Name: Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 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 crunchy, flavorful plant-based dish, you’ll adore this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe. It’s got that perfect balance of golden, crispy tofu coated in a creamy, tangy peanut sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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’ve made this recipe so many times because it hits every note I want—crispy, creamy, salty, sweet, and a little tangy. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that it quickly became one of my go-to vegan mains or impressive appetizers.

Crispy Texture: Baking the tofu with cornstarch makes it perfectly crunchy without frying.
Easy Peanut Sauce: The sauce comes together in minutes with pantry staples for a flavorful punch.
Versatile Dish: Serves beautifully as a main course or shareable appetizer.
Plant-Powered Protein: Super firm tofu packs a protein punch while staying vegan and satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

All you really need is some super firm tofu, a handful of staple pantry ingredients, and a bit of time in the oven. When shopping, opt for super firm tofu that's well-pressed or dried for the crispiest finish. And don’t skip on the cornstarch—it’s the secret weapon for that golden crust.

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 during baking and crisps up nicely without falling apart.
Oil: Helps the cornstarch stick and promotes even browning in the oven.
Cornstarch: Creates that irresistible crispy coating on the tofu.
Peanut Butter: Adds creamy richness and classic peanut flavor to the sauce, can be creamy or crunchy based on preference.
Sesame Oil (optional): Brings a toasty, nutty depth that complements the peanut butter.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami flavor while controlling the saltiness.
Brown Sugar: Balances the tang and salt with a subtle sweetness.
Lime Juice: Injects bright, fresh acidity to lighten the sauce.
Hot Water: Used to thin out the peanut sauce to your preferred creamy consistency.
Green Onion: A fresh, crisp garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.

📝

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 great thing about this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Whether you want to spice it up, keep it nut-free, or add some seasonal veggies, it’s a flexible canvas to make truly your own.

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the peanut sauce for a warming heat that balances the creamy richness beautifully. I love this twist when I want my tofu to pack a little punch!
Nut-Free Version: Swap out peanut butter for a sunflower seed butter or tahini to keep things safe for those with nut allergies. The sesame oil and soy sauce still bring that umami depth.
Veggie Boost: Toss in quick-steamed broccoli florets, julienned carrots, or snap peas when you coat the tofu in peanut sauce. It adds extra crunch and freshness, making it a one-bowl meal that hits all the textural notes.
Lower Sodium: Use a low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to keep salt levels mindful without losing flavor.
Drier Peanut Coating: For a slightly crispier peanut glaze, toss baked tofu with half the peanut sauce and bake for an additional 4–6 minutes before coating it with the rest. This double-bake trick adds a lovely texture contrast I often go for when serving as an appetizer.

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 Your Tofu for Maximum Crispiness

Start by drying and cubing 1 pound of super firm tofu—this step ensures you’ll get that coveted crunch. Place the cubes in a medium bowl and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of oil, tossing gently to coat every piece. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the tofu and mix well until each cube has a fine, even layer. This little dusting is the secret weapon for crispy edges. Don’t forget to rinse and thoroughly dry the bowl now, because you’ll be using it again in a moment!

Step 2: Bake the Tofu to Golden Perfection

Spread the coated tofu cubes evenly on a sheet pan (lining it with parchment paper helps with clean-up and prevents sticking). Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through to get all sides equally golden and crisp. You’ll know it’s ready when the tofu has a beautiful golden-brown color and a satisfyingly crunchy texture on the outside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Sauce

While your tofu is baking, return to the cleaned bowl and combine the sauce ingredients: 3 tablespoons of unsalted creamy or crunchy peanut butter, 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional but adds rich depth), 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice. Add a splash of hot water and stir vigorously until smooth. If the sauce seems too thick for your liking, add hot water a little at a time until it reaches a luscious, creamy consistency perfect for coating.

Step 4: Toss and Coat the Crispy Tofu

Once the tofu is out of the oven and crispy, transfer it back into the bowl with your peanut sauce. Gently toss until all the cubes are evenly coated, taking care not to break up the tofu. This step lets every crispy bite soak up that incredible tangy, nutty sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Fresh

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the tofu’s crunch at its peak. This dish shines on its own, alongside steamed rice, or over a crisp salad for a complete meal that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.

Top Tip

Getting that perfect crunch on your tofu while balancing the creaminess of the peanut sauce can be a game-changer. These tips will help you nail the texture and flavor every time!

Ensure Extra Crispiness: Pat your super firm tofu really dry before tossing with oil and cornstarch—this little step makes a huge difference in how golden and crispy the tofu gets.
Don’t Overcrowd the Tray: Giving tofu cubes space on the baking pan lets the hot air circulate, helping every side crisp up evenly instead of steaming.
Reuse the Mixing Bowl: Use the same bowl to coat your tofu with cornstarch and later to toss it with the peanut sauce. It saves cleanup and keeps those delicious flavors contained.
Adjust Sauce Slowly: Add hot water in small amounts to your peanut sauce, whisking well each time, so you get that perfect creamy texture without it becoming 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

A sprinkle of fresh, finely chopped green onions adds a lovely pop of color and a mild onion flavor that brightens up every bite. You might also try a handful of toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce shines on its own but pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. For vegetable sides, think crunchy stir-fried bok choy, roasted broccoli, or fresh cucumber salad to add balance and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tofu coated in peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. The tofu may soften slightly in the fridge but will still be delicious.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the baked tofu cubes before coating them in peanut sauce. Place the baked tofu in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and tossing with fresh peanut sauce.

Reheating

Reheat the tofu gently in a 350-degree F oven for about 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Alternatively, a quick sauté in a non-stick pan over medium heat works great. If reheating after coating with peanut sauce, do so gently to avoid breaking the tofu cubes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular firm tofu instead of super firm tofu?

You can, but super firm tofu holds its shape and crisps up better in this recipe. If using regular firm tofu, press it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before baking.

Is the peanut sauce gluten-free?

It can be, if you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Otherwise, standard soy sauce contains gluten, so choose accordingly based on your dietary needs.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

To get the crispiest results, a little oil helps. However, you can try baking without added oil, but the texture may be less crispy. You can also use an oil spray or substitute with a light coating of vegetable broth, although it won’t be quite the same.

How do I adjust the spice level in the peanut sauce?

This recipe keeps the peanut sauce mild, but you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of those cozy meals that's beautifully simple and yet packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or just love tasty, wholesome food, it’s a dish that comes together quickly but feels special on the plate. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make it your own, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite!