Crispy Baked Tofu with Peanut Sauce
Golden, crispy baked tofu cubes with a creamy, savory peanut sauce that hits all the right notes. No deep frying needed — just a hot oven and a few pantry staples. Ready in under 45 minutes, this dish turns humble tofu into a crave-worthy meal that even skeptics will love.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Press and cube the tofu.
1.Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel.2.Place a heavy object like a skillet on top and press for 10 minutes to remove excess water.3.Unwrap and cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.TIPThe drier the tofu, the crispier it bakes — don't skip the pressing step. - prep · ~2 min
Toss tofu with seasoning and cornstarch.
1.In a mixing bowl, gently toss tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon soy sauce until coated.2.Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss again until each piece is evenly dusted.3.Drizzle with oil and give one final gentle toss. - bake · ~25 min
Bake the tofu until golden and crispy.
1.Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.2.Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then flip each piece with a spatula.3.Continue baking another 10-15 minutes until deep golden brown and crisp on the edges.TIPDon't crowd the pan — if pieces touch they'll steam instead of crisp. - saute · ~1 min
Sauté the aromatics for the sauce.
1.While the tofu bakes, warm a small saucepan over medium-low heat.2.Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. - simmer · ~2 min
Build the peanut sauce.
1.To the saucepan, add peanut butter, water, remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, chili powder, and salt.2.Whisk continuously until smooth and warmed through, about 1-2 minutes.3.If sauce is too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time until it drizzles easily.TIPWhisk constantly — peanut butter can scorch if left still over heat. - assemble · ~1 min
Toss baked tofu in peanut sauce.
1.Transfer the hot baked tofu to a clean mixing bowl.2.Pour the warm peanut sauce over the tofu and toss gently to coat each piece. - garnish · ~1 min
Garnish with green onions and crushed peanuts. Serve immediately.
1.Scatter sliced green onions and chopped roasted peanuts over the top.2.Serve warm over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Press the tofu for a full 10 minutes to remove moisture for maximum crispiness.
- 2Flip each tofu cube halfway through baking so both sides become golden brown.
- 3Whisk the peanut sauce constantly over low heat to prevent scorching.
- 4Serve the tofu immediately after tossing in sauce to keep the exterior crisp.
- 5Make the peanut sauce while the tofu bakes to streamline prep and save time.
- 6Store leftover tofu and sauce separately; reheat tofu in the oven to restore crunch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy sriracha
Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or sambal oelek to the peanut sauce for extra heat and a garlicky kick.
high proteinHigh-protein
Serve the tofu over quinoa or brown rice and add steamed edamame for an extra protein punch.
gluten freeGluten-free
Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make the dish entirely gluten-free.
vegetable loadedVegetable-loaded
Toss the finished tofu and sauce with blanched broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for a complete bowl.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Plant-Based Protein Source
Tofu provides a complete plant protein with all essential amino acids, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Peanuts and peanut butter supply monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, beneficial for heart health.
Ginger for Digestion
Fresh ginger in the sauce may help soothe digestion and reduce inflammation.
Low in Saturated Fat
The recipe uses a minimal amount of oil, keeping saturated fat low compared to fried alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
No, soft tofu contains too much water and will fall apart during pressing and baking. Always use extra firm or super firm tofu for the crispiest results.
