Get ready to transform ordinary tofu into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds! This Baked Peanut Sauce Tofu is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that combines the rich, nutty goodness of peanut butter with perfectly crispy tofu cubes. Whether you're a longtime tofu lover or a curious foodie looking to expand your plant-based cooking skills, this dish promises to revolutionize your meal prep with its incredible taste and simple preparation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your tofu will bake evenly and achieve a nice, crispy texture.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the tofu. Take the block of firm tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for about 10-15 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth and well-blended sauce. This will be the flavorful coating for your tofu.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed tofu and pour the peanut sauce over it. Gently toss the tofu until all pieces are evenly coated with the sauce. Be careful not to break the tofu cubes while mixing.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Spread the coated tofu cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for even baking and crisping.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tofu for 25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, around 12-13 minutes, take the baking sheet out and gently flip the tofu cubes to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
- Once the tofu is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The tofu will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Serve the baked peanut sauce tofu warm. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or in a salad. Garnish with chopped green onions or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor, if desired.
Tips
- Press Your Tofu Like a Pro: The key to crispy tofu is removing as much moisture as possible. Use a tofu press or the towel method, and don't rush this step!
- Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk your peanut sauce thoroughly to ensure a smooth, even coating that will caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Single Layer is Crucial: Spread tofu cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure maximum crispiness. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of baking.
- Flip for Even Browning: Halfway through cooking, gently flip the tofu cubes to achieve that perfect golden-brown color on all sides.
- Let It Rest: Allow the tofu to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps it firm up and makes for easier handling.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste. Add some sriracha for heat or extra maple syrup for sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
