Crispy Baked Tofu Peanut (Printer-friendly)

Golden tofu cubes tossed in a creamy peanut sauce for a flavorful vegan main or side.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Peanut Sauce

06 - 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
07 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
08 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
10 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
13 - 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water (to thin)

→ Garnish (optional)

14 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
15 - 2 spring onions, sliced
16 - Fresh cilantro leaves

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Drain and press the tofu for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
03 - In a mixing bowl, gently toss tofu cubes with oil, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
04 - Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
05 - While the tofu bakes, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Gradually add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is smooth and pourable.
06 - Transfer baked tofu to a large bowl and pour over the peanut sauce. Gently toss to coat evenly.
07 - Serve immediately, topped with toasted sesame seeds, sliced spring onions, and fresh cilantro if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The tofu gets genuinely crispy without deep-frying, and it stays that way even after you toss it in sauce.
  • The peanut sauce is so creamy and balanced, you'll want to drizzle it on everything in your fridge.
02 -
  • If you skip pressing the tofu, it will steam instead of crisp, and you'll end up disappointed.
  • Don't crowd the baking sheet, the cubes need air circulation or they'll turn out soft and pale.
03 -
  • Use a tofu press or wrap the block in a clean kitchen towel and set a heavy pan on top for the best results.
  • Taste the peanut sauce before tossing and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or tang to match your mood.