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Crispy Baked Tofu Recipe with Easy Creamy Peanut Sauce

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A quick and satisfying recipe for crispy baked tofu paired with a rich, creamy peanut sauce that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners and plant-based comfort food lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed well
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
  • 1–2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (avocado or canola oil recommended)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the peanut sauce:
  • ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter (no added sugar or salt)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (use gluten-free tamari if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
  • Water, as needed to thin sauce
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object on top for 20-30 minutes to squeeze out excess moisture.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  3. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes, keeping them uniform for even cooking.
  4. In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with 1-2 tablespoons of oil, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of cornstarch evenly over the tofu and toss gently until each piece is lightly coated.
  5. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces for airflow.
  6. Bake the tofu for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  7. While the tofu bakes, prepare the peanut sauce by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup or honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches desired consistency. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
  8. Remove the tofu from the oven and let cool for a minute. Drizzle or serve with the creamy peanut sauce and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Pressing the tofu thoroughly is crucial for crispiness. Toss tofu gently with cornstarch for an even coating. Baking at 400°F ensures a crispy texture. Flip tofu halfway through baking. For extra crunch, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Peanut sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat tofu in the oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/crispy-baked-tofu-recipe-with-easy-creamy-peanut-sauce-tutorial/