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Crispy Baked Tofu with Creamy Peanut Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy baked tofu cubes coated in cornstarch and spices, served with a silky, savory, and tangy creamy peanut sauce. Perfect for a wholesome, comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (400 g) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter (natural, no added sugar preferred)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 3–4 tbsp warm water
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, placing it on a plate, topping with another plate, and weighing down with cans or heavy objects for 20-30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  3. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, gently toss the tofu with soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss gently again to coat all cubes evenly.
  5. Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through baking. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. While tofu bakes, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Gradually add warm water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  8. Serve the baked tofu drizzled with the creamy peanut sauce and garnish with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts if desired.

Notes

Pressing tofu well is essential for crispiness. Toss tofu gently to avoid breaking cubes. Ensure tofu pieces have enough space on the baking sheet to prevent steaming. Gradually add warm water to peanut sauce to control thickness. Flipping tofu halfway through baking ensures even crispiness. For nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/crispy-baked-tofu-with-creamy-peanut-sauce-easy-recipe-for-beginners/