Crispy Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce

This easy sauteed tofu is crispy and covered in a spicy peanut sauce. This vegan recipe takes under 30 minutes to make and is perfect for quick weeknight meals.

Usually, I wait a little while to write a blog post after making a new recipe, just to make sure that it’s something that I really want to share. But I just couldn’t wait with this spicy peanut sauce tofu! I knew right away that it’s my favorite recipe I’ve ever made.

I know that sounds like a hyperbole, but I’m not kidding! This spicy peanut tofu is my new favorite quick meal.

I’ll admit that there’s a bit of a backstory to this tofu (as it seems there is with most recipes that I share). I actually really messed up on my first attempt at developing this recipe (classic me), but as I was messing up and chunks of peanut butter were flying everywhere, I realized something: this tofu tastes just like the fries at one of my favorite restaurants in Portland.

Let me explain.

Basilisk is a fried chicken restaurant that also serves fried tofu sandwiches, loaded with pickled cucumbers and cabbage slaw. It’s where we would go after a long hike, starving and ready for an indulgent meal and what I considered the best fried tofu outside of the South.

They also serve Dan Dan fries, which are covered in a Szeuchan peanut sauce, cilantro, lime, and green onion. They’re delicious, and taste super similar to the peanut sauce on this tofu. Long story short, I took a bite of this tofu and was instantly transported back to my favorite Portland restaurant. A dream come true!

Here’s why you’ll love this spicy peanut tofu:

• It takes under 30 minutes to make
• Tofu is a healthy plant based protein that’s absorbs the flavor of whatever you cook it in, making it super versatile and tasty
• Spicy peanut sauce. Need I say more?
• Great as an appetizer OR main dish when paired with rice and broccoli or snap peas
• No baking or excess dishes required; just a large saute pan and a small mixing bowl

How to make crispy tofu

This recipe uses my go-to method for sauteing tofu.

• Slice the tofu into squares (see the photos below for reference size). One block of tofu makes about 20 tofu squares.
• Heat the peanut oil over medium heat and add in the minced garlic and ginger, sauteing for one minute. This part is key, as these ingredients (peanut oil included) impart a lot of flavor to the peanut sauce and tofu.
• Add the tofu squares to the pan; they shoould all fit without overlapping, but you can do this part in batches as needed. Saute each side for 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Brush one side with the peanut sauce, then flip it over so that it’s the side being cooked. Coat the other side and flip over after 1-2 minutes, so that each side is browned.
• Side note: Here’s the thing: the first time I made this I just poured the peanut sauce right into the pan, which basically made really messy fried tofu. I’ll admit that I loved the flavor, but it’s not the most beautiful thing to have chunks of fried peanut butter sliding off of the tofu. Tasty, but not cute.
• Brush the peanut sauce on the tofu so that you get evenly coated and lightly crispy tofu. You can use the remaining sauce over rice and veggies, or as a dipping sauce.

Turn your crispy tofu into a complete meal

For a well rounded quick meal, enjoy your delicious spicy peanut tofu with rice and steamed broccoli. Top with green onions, cilantro, and a squirt of lime. If you’re really into spicy food, sprinkle with some more red pepper flakes or sriracha!

I seriously LOVE this tofu and can’t wait to share the recipe with the world. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Crispy Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Easy sauteed tofu with a spicy peanut sauce that takes under 30 minutes to make. 

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time25 mins

Servings: 3 servings

Ingredients

• 1 block (14 ounces) extra firm tofu
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons peanut oil*
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter*
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from half of a lime)
• green onions, for garnishing
• cilantro, for garnishing

Instructions

• Slice the tofu into ten slices, width-wise. Cut each slice in half so that you have 20 squares of tofu. To remove excess moisture, pat each side lightly with a clean dish towel or paper towel. 
• In a large saucepan, heat peanut oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Saute until aromatic, about 1 minute. 
• Add the tofu to the pan in a single layer; depending on the size of your pan, you may need to do this in batches. Cook each side for 5 minutes, until lightly browned. 
  
• Meanwhile, making the spicy peanut sauce by mixing together the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable broth, lime juice and red pepper flakes. It should be smooth and creamy, like a thick sauce.
• Use a basting or pastry brush to brush the peanut sauce lightly onto the exposed side of the tofu. Flip over, cooking another 1-2 minutes, until browned. Repeat with the other side of the tofu.
• Remove the tofu from the pan once browned on both sides. Enjoy with additional spicy peanut sauce, rice, and veggies. 

Notes

Peanut oil: I recommend using peanut oil because of the flavor it adds to the tofu. However, vegetable or canola oil will work if that's what you have on hand.

Peanut butter: I find that natural peanut butter is easier to mix into a sauce than regular peanut butter. If you store your peanut butter in the fridge and it's hard, just heat it in the microwave with the other sauce ingredients for 10-20 seconds to loosen it up.

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