Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

Tofu

• 1 pound super firm tofu dried and cubed
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Peanut Sauce

• 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

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with oil until they are evenly coated. Add cornstarch and mix thoroughly to cover all pieces. Rinse and dry the bowl for later use.
2. Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer on a sheet pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides.
3. While the tofu is baking, combine peanut butter, optional sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice in the reserved dry bowl. Add a splash of hot water and stir vigorously until smooth. Gradually add more hot water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
4. Once tofu is crispy, transfer it back into the bowl with the peanut sauce. Toss gently to ensure each cube is evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Transfer the coated tofu to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

• For extra crispy tofu, press the tofu to remove excess moisture and do not skip the cornstarch coating.
• Avoid overcrowding the baking tray to allow tofu to crisp evenly.
• Use the same bowl for tossing tofu and mixing the sauce to minimize cleanup.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding hot water slowly and whisking until desired creamy consistency is achieved.
• For a drier peanut coating, toss baked tofu with half the sauce and bake for an additional 6 minutes before tossing with remaining sauce to serve.