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 dish that’s bursting with texture and flavor, this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe is going to hit all the right notes. Imagine crunchy baked tofu cubes smothered in a rich, creamy peanut sauce that’s both comforting and fresh — it’s a combo you’ll want to make 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 just love how this recipe brings together crispy baked tofu with a luscious peanut sauce that feels indulgent but is totally vegan and wholesome. It’s the kind of meal that’s fast to pull together yet impressive on the plate—perfect for weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Simple prep: It only takes about 5 minutes to get the tofu ready for baking—great for busy days.
Crunchy texture: Using cornstarch and baking at 400°F gets you that perfect crispy exterior without frying.
Rich, creamy sauce: The peanut sauce is easy to whisk up and balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Versatile serving: Enjoy it as a hearty main or a delicious side dish—either way, it satisfies.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, the star is definitely the super firm tofu—make sure it’s quite dry for the crispiest results. The peanut butter you choose will shape the sauce’s creaminess and texture, so pick your favorite creamy or crunchy variety.

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: This holds its shape well when baked and gets delightfully crisp when coated properly.
Oil: Helps the tofu brown and crisp up in the oven without frying.
Cornstarch: A must for that irresistible crunchy coating on the tofu cubes.
Peanut butter: The base for the sauce, providing creaminess and that classic nutty flavor.
Sesame oil (optional): Adds a subtle depth and a hint of toasty aroma to the sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness without overpowering the peanut flavors.
Brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with a touch of natural sweetness.
Lime juice: Brightens the sauce with a little acidity and freshness.
Hot water: Used to thin the peanut sauce to that perfect pourable consistency.
Green onion: A simple garnish that adds a bit of color and mild bite.

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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 easily you can customize it to suit your taste buds or pantry staples. Whether you like it nuttier, tangier, or with an extra crunch, the possibilities are endless and delicious.

Add some heat: I love stirring in a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce for a little spicy kick that balances out the creaminess perfectly.
Swap your peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy peanut butter both work wonderfully here. You can even try almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor that’s just as luscious.
Greener goodness: Toss in steamed broccoli, snap peas, or shredded kale when you toss the tofu in the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
Make it gluten free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and you’ve got a safe, gluten-free version that keeps all the bold taste.
Serve it up: This crispy tofu shines over jasmine rice, quinoa, or a bed of crunchy shredded cabbage for an easy, wholesome meal.

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 crispiness

Start by drying and cubing 1 pound of super firm tofu. Toss the tofu cubes with 3 tablespoons of oil in a medium bowl until each piece gleams with a light coating. Then sprinkle on 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and mix gently but thoroughly — this step is key to getting that irresistibly crispy texture after baking. Use a clean towel or paper towel to press out any excess moisture from the tofu before you start for even better results.

Step 2: Bake until golden and crispy

Arrange your coated tofu cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching so the heat circulates evenly. Pop the pan into a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 25 minutes. Don’t forget to flip the tofu halfway through — around 12 minutes in — so all sides develop that gorgeous golden crunch. You’ll know it’s done when the cubes look crisp and firm to the touch.

Step 3: Whisk up the luscious peanut sauce

While the tofu bakes, reuse the bowl you coated the tofu in to make your sauce. Combine 3 tablespoons of creamy or crunchy peanut butter, 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, but adds a lovely depth), 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon lime juice. Add a small splash of hot water and whisk everything together until smooth. Keep adding hot water little by little until your sauce pours easily but still feels rich and velvety.

Step 4: Coat the tofu and serve

Once the tofu is perfectly golden and crispy, transfer it back to the bowl with the peanut sauce. Give it a gentle toss, coating every tasty cube evenly but without breaking them apart. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful finish. Enjoy it warm to savor the best texture and flavor combination!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce recipe is all about technique and a few thoughtful tweaks. These tips will help you achieve tofu that's irresistibly crispy and a peanut sauce that's silky and just right every time.

Press and Dry Your Tofu: I always make sure to pat dry the super firm tofu cubes extra well before coating them. Removing excess moisture makes a huge difference in how crisp the tofu gets in the oven.
Do Not Skip the Cornstarch: Early on, I underestimated cornstarch’s magic in the coating. It creates that satisfying crunchy crust without any fuss, so it’s a must!
Toss Gently but Thoroughly: When mixing baked tofu with the peanut sauce, gently tossing ensures every cube is evenly coated without breaking them apart—a little care goes a long way here.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Giving each piece space on the baking tray helps them crisp evenly. Crowding causes steaming and soggy spots, which I learned the hard way.

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

Fresh garnishes bring this dish to life! Try scattering finely sliced green onions as the recipe suggests for a mild sharpness and vivid color. Toasted sesame seeds add a gentle nutty crunch, while a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro offers brightness and a fresh herbal kick.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce shines both as a main and as a vibrant side. Serve it alongside steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up that luscious peanut sauce. It pairs beautifully with stir-fried veggies like snap peas, bok choy, or broccoli. For a light, fresh contrast, a crisp cucumber salad or shredded carrot slaw works perfectly, balancing the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinner prep during the week.

Freezing

Because the tofu loses some crispiness after freezing and reheating, freezing isn’t ideal unless necessary. If you do freeze it, place the tofu (without sauce) in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s best to reheat tofu and add peanut sauce fresh to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

To get the best texture when reheating, spread the tofu cubes on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until heated through and slightly re-crisped. Then toss with leftover or freshly made peanut sauce just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes, but make sure to press it well to remove excess moisture. Super firm tofu is ideal because it holds its shape and crisps up better during baking.

Is the sesame oil necessary in the peanut sauce?

The sesame oil is optional but adds a lovely toasted depth of flavor. You can omit it if you prefer a lighter sauce or have allergies.

How do I make the peanut sauce less thick?

Simply add hot water a little at a time during whisking until you reach the creamy, pourable consistency you like.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) to keep this Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that delivers on both ease and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, it’s flexible, delicious, and satisfying. I love how the crispy baked tofu cubes soak up the tangy, creamy peanut sauce—every bite feels like a little celebration. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite weeknight recipe that feels like a comforting hug on a plate.