Easy Peanut Tofu

4.97 from 33 votes

Easy Peanut Tofu is a delicious, flavor-packed recipe that will have you begging for more! Even tofu haters will love this recipe. Tofu is baked until golden, then coated in a sticky savory peanut sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. This vegan tofu dish is easy to prepare and so delicious, you'll want to add this recipe to your weekly rotation!

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 25

Tofu press:: 15

Total Time: 45

Servings: 4

Author: Sam Turnbull

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

1 (350g/ 12.3oz) block extra firm tofu drained, pressed, and cut into 1-inch cubes (see step 1)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if preferred)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
¼ cup cornstarch

For the Peanut Sauce:

3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or sub apple cider vinegar or lime juice)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if preferred)
1 tablespoons agave or maple syrup
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons Sriracha (optional for spice)
1 clove garlic minced or pressed
1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced or grated
¼ cup roasted salted peanuts roughy chopped
1 handful cilantro roughly chopped
cooked rice for serving (optional)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Press the tofu: Prepare the tofu by draining it, and then pressing it for 15 to 30 minutes. I love using my Tofuture tofu press, but you can also follow these instructions for a DIY tofu pressing method. Pressing the tofu squeezes excess water out so that the tofu can suck up more of the marinade and become more flavourful. Once the tofu is pressed, cut into 1-inch cubes.
Preheat your oven: Preheat oven to 400℉ (200℃) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. (See notes for air fryer method).
Make the peanut sauce: In a small bowl or measuring glass, mix together all of the peanut sauce ingredients. Set aside.
Season the tofu: Add the tofu to a medium bowl and pour over the soy sauce and sesame oil and toss to coat. Then sprinkle over the cornstarch and gently toss to evenly coat.
Bake: Spread the coated tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, spacing out the cubes so they aren't touching each other. Bake for 12 - 18 minutes until the tofu is golden brown.
Sauce and Bake again: Remove from the oven and return the tofu to the mixing bowl. Pour over half of the peanut sauce and toss to coat the tofu in the sauce. Return the tofu to the lined baking sheet and bake for another 2 - 6 minutes until the tofu is golden.
Serve: Serve the tofu hot on a bed of rice (if using). Drizzle with extra peanut sauce, and garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro. Store cooled leftover tofu in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Enjoy cold, or gently reheat in the microwave.

Notes

Air fryer method: Preheat your air fryer to 375℉ (190℃). Follow the steps to prepare your tofu. When ready to cook, spray the air fryer basket with a bit of spray oil. Add the tofu. Air fry for 9 - 14 minutes, stopping to shake half way through, until the tofu is golden. Transfer the tofu to the mixing bowl, and coat with half of the peanut sauce, return to the air fryer and cook for another 2 - 4 minutes until golden. Serve hot and garnish with extra peanut sauce, chopped peanuts, and cilantro.

Oil-free: for oil-free simply omit all of the sesame oil.

Nutrition

Find it online:

https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/easy-peanut-tofu/