Tofu in Peanut Sauce Recipe + Video (2024)

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Let me introduce you to the best tofu in peanut sauce ever! Crispy caramelized edges with a soft center coated in a divinely creamy peanut butter sauce then piled up high over the most luscious tropical noodles. Quick, easy and oil free recipe!

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Tofu In Peanut Sauce

It’s my go to weeknight recipe for when you are craving something hearty, filling and comforting but also clean and good for you. Perfectly crisp bites of tofu tossed in a peanut sauce and served over slippery soba noodles dressed in a tropical basil mango sauce. A match made in heaven, a favorite combination to keep on repeat just like our orange tofu + sweet and sour tofu – these ones never gets old.

Ingredient Notes

  • The Tofu – You’ll need a firm block that is pressed well. My favorite way to crisp up the edges without drying the center is the air-fryer method. It’s just perfect, however you could bake it or pan sear instead if you prefer.
  • Noodles – organic buckwheat soba noodles dressed in this exotic basil mango sauce or an oil-free mango avocado sauce. Any whole grain ramen noodles like spelt or millet/brown rice will also work just fine.
  • Peanut Butter – for the best sauce it’s important to start with a creamy peanut butter without any added oils or mysterious ingredients. The label should simply read: roasted peanuts + salt.

About the Sauce

  1. Whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar and a pinch of garlic powder until combined. (note: use Tamari for a gluten-free sauce).
  2. Pour the sauce into a skillet and bring to a bubble. Add the crispy air-fried tofu cubes and toss to coat well. Spoon over noodles and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds.

How to Make Perfect Crispy Tofu

  1. Start by pressing the tofu block and removing as much moisture as possible.
  2. Use your hand and tear the pressed tofu into irregular bite size pieces then pat them dry again. Toss with a pinch of salt, garlic powder and tapioca. Arrange In the air-fryer basket without touching each other, air fry @ 400″F for 13 to 15 minutes giving the tray a nice shake halfway. Transfer to the pan with the sauce and coat well.

Can I bake the tofu in the oven ?

Preheat your oven to 425″F and bake the tofu pieces on a parchment lined baking sheet for 20 to maybe 23 minutes until just crispy around the edges. This timing will really depend on how well the tofu was pressed to begin with and how much moisture was left inside. Make suer to check halfway through cooking time and gage the doneness level.

Serving Ideas

  • Soba noodles in mango basil sauce <— my FAVORITE combo ever!
  • Crispy roasted broccoli
  • Coconut spinach rice
  • Vegan fried rice
  • Asian peanut slaw
  • Lettuce wraps
  • Garlic spicy noodles
  • Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Cauliflower wings, zoodles, chopped peanuts, steamed bok choy.

On Storage

Although best enjoyed fresh, any leftovers can be refrigerated in lidded containers up to 5 days. They are best reheated in the microwave oven for 2 to 3 minutes.

how to make tofu in peanut sauce

Tofu in Peanut Sauce Recipe + Video (7)

4.88 from 8 votes

Tofu in Peanut Sauce

The best crispy tofu bites coated in peanut sauce spooned over soba noodles dressed in a raw mango avocado sauce. Crispy air-fried caramelized edges and soft center piled up over the most luscious tropical noodles. Quick, easy and oil free!

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:15 minutes mins

Press tofu:2 hours hrs

Total Time:25 minutes mins

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Sauce:

Garnish:

Serving suggestions

  • 8 oz soba noodles coated in mango basil sauce.

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Press the Tofu

  • Drain the tofu and wrap it in a lint free tea towel. Set on a plate and place a cutting board then a heavy pot or skillet on top. Press if for a couple of hours or prepare a day in advance.

    14 oz block firm tofu

  • While the tofu is pressing prepare the noodles with mango sauce, rice or whatever you decide to serve with.

    8 oz soba noodles coated in mango basil sauce.

  • Use your hands and tear the pressed tofu into 1 inch irregular pieces. Pat dry again with a tea towel and transfer to a bowl.

  • Season the tofu with a light pinch of sea salt, garlic poder and sprinkle with the tapioca. Gently toss to coat. Arrange in the air-fryer basket / tray without touching each other.

    1 tbsp tapioca, sea salt

  • Air fry the tofu at 400”F for 13-15 minutes flipping it half way.

Make the Peanut Butter Sauce

  • In a small bowl whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.

    2 tbsp creamy peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • Transfer the sauce to a skillet and cook over medium flame until thickened and sticky, about a minute or so.

  • Add the air-fried tofu to the sauce and toss to coat well all over. Hit it with a squeeze of fresh lime, sprinkle with sesame seeds, scallions, cilantro or basil.

    1 tsp black sesame seeds, 1 pinch red pepper flakes,, 1/4 cup scallion + fresh cilantro

WFPB + PLANTRICIOUS

  • To make the recipe compliant swap the maple syrup for date syrup.

    Tofu in Peanut Sauce Recipe + Video (8)

Video

Notes

  • Can i make it gluten-free? - Yes, just make sure to use gluten free tamari in the sauce and replace the soba noodles with rice noodles or coconut rice.
  • Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter? - Sure but then you'll have almond tofu not peanut tofu, still delicious but not quite the same.
  • WFPB + Plantricious - swap the maple syrup for date syrup.
  • Best served with soba noodles in mango basil sauce or this avocado sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 1093mg | Potassium: 253mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 303mg | Iron: 4mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian

Keyword: peanut sauce, tofu

Servings: 2 people

Calories: 365kcal

Author: Florentina

Tofu in Peanut Sauce Recipe + Video (2024)

FAQs

What is peanut tofu made of? ›

Have you heard of "Peanuts Tofu"? You might know Tofu which is a soy-based food that is made from curdling soy milk, but Peanuts Tofu is not actually tofu since it's not made with soybeans. It's named Tofu as it looks similar. Peanuts Tofu is made by heating peanuts milk made from raw peanuts with sweet potato starch.

What is the tofu rule? ›

No one cares about unblocking a task as much as the person doing it. That's why it's important for that person to follow the Take Ownership and Follow Up (TOFU) principle. That means taking ownership of the task and chasing the people you are waiting on until it gets done.

How do you get the most flavor out of tofu? ›

Marinade it in a saucy liquid.

You can literally use any meat marinades for tofu, just pump up the flavours. Remember that tofu tastes like nothing, so it's up to you to really get those flavours singing. You can marinade tofu for anywhere from 15 minutes to overnight.

How do you make tofu not boring? ›

Marinate it: Tofu can be marinated in a variety of flavorful sauces or spices. You can use soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and other seasonings to make a simple marinade. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) before cooking or grilling.

What is tofu made of and is it healthy? ›

"It's a very nutritious food," said Dr. Qi Sun, an associate professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. Tofu, sometimes called bean curd, is mostly soybeans and water, plus a coagulant such as calcium sulfate, that's pressed into a block.

What was tofu originally made of? ›

Tofu originated in Eastern Asia and is made from 'ta-fou' meaning 'great beans' or soybeans which were first discovered in China and are one of the oldest crops in the world. Although technically a legume, soybeans are known in China as one of the '5 sacred grains'.

What not to eat with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

What to avoid with tofu? ›

Tofu may help treat and prevent metabolic syndrome, cancer, and other health conditions. Soy may have a small negative effect on thyroid medication. It may also alter the effectiveness of the blood thinner warfarin. Don't eat soy or soy products if you're allergic to them.

Is tofu good for your liver? ›

The soy-protein present in tofu helps to reduce the fat built in the liver. Tofu is one of the best foods for fatty liver. It is an essential source of protein to be included in your diet. Tofu is low in sugar and fat so this is an added advantage.

What should I season tofu with? ›

Toss the cubes with olive oil, tamari or soy sauce, and sriracha. If desired, you could also add cornstarch to make the cubes extra crispy. Finally, bake! Transfer the baking sheet to a 425°F oven and cook until the cubes are browned around the edges.

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

Tofu contains a large amount of water when it comes out of the package. In order to bake, fry, or scramble tofu, it's best to press out as much water as possible before cooking. The longer you press your tofu, the firmer the texture will be and the easier it will be to achieve a nice crispy texture.

Why is my tofu so tasteless? ›

Not Using Enough Seasoning

"Coat tofu generously in herbs, spices, and sauces. You can marinate it before or after cooking, just make sure you use plenty of seasonings like ginger and garlic, soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, green onions, vinegar, cajun seasoning, and other strong flavors," she says.

What sauce is good with tofu? ›

Blend mayonnaise with Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and a dash of garlic powder for a creamy and fiery sauce. A combination of toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar creates a zesty and aromatic sauce that adds depth of flavor to pan-fried tofu.

What does adding cornstarch to tofu do? ›

A light coating of cornstarch will absorb even more moisture from the tofu's surface and contribute to a distinct coating. Sprinkle over the starch (potato starch, tapioca starch, and arrowroot all work too) a little bit at a time and toss the tofu, pressing gently so the starch adheres.

How to cook tofu for beginners? ›

Heat a large oven-safe metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil and the seasoned tofu. Sauté for 5 minutes, shaking/flipping occasionally to cook on all sides, until tofu has a slight crust on each side and has begun to brown.

What are tofu puffs made of? ›

Ingredients. Australian Soya Bean Extract, Water, Canola Oil, Nigari (Mineral Salt (511)).

Is almond tofu actually tofu? ›

That said, it's also not really a tofu, of course. Instead, it's an almond jelly that is traditionally set with agar agar, a plant-based gelatin derived from seaweed. It's a fun dessert to make, with a refreshing and mildly sweet flavour that is ideally served during summer.

What is tofu protein made of? ›

Soy is the prime component of tofu. It is a complete source of dietary protein, which means it provides all of the essential amino acids needed in the diet. Soybeans are also high in healthy polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid.

What is the nutritional value of peanut tofu? ›

Nutrition Facts

Size: 1 bowl (364g), Amount Per Serving: Calories 520, Total Fat 21g (27% DV), Sat. Fat 6g (30% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 530mg (23% DV), Total Carb.

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