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 plant-based meal that’s crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor, you’ve got to try this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together quickly in your own kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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 absolutely adore how this crispy tofu recipe turns plant-based protein into something irresistibly tasty with minimal effort. Pairing it with a luscious peanut sauce brings just the right balance of tang, sweetness, and umami.

Crunchy Texture: Baking coated tofu instead of frying gives you that satisfying crunch without the mess or excess oil.
Rich, Tangy Sauce: The homemade peanut sauce blends peanut butter, lime, and soy sauce for a creamy, flavorful coating.
Easy and Quick: From prep to plate in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual lunches.
Vegan and Versatile: 100% plant-based and totally customizable to your favorite flavors and diet.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let me give you a quick tip on shopping: look for super firm tofu for the crispiest texture, and choose a smooth or crunchy peanut butter you love since it’s the star of the sauce. Keeping quality soy sauce and fresh lime juice on hand also makes a big difference in flavor.

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: Holds its shape well when baked, giving you those crispy edges and a meaty bite.
Oil: Helps the cornstarch cling to tofu cubes for the perfect crisp.
Cornstarch: A must for that gloriously crispy tofu exterior without frying.
Peanut butter: Creates the rich, creamy base of the sauce, pairing beautifully with the tofu.
Sesame oil (optional): Adds a subtle, toasty note that amps up the Asian-inspired flavors.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Balances salty and umami notes without overpowering the sauce.
Brown sugar: Provides just the right touch of sweetness to balance tanginess.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and a fresh tang to brighten the peanut sauce.
Hot water: Adjusts the sauce to a creamy, pourable consistency for easy coating.
Green onion: A fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and a mild onion kick.

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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

This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want it a bit spicier, nuttier, or heartier, there’s room to experiment!

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce for a delicious heat. I tried this once when I wanted a warming punch on a chilly evening, and it was a total game-changer!
Crunch Upgrade: Toss in some crushed roasted peanuts or toasted sesame seeds when garnishing for an extra crunch and nutty aroma.
Veggie Boost: Serve the crispy tofu over a bed of steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or sautéed greens to turn this into a vibrant, wholesome bowl.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free without sacrificing that savory depth.
Seasonal Twist: Swap lime juice for freshly squeezed orange juice in the peanut sauce during winter months for a mellow, citrusy sweetness that brightens the dish.

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 for Ultimate Crispiness

Start by drying and cubing your super firm tofu. This step is key because any excess moisture will prevent you from getting that coveted crunch. Toss the tofu cubes in 3 tablespoons of oil to ensure even coating, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over them. Mix gently but thoroughly until each piece is well covered in a fine, powdery layer. This cornstarch coating creates a golden crust once baked. I find using the same bowl here is a smart move for less mess and quick clean-up!

Step 2: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange your coated tofu cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching to allow the air to circulate freely. Pop them into the oven preheated to 400°F and bake for 25 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through baking—that’s when you’ll start smelling that toasty, slightly nutty aroma signaling they’re almost ready. Watch out for that delightful golden-brown color; that’s your sign they’re perfectly crispy!

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Sauce

While your tofu bakes, use the same bowl you coated it in to mix your peanut sauce. Combine 3 tablespoons of peanut butter with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (if using), 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lime juice. Add a small splash of hot water and stir vigorously to start smoothing out the sauce. Keep adding hot water little by little until the sauce reaches a luscious, pourable creaminess. This easy, tangy sauce is where all the magic happens!

Step 4: Toss and Serve Immediately

Once your tofu is coming out of the oven golden and crispy, transfer it back into your bowl with the peanut sauce. Gently toss until every cube is evenly coated with that creamy, flavorful sauce. If you want to keep the tofu extra crispy, you can toss it with half the sauce, bake an additional 5 minutes, then add the rest of the sauce just before serving. Finally, sprinkle with freshly sliced green onions for a bright, fresh finish. Serve it up immediately to enjoy that perfect contrast between crunchy tofu and silky peanut sauce.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the crispiest tofu and a perfectly balanced peanut sauce every time you make this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe. Trust me, little details can make a big difference in flavor and texture!

Press and Dry Your Tofu: I always make sure to press extra-firm tofu or pat super-firm tofu very dry before coating with cornstarch. Removing moisture is key to achieving that coveted crunch.
Use Cornstarch for Crispiness: Don't skip the cornstarch step! It creates that golden crust on the tofu when baked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for exactly 25 minutes.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Giving tofu enough space lets hot air circulate so every piece crisps up evenly without steaming.
Mix Sauce Consistency Gradually: When making the peanut sauce, add hot water a splash at a time while whisking to get a creamy texture that’s not too thick or 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

Keep it simple and fresh with crisp sliced green onions sprinkled on top. For an extra pop of color and texture, toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro work beautifully. If you like a little heat, a few thin slices of fresh chili can add a nice kick.

Side Dishes

This tofu pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up that luscious peanut sauce. For a complete meal, serve it alongside sautéed or roasted veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. A crisp Asian cucumber salad also makes a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover crispy tofu and peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tofu and sauce together for best flavor, but be aware the tofu might soften slightly after storing.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked tofu cubes separately — arrange them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. The peanut sauce doesn't freeze as well due to its texture, so it's best made fresh. Frozen tofu can be kept up to 1 month.

Reheating

For reheating, spread leftover tofu on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back crispness. Then toss with fresh or leftover peanut sauce before serving. Microwaving tends to soften the tofu, so the oven is your friend here!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular tofu instead of super-firm?

You can, but super-firm or extra-firm tofu works best for crispiness because it holds its shape better and releases less water.

Is it necessary to bake the tofu at 400°F for the full 25 minutes?

Yes, baking at 400°F for 25 minutes and flipping halfway ensures that the tofu develops a golden, crispy crust without drying out.

Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The peanut sauce can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir and add a splash of hot water to loosen it before serving.

How do I make the sauce less sweet or spicy?

Adjust the brown sugar downward for less sweetness, and skip the optional sesame oil or hot water additions if you want a milder sauce. You can also add more lime juice to brighten the flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something quick, nourishing, and utterly satisfying. The combination of crunchy tofu with that creamy, tangy peanut sauce never fails to delight. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to enjoy it just as much at your table. Happy cooking and bon appétit!