Crispy baked tofu with peanut sauce over rice
Peanut Tofu Bowls
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2
2 bowls
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
Crispy baked tofu cubes drizzled with a rich peanut-lime sauce, served over jasmine rice with crunchy slaw. A plant-based bowl with big, bold Thai-inspired flavors.
Cuisine: Thai, Asian
Category: Main
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $
Dietary: Healthy
Quick Summary
40 min total time|2 servings|Easy difficulty
Crispy baked tofu cubes drizzled with a rich peanut-lime sauce, served over jasmine rice with crunchy slaw. A plant-based bowl with big, bold Thai-inspired flavors.
ThaiAsianHealthy
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
These peanut tofu bowls deliver restaurant-quality Thai flavors at home. Baking the tofu until crispy and coating it in a creamy peanut sauce creates an irresistible combination of textures.
Thai cooking achieves a remarkable balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in every dish. This recipe brings those layered flavors to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Press tofu, cube, and toss with cornstarch, salt, and a drizzle of oil.
- 2
Bake tofu at 425°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- 3
Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and warm water into a smooth sauce.
- 4
Divide rice between bowls and top with cabbage-carrot slaw and crispy tofu.
- 5
Drizzle generously with peanut sauce and garnish with crushed peanuts and cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
Peanut butterAlmond butter or tahini
Nut-free or different flavor profile
Jasmine riceBrown rice or rice noodles
Whole grain option or noodle bowl variation
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Press tofu for at least 20 minutes for the crispiest baked results.
Make extra peanut sauce—it keeps in the fridge for a week and goes on everything.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate components separately for up to 4 days; tofu will lose some crispness.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 2 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein22g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat46g
Fiber640mg
Sugar4g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pre-baked tofu?
- Yes, skip the baking step and cube store-bought baked tofu directly.
- What if I have a peanut allergy?
- Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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