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Crispy Baked Tofu with Creamy Peanut Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy baked tofu paired with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Perfect for a comforting yet light plant-based meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (14 oz / 400g) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, no added sugar or oil preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin peanut sauce)

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in clean kitchen towels or paper towels and set a heavy object on top. Let it press for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Cut and marinate: Slice the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Toss gently with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Coat the tofu: Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu cubes and toss gently until each piece is lightly coated.
  4. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange tofu cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack, spaced evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Make the peanut sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and 2 tablespoons water. Add more water as needed to reach a creamy, pourable consistency.

Notes

Press tofu thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Use firm or extra-firm tofu only. Lightly coat tofu with cornstarch for a crispy crust. Flip tofu halfway through baking for even crisping. Adjust peanut sauce thickness by adding water gradually. Peanut sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to a week; whisk before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: tofu, baked tofu, peanut sauce, crispy tofu, plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, easy dinner, healthy recipe

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/crispy-baked-tofu-with-creamy-peanut-sauce-easy-5-step-recipe/