Crispy Tofu Peanut Sauce (Print Version)

Golden tofu bites cooked to crisp, paired with creamy peanut sauce for a flavorful plant-based dish.

# What You Need:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu
02 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
04 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Peanut Sauce

08 - 4 tablespoons natural peanut butter
09 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
10 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
12 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
13 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
14 - 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water
15 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, optional

→ Garnish

16 - 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
17 - 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
18 - Fresh cilantro leaves
19 - Lime wedges

# How To Make:

01 - Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it press for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
02 - Cut pressed tofu into 3/4 inch cubes using a sharp knife.
03 - In a mixing bowl, toss tofu cubes with soy sauce and oil. Sprinkle with cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
04 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes.
05 - Arrange coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tofu is crispy and golden.
06 - While tofu cooks, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes in a mixing bowl. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
07 - Transfer crispy tofu to serving plates. Drizzle with peanut sauce and garnish with chopped peanuts, scallions, cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It achieves a restaurant-quality crunch in just 15 minutes of cooking time.
  • The savory peanut sauce is a perfect balance of creamy, salty, and sweet flavors.
  • It is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and can be easily adapted to be gluten-free.
  • Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner that doesn't sacrifice flavor.
02 -
  • Ensure the tofu is thoroughly pressed; removing as much water as possible is the key to achieving the best crunch.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; arrange the cubes in a single layer to ensure the air can circulate freely around each piece.
  • Always use extra-firm tofu for this recipe to ensure the cubes hold their shape during the tossing and cooking process.
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