If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines crispy, golden tofu with the irresistible creaminess of a rich peanut sauce, look no further! This Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu Recipe is a vibrant celebration of textures and flavors that feels indulgent yet completely nourishing. The tofu bakes to perfection with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior, then gets lovingly coated in a luscious, slightly tangy peanut dressing that’s bursting with fresh ginger and garlic notes. It’s a recipe that’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to share with friends, making it one of my absolute favorite go-to meals whenever I want comfort and excitement in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this show-stopping dish. Each element plays a crucial role, from the texture-enhancing cornstarch to the vibrant sauce components that balance sweet, salty, and tangy perfectly.
- Extra-firm tofu (1 block, 14 ounces): Pressed and cubed for the best bite and crispiness.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): The secret to achieving that ultra-crispy tofu crust.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons, divided): Adds umami depth and seasoned flavor.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Brings a toasty, nutty aroma to the tofu.
- Neutral oil (1 tablespoon, like avocado or canola): Ensures even baking without overpowering the flavors.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/3 cup): The rich heart of the peanut sauce, perfectly smooth and decadent.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, fresh acidity that balances the richness.
- Maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Sweetens and rounds out the sauce naturally.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Lifts the sauce with a subtle zing.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Injects savory depth and warmth.
- Warm water (2–4 tablespoons): Thins the peanut sauce to a perfect pourable consistency.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds: Essential garnishes adding freshness and a delicate crunch.
How to Make Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Tofu
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, gently toss the pressed, cubed tofu with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, sesame oil, and neutral oil. This step ensures every cube is evenly coated to develop that perfect crispy exterior once baked.
Step 2: Bake the Tofu to Perfection
Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to encourage even crisping. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to make sure all sides turn gorgeously golden. The aroma at this stage is incredible and absolutely sets the stage for that crispy texture we all love.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce
While the tofu bakes, mix together creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl. Add warm water gradually until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. The sauce is wonderfully rich with a lively punch from the fresh ingredients.
Step 4: Toss Tofu in Peanut Sauce
Once your tofu cubes are golden and crispy, transfer them to a bowl and gently toss with the peanut sauce until every cube is decadently coated. This step brings the dish together, creating that irresistible balance of crunchy and creamy that defines the Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu Recipe.
How to Serve Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the chopped green onions and sesame seeds—they add a wonderful burst of color, fresh crunch, and a subtle nuttiness that complements the peanut sauce beautifully. You can also sprinkle crushed peanuts over the top if you want an extra layer of crunch.
Side Dishes
This tofu shines when paired with fluffy steamed rice or tossed with noodles and stir-fried veggies. The peanut sauce clings beautifully to grains and greens alike, making it perfect for a balanced, satisfying meal that hits every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the peanut tofu on a bed of vibrant bok choy or spinach and drizzle any remaining sauce over for extra flavor. You can also wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held option that’s fresh and light. The versatility really allows you to tailor it to your mood or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover baked tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the tofu and sauce together helps retain flavor, but if you prefer to keep the tofu extra crispy, store them separately and toss before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze baked tofu, but the peanut sauce is best made fresh. Freeze tofu cubes on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge and reheat before adding sauce.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness of the tofu, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes rather than microwaving. Once warmed, toss with the peanut sauce again to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven texture with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use soft or medium tofu for this recipe?
Extra-firm tofu is best for the Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu Recipe because it holds its shape during baking and crisps up nicely. Softer tofus tend to break apart and won’t get as crispy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and you’re good to go. This makes it perfect for gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make the peanut sauce spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a dash of sriracha or sprinkle in some chili flakes when whisking your peanut sauce. Start small and adjust to your heat preference—the sauce loves a bit of fire!
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or agave nectar works well to add natural sweetness. Just be mindful of any dietary restrictions when choosing your sweetener.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! Baking your tofu and making the peanut sauce a day ahead saves time. Keep them stored separately and combine just before serving to keep the tofu crispy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu Recipe quickly became a cornerstone in my kitchen for how effortlessly it transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a longtime tofu lover or curious to try something new, this dish offers a satisfying crunch and creamy, savory sauce that feels like a special treat every time. Give it a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!
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
Description
This Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu recipe features extra-firm tofu baked to golden perfection and coated in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with Asian-inspired flavors. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, this vegan and gluten-free dish makes a perfect main course served over rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. Enhanced with aromatic ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup, topped with green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Ingredients
Tofu and Coating
- 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 and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Coat the Tofu: In a large bowl, gently toss the pressed and cubed tofu with the cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sesame oil, and neutral oil until each piece is evenly coated with the mixture, which will help ensure crispiness when baked.
- Arrange and Bake Tofu: Spread the coated tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through to ensure even browning, until they turn golden and crispy on the outside.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: While the tofu bakes, whisk together the peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and enough warm water (2 to 4 tablespoons) to reach a smooth, pourable sauce consistency.
- Toss Tofu in Sauce: After the tofu is baked, transfer it to a bowl and gently toss with the peanut sauce until all pieces are well coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Serve: Serve the peanut-coated tofu immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added color and crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
- This tofu is perfect over rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the peanut sauce.
- For extra crunch, toss in some crushed peanuts just before serving.
- Make sure to press the tofu well to remove excess water for optimal crispiness.
- If gluten is a concern, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.
