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Crispy Tofu With Peanut Sauce

4.5

(25)

Baked Tofu Satay over Rice in a black bowl on a white fabric
Photograph by Elizabeth Coetzee, Prop Styling by Emma Ringness, Food Styling by Emilie Fosnocht

Crispy tofu meets a velvety blend of peanut butter, ginger, and garlic, thickened with coconut cream. Inspired by satay, sans the skewers, it’s an enormously satisfying weeknight dinner. The tofu absorbs all the savory goodness, becoming flavorful from the inside out. Be sure to use firm tofu so it can hold up to the thick sauce—anything softer will break apart. Serve with rice for a filling meal.

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What you’ll need

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    30 minutes

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

3

Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided

1

14-oz. package firm tofu, drained, patted dry, cut into ½" cubes

1

large shallot, finely chopped

1

2" piece ginger, peeled, finely grated

5

garlic cloves, finely grated

1

tsp. ground cumin

1

tsp. red chile powder or crushed red pepper flakes

½

tsp. ground turmeric

1

5.4-oz. can unsweetened coconut cream

2

Tbsp. smooth natural peanut butter

1

Tbsp. honey

1

tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt

1

Tbsp. fresh lime juice

Cilantro leaves, thinly sliced jalapeños, steamed white rice, and lime wedges (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Cook one 14-oz. package firm tofu, drained, patted dry, cut into ½" cubes, turning once, until golden brown, 5–7 minutes. Transfer tofu to a plate.

    Step 2

    Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil in same skillet over medium. Cook 1 large shallot, finely chopped, one 2" piece ginger, peeled, finely grated, and 5 garlic cloves, finely grated, stirring often, until shallot is translucent and starting to brown around the edges, 5–7 minutes. Add 1 tsp. ground cumin, 1 tsp. red chile powder or crushed red pepper flakes, and ½ tsp. ground turmeric and cook, stirring, until spices are fragrant, about 1 minute. Add one 5.4-oz. can unsweetened coconut cream, 2 Tbsp. smooth natural peanut butter, and 1 Tbsp. honey; stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Whisk in ½ cup water and 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt. Return tofu to skillet and simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes. Thin sauce with up to ¼ cup water if needed, stirring to combine. Taste and season with more salt if needed. Remove from heat and stir in 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice.

    Step 3

    Scatter cilantro leaves and thinly sliced jalapeños over saucy tofu. Serve with steamed white rice and lime wedges.

    Do Ahead: Saucy tofu (without cilantro) can be made 1 day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.

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