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 both crispy and bursting with flavor, this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine golden baked tofu cubes coated in a rich, nutty sauce that’s just the right balance of savory and sweet—trust me, it’s a game changer!

The image shows a close-up of a white speckled bowl filled with golden-brown tofu cubes covered in a thick, shiny reddish-brown sauce. The tofu pieces are arranged closely together, with a few vibrant green sliced spring onions scattered on top for contrast. The bowl sits on a light beige cloth and a pair of wooden chopsticks with red stripes is placed nearby on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the glossiness of the sauce and the texture of the tofu. 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 remember the first time I baked tofu like this — that satisfying crunch combined with a luscious peanut sauce practically had me dancing in the kitchen. It’s simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious — perfect for a quick vegan meal.

Super Crispy Texture: Baking with cornstarch locks in a golden, crisp crust without frying.
Easy Peanut Sauce: Made with common pantry staples, it’s creamy, tangy, and naturally addictive.
Quick and Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Vegan Main Course: Satisfies even non-tofu lovers with its bold flavors and hearty protein.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this recipe, focus on getting super firm tofu and a good-quality peanut butter—you want your tofu sturdy enough to hold its shape and your sauce creamy and flavorful. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps keep this dish balanced in salt, letting the peanut butter and lime shine through.

Flat lay of a block of firm tofu cut into neat cubes, a small white bowl filled with golden cooking oil, a small white bowl of fine white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl with creamy light brown peanut butter, a small white bowl of dark amber soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden sesame oil, a small white bowl holding dark brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl of bright green lime juice, and a few vibrant green onion sprigs arranged simply on a clean white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, 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: Press well and dry for the crispiest texture that won’t crumble when baked.
Oil: Helps the cornstarch form a crispy coating and prevents sticking.
Cornstarch: The secret crisp-maker that gives the tofu a golden, crunchy crust.
Peanut Butter: Adds rich, creamy depth—choose creamy or crunchy based on your preference.
Sesame Oil (Optional): A little nutty aroma to enhance the peanut sauce flavor.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness with umami and saltiness but keeps the dish from being too salty.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel sweetness to brighten the sauce.
Lime Juice: Brings a fresh zing that cuts through the richness of the peanut butter.
Hot Water: Adjusts the sauce to the perfect pourable consistency.
Green Onion: Fresh garnish that adds a little crisp bite and color.

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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

One of the best things about this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you love things extra spicy, crave a tangy twist, or want to add a bit more crunch, there’s room to customize and still keep it super tasty.

Variation: I love adding a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha into the peanut sauce for a spicy kick. It’s a simple switch that instantly wakes up the flavors.
For a nuttier texture: Try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy—it adds a delightful surprise in every bite.
Air fryer friendly: If you prefer air frying, cook the tofu cubes at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
Fresh herbs: Toss in chopped cilantro or basil with the green onion garnish for a fragrant boost that brightens up the dish.
Make it a bowl: Serve your crispy tofu and peanut sauce over steamed rice, quinoa, or even spiralized veggies to turn it into a hearty, balanced meal.

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

A shiny metal bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with many small cube pieces of pale yellow cheese coated in a light yellow crumbly mixture. The cubes are roughly similar in size and are scattered loosely inside the bowl, showing a rough texture with some small bits sticking to them. The bowl's inside reflects the cheese pieces softly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Tofu for Maximum Crispiness

Start by tossing your dried, cubed super firm tofu with 3 tablespoons of oil in a medium bowl until every piece is coated with a light sheen. Then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the tofu and gently mix again, so each cube has an even coating—this is the secret to getting that irresistible crispy exterior. Once coated, rinse and dry the bowl well because you'll reuse it later for tossing in sauce.

Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pop them into your oven preheated to 400°F. Bake for a total of 25 minutes, flipping the tofu gently halfway through. You’re looking for an even golden-brown color and a satisfyingly crispy texture. The aroma of toasted tofu will tell you it’s getting close!

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Sauce

While your tofu crisps up, combine 3 tablespoons of peanut butter (creamy or crunchy), 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (if you like that toasty note), 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon lime juice in a small bowl. Add a splash of hot water and stir vigorously until you get a silky smooth sauce. Adjust the thickness by adding more hot water, little by little, until the sauce is perfectly pourable.

Step 4: Coat the Crispy Tofu in Peanut Sauce

When your tofu is beautifully golden and crispy, transfer all the cubes back into the dry bowl you set aside earlier. Pour over the luscious peanut sauce, then toss gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated in that rich, nutty goodness. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finish your dish by sprinkling sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and mild bite. Serve the crispy tofu right away to enjoy its perfect texture and creamy, savory peanut sauce. This is a quick, satisfying vegan main course you’ll love making and sharing!

Top Tip

Getting that perfect crispiness on baked tofu can be a game changer. These tips ensure your Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe turns out golden, flavorful, and absolutely delicious every time.

Press your tofu well: I’ve found that removing as much moisture as possible from super firm tofu before coating it with cornstarch dramatically improves crispiness and texture.
Even coating: Tossing the tofu gently but thoroughly with oil and cornstarch ensures every cube develops that beautiful golden crust while baking.
Flip midway: Flipping the tofu cubes halfway through the 25-minute bake promotes even browning. Skipping this step often leaves one side soggy, which I learned the hard way.
Adjust your sauce consistency: Adding hot water little by little to the peanut sauce helps you achieve the perfect creamy texture whether you want a thick coating or a lighter drizzle.

How to Serve Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe

A black octagonal bowl filled with a bottom layer of fluffy white rice, topped with orange-brown pan-seared tofu cubes covered in a creamy yellow curry sauce. Bright green cilantro leaves and a small lime wedge decorate the top of the curry. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a beige textured cloth underneath, next to a white plate holding lime wedges and a glass of amber liquid nearby. A green and white checkered napkin with a fork rests at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh green onion slices are a classic garnish here—they add a subtle crunch and vibrant color. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or a little chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal contrast. A wedge of lime on the side brightens the whole dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This peanut-sauced tofu pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome base. For veggies, try stir-fried bok choy or roasted broccoli to balance the richness. A crisp Asian slaw or simple cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch and completes the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover crispy tofu coated in peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, keep the tofu and sauce together but be aware that some softening of the tofu may occur over time.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to store the tofu and peanut sauce separately. Freeze the tofu cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Freeze the peanut sauce in a sealed container separately. Thaw both in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the tofu in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes to help regain some crispiness. Warm the peanut sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, then toss the tofu in the sauce again just before serving. Avoid reheating tofu and sauce together in the microwave to prevent sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular tofu instead of super firm tofu?

For the best crispy texture, super firm tofu is recommended as it holds its shape well and has less moisture. Using regular or soft tofu may result in a mushier texture and can be harder to crisp up when baked.

What if I don’t have cornstarch—can I substitute it?

Yes! Tapioca starch or arrowroot powder can be used as a one-to-one substitute for cornstarch and will still give you that crisp coating on your tofu.

How spicy is this peanut sauce, and can I make it spicier?

This peanut sauce as written is mild and creamy. If you prefer some heat, adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha is a great way to spice things up without overpowering the flavors.

Can I air fry the tofu instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Air-frying the tofu cubes at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway, is a great alternative that yields a deliciously crispy texture with less oil.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that makes dinner feel special, even on busy weeknights. With its crunchy texture and rich, creamy peanut sauce, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings and nourishes your body. I love how easy it is to prepare, plus the versatility to pair it with so many sides. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your vegan recipe repertoire!