly dressed in that luscious coating – careful not to break them apart. Serve immediately and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. The contrast between the crunch and creamy peanut sauce is delightful when enjoyed fresh. For an extra touch, try a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lime just before serving.

Top Tip

Mastering this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe becomes so much easier with a few handy tips that I've picked up along the way. These little insights help you get that perfect crispy texture and a sauce that's just right every time.

Pressing and Drying Tofu: Patting your super-firm tofu dry before coating it ensures it crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Cornstarch Coating: Don’t skip the cornstarch step—it creates that irresistible golden crunch that makes this dish special.
Even Baking: Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer without crowding so each piece bakes evenly and becomes perfectly crispy.
Sauce Consistency: Add hot water slowly to the peanut sauce, whisking after each splash, so you get a creamy texture without it being too runny.

How to Serve Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe

A shiny metal bowl filled with several cubes of pale yellow tofu, each cube lightly coated with a powdery substance, arranged randomly inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled textured surface with soft lighting that highlights the texture and color of the tofu cubes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness and color bring this dish to life—top your crispy tofu with thinly sliced green onions for a pop of brightness, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra nutty notes, or even some chopped fresh cilantro if you like a herbal touch. For a little heat, don’t hesitate to add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every delicious drop of sauce. For some greens, try quick sautéed bok choy, crunchy snap peas, or a simple cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar. A light vegetable stir-fry would also complement the rich peanut flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tofu with peanut sauce can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve as much crispiness as possible, store the tofu and sauce separately if you can, then combine just before serving.

Freezing

While tofu freezes well, the peanut sauce is best fresh. If you want to freeze leftovers, place the baked tofu cubes in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh peanut sauce.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, warm the tofu in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to help it crisp back up. Then, toss with the peanut sauce just before serving to keep that lovely creamy coating fresh and vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular tofu instead of super-firm?

You can, but super-firm tofu holds its shape better and crisps up more nicely. If you use regular firm tofu, be sure to press out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy results.

Is sesame oil necessary in the peanut sauce?

Sesame oil adds a lovely depth of flavor but is optional. If you don’t have it or prefer a milder taste, you can leave it out and the sauce will still be delicious.

How do I make the peanut sauce less thick?

Simply add hot water a little at a time while whisking until you reach your desired consistency. This keeps the sauce smooth and easy to coat the tofu.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure to use tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative in place of regular soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I crave something comforting yet plant-based. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and hits that wonderful balance of crunchy tofu with creamy, tangy peanut sauce that makes every bite a delight. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do!