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 something crunchy, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. I’ve been making this dish when I want a comforting vegetarian meal that comes together in just half an hour, and trust me, it never disappoints!

A clear square glass container filled with golden brown tofu cubes coated in a shiny reddish-brown peanut sauce, topped with bright green sliced scallions scattered evenly across the tofu, placed on a white marbled surface with the slightly open container lid showing a handwritten label that says

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’m a huge fan of meals that feel indulgent but are actually pretty healthy—and this crispy baked tofu slathered in a luscious peanut sauce fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to make with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have.

Crispy texture: Baking the tofu with a cornstarch coating gives it that irresistibly crunchy exterior without frying.
Simple peanut sauce: Creamy, tangy, and just the right balance of savory and sweet—totally addictive.
Quick prep: It takes only 5 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile dish: Works great as a main, side, or tossed into salads and noodles for extra oomph.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we start, here’s a little shopping tip: always opt for super firm tofu when possible—it holds its shape beautifully and crisps up like a dream. And for the sauce, creamy or crunchy peanut butter works just fine, so feel free to pick whichever you prefer.

Flat lay of a block of super firm tofu cut into cubes, a small pile of golden cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy peanut butter, a small white ceramic bowl with dark low-sodium soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl with clear oil, a few fresh green onions with bright green stalks, placed 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: Provides the perfect texture to bake crispy without falling apart.
Oil: Helps the tofu get golden and crispy in the oven.
Cornstarch: The secret to that irresistible crunchy crust on the tofu.
Peanut butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, whether creamy or crunchy.
Sesame oil (optional): A little goes a long way adding that subtle nutty aroma.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Balances the sweetness and adds savory depth.
Brown sugar: Gives the peanut sauce a touch of sweetness without overpowering it.
Lime juice: Brings brightness and a slight tang that lifts the flavors.
Hot water: Used to adjust the sauce consistency to perfectly coat the tofu.
Green onion: A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a mild sharpness and color.

📝

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

One of the best parts about this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to play around with the flavors and textures to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Let's explore some fun variations you might enjoy!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce for a little heat. It wakes up the flavors beautifully without overwhelming the dish.
Crunch Factor: Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. The added crunch is a delicious contrast to the creamy peanut sauce.
Veggie Boost: Toss in blanched broccoli florets, shredded carrots, or snap peas with the tofu before baking. It makes the dish more colorful and adds a fresh bite.
Nut-Free Option: To accommodate nut allergies, swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit the sesame oil. It still tastes fantastic and keeps the creaminess intact.
Seasonal Twist: In cooler months, I like stirring in a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger into the peanut sauce for warmth and depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe

The dish is served in a white octagonal bowl filled with a base layer of white rice. On top of the rice is a creamy orange curry with visible spices and sauce texture. Scattered on the curry are golden-brown fried tofu cubes with a slightly crispy outside. Green cilantro leaves are placed across the tofu and curry, adding a fresh touch. A wedge of lime sits on the edge of the bowl, partially resting on the curry. The bowl is placed on a beige woven fabric with a white marbled surface underneath, accompanied by a green-and-white checkered cloth napkin and a silver fork. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Coat Your Tofu Pieces for Maximum Crisp

Start by tossing your super firm tofu cubes with 3 tablespoons of oil in a medium bowl. The oil helps the cornstarch stick and promotes that golden crust we’re after. Next, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the tofu and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated. This little step is key to achieving that satisfying crispiness. After this, rinse and dry the bowl—you’ll use it again later for saucing!

Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the tofu cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer—give them space so they crisp properly without steaming. Pop them into your oven preheated to 400°F. Bake for a total of 25 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through at about the 12 to 13-minute mark. You’ll notice the tofu turning beautifully golden and developing a satisfying crunch. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook, but don’t worry—this timing is perfect for that crisp texture.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Peanut Sauce

While your tofu is baking, it’s time to prepare that irresistible peanut sauce. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your choice), 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (if you’re using it—this gives a lovely depth), 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon lime juice. Add a splash of hot water and stir vigorously to bring everything together. Keep adding hot water in small amounts until you reach that perfect creamy, pourable consistency that clings to every tofu cube.

Step 4: Toss and Coat With Love

When your tofu has reached that golden crunch, carefully transfer it back into the cleaned medium bowl. Pour your silky peanut sauce over the tofu and gently toss, making sure each piece is coated evenly and thoroughly. This step is all about marrying that crisp texture with rich, tangy flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finish off by sprinkling sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color. Serve your Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce immediately while it’s warm—this way you get the perfect contrast between crispy tofu and creamy sauce. Enjoy every bite of this vibrant, satisfying dish!

Top Tip

Getting that perfect crispy texture on your tofu while balancing the rich, creamy peanut sauce can take your Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe from good to unforgettable. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you nail it every time.

Press or dry your tofu well: Even though we’re using super firm tofu, making sure it’s well dried by patting it with paper towels helps the cornstarch stick better and crisps up nicely in the oven.
Don’t skip the cornstarch coating: This simple step creates that irresistible golden crust that keeps the inside soft and tender.
Flip halfway through baking: Turning the tofu ensures all sides become evenly crispy instead of just one side.
Control your sauce consistency: Adding hot water little by little and whisking vigorously lets you achieve the perfect creamy, pourable peanut sauce that clings just right to every tofu cube.

How to Serve Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe

A metal bowl filled with two layers of white tofu cubes, each cube coated lightly with a yellow seasoning giving a soft textured look, set on a white marbled surface. The tofu pieces appear fresh and evenly cut, filling the bowl with a simple and clean presentation, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes are all you need to brighten up this dish. Freshly sliced green onions add a pop of color and a mild, fresh bite that cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce. Try sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added crunch and nuttiness if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

This crispy tofu shines as a main or a side. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a filling vegetarian meal. Steamed or stir-fried veggies like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli complement the flavors perfectly. For a light option, toss some crunchy Asian cabbage slaw on the side to contrast textures beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover crispy tofu coated in peanut sauce tastes great the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the tofu may soften a bit as it sits, but the flavors only deepen.

Freezing

For best texture, it’s recommended to freeze the tofu cubes before saucing them. Arrange baked tofu cubes on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with peanut sauce fresh.

Reheating

To regain that crispiness, reheat your tofu in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. Once heated, toss with peanut sauce and garnish before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use firm tofu instead of super firm tofu?

Yes, you can substitute firm tofu, but pressing it well to remove excess moisture is essential to achieve that crispy texture similar to super firm tofu.

Is the sesame oil necessary in the peanut sauce?

Sesame oil is optional but highly recommended as it adds a lovely nutty depth to the sauce. If you don’t have it, you can omit it without sacrificing the overall flavor.

How do I adjust the peanut sauce if it’s too thick?

Simply add hot water in small splashes while whisking until the sauce reaches your preferred creamy and pourable consistency.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of those comforting, flavorful dishes that feels special yet comes together with minimal fuss. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s rewarding to serve up tofu that’s crispy on the outside, tender inside, and enveloped in a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make this recipe your own and enjoy every bite!