If you have been on the lookout for a crunchy, flavorful, and downright addictive plant-based dish, this Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. The magic of perfectly crispy tofu cubes coated in a delicate layer of spices combined with a luscious, creamy peanut sauce makes every bite a celebration of textures and flavors. It’s a dish that balances savory, sweet, tangy, and a touch of heat effortlessly—ideal for weeknight dinners or to impress guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients sets the stage for a dish that’s bursting with both taste and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the extra-firm tofu that forms the crispy base, to the peanut butter that lends richness and depth to the sauce.
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu: The star ingredient that crisps beautifully when pressed and cooked.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari: Adds umami and enhances the tofu’s natural flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil: Helps the tofu crisp up while adding a subtle nuttiness.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: The secret to achieving that perfect crunchy coating on the tofu.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a mellow garlic aroma without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet note that complements the peanut sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings gentle warmth and depth.
- 4 tablespoons natural peanut butter: The rich, creamy heart of the peanut sauce.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari: Balances the sauce with salty, savory tones.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to keep the sauce beautifully balanced.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice: Introduces bright acidity to cut through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Delivers a sharp, fresh zing that awakens the palate.
- 1 small garlic clove, minced: Offers a punch of fresh garlic flavor.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water: Used to thin the peanut sauce to the perfect drizzle consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional): Adds just the right amount of heat for those who like a little kick.
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts: For an extra layer of crunch and peanut punch as garnish.
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallions: Bright, fresh green notes that bring contrast.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Herbaceous freshness to finish the dish beautifully.
- Lime wedges: Perfect for squeezing over to elevate every bite with citrus brightness.
How to Make Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Press the Tofu
Begin by pressing your extra-firm tofu to remove as much moisture as possible. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel, place a heavy object like a cast iron skillet or a stack of books on top, and leave it to press for 10 to 15 minutes. This step is so important because it helps the tofu crisp up beautifully instead of steaming or turning soggy.
Step 2: Cut the Tofu into Cubes
Once the tofu is nicely pressed and dry, cut it into roughly 3/4-inch cubes. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness on every side.
Step 3: Coat the Tofu
In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with soy sauce and your choice of olive or sesame oil. Then sprinkle over the cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss gently until each cube is evenly coated. This coating mix is the key to that gorgeous golden crust that you’ll be craving.
Step 4: Cook the Tofu
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C) for a couple of minutes. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket—crowding them might prevent crispiness, so give them some space. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to flip the cubes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden and irresistibly crunchy on all sides.
Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
While the tofu is cooking, whisk together four tablespoons of natural peanut butter with soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes if using. Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until you get a smooth, pourable consistency. This rich peanut sauce is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor that perfectly complements the crispy tofu.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your crispy tofu to a serving dish, then drizzle the luscious peanut sauce all over. Don’t hold back on garnishing with chopped roasted peanuts, sliced scallions, fresh cilantro leaves, and lime wedges—these fresh toppings add texture, color, and brightness that will take every bite to the next level.
How to Serve Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped roasted peanuts gives an addictive crunch that echoes the peanut sauce, while sliced scallions add a crisp freshness that cuts through the richness. Fresh cilantro adds that cool, herbaceous lift and a spritz of lime juice wakes up all the flavors with a juicy twist.
Side Dishes
This dish shines with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the peanut sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy provide a vibrant, healthy accompaniment that balances the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy a little twist? Serve the tofu and sauce over warm rice noodles topped with shredded carrots, cucumber ribbons, and crushed peanuts for a fresh and fun noodle bowl. Or try it in soft tortillas with fresh greens and tangy slaw to create a peanuty tofu taco experience that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover crispy tofu and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers to keep the tofu’s crunch and the sauce’s creamy texture intact. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy delicious meals throughout the week.
Freezing
While you can freeze the tofu, it’s best to freeze it uncoated first, then coat and crisp it after thawing for the best texture. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. The peanut sauce freezes well too but may thicken slightly; just stir and gently warm to restore creaminess.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to their crispy glory, reheat tofu cubes in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until hot and crisp again. Warm the peanut sauce gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.
FAQs
Can I use regular tofu instead of extra-firm?
Extra-firm tofu is highly recommended because it holds its shape and crisps up nicely. Regular tofu contains more water and will likely be too soft and difficult to crisp.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake the tofu in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) on a lined baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to get it evenly crispy.
Is the peanut sauce vegetarian and vegan?
Absolutely! As long as you use maple syrup or a vegan sweetener instead of honey, the peanut sauce is completely plant-based and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Feel free to increase the chili flakes in the peanut sauce or add a dash of sriracha or hot sauce to taste for a fiery kick.
How do I press tofu if I don’t have a tofu press?
Simply wrap the tofu block in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top, like a cast iron skillet or a heavy book. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and the weight will squeeze out excess moisture effectively.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe effortlessly combines textures and bold flavors into a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re new to tofu or a longtime fan, the crunchy, golden tofu paired with that perfectly balanced peanut sauce is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a go—you’re in for a seriously satisfying meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Crispy Tofu with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Tofu Peanut Sauce recipe features perfectly air-fried tofu cubes coated in a flavorful blend of spices and cornstarch, drizzled with a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy peanut sauce. Garnished with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh scallions, cilantro, and lime wedges, this dish makes for a satisfying vegetarian appetizer or main course that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Ingredients
Tofu & Coating
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Peanut Sauce
- 4 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Press tofu: Wrap the block of extra-firm tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it press for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture when cooked.
- Cut tofu into cubes: After pressing, cut the tofu into approximately 3/4 inch cubes for even cooking and coating.
- Coat tofu: In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari) and 1 tablespoon oil (olive or sesame). Sprinkle cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper on top. Toss gently until all cubes are evenly coated with the seasoning and starch mixture.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 2 minutes to ensure a hot environment for crisping the tofu.
- Cook tofu: Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The tofu should be crispy and golden when done.
- Prepare peanut sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar (or lime juice), grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional chili flakes. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Serve: Transfer the crispy tofu to a serving dish. Drizzle generously with the peanut sauce and garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, sliced scallions, fresh cilantro leaves, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is crucial to remove moisture and achieve maximum crispiness.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different nut flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes or add sriracha to the peanut sauce for more heat if desired.
- Ensure tofu cubes are spaced out in the air fryer basket to crisp properly.
- This dish can be served as an appetizer, side, or main dish over rice or noodles.
