Simple Tofu with Peanut Butter Vietnamese
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible recipe for Simple Tofu with Peanut Butter Vietnamese-style sauce. Crispy golden cubes of firm tofu, lightly coated in cornstarch and pan-fried to perfection, are the star of this dish, beautifully complemented by a velvety, flavorful peanut butter sauce infused with soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup. The hint of red chili flakes adds just the right amount of heat, making every bite an explosion of savory delight. Quick and easy, this 25-minute recipe is ideal for busy evenings, while optional garnishes like roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro bring a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve this dish over steamed rice or noodles for a wholesome, plant-based meal that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Perfect for fans of Vietnamese-inspired flavors and tofu-based recipes!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts (optional for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Drain and press the tofu for 10-15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
Place the tofu cubes in a bowl, sprinkle with cornstarch, and gently toss until evenly coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
In a small mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, water, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Pour in the peanut sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
Add the crispy tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat each piece with the sauce.
Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1193 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 88.8 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.9 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1475 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.0 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.5 g | ||
| Protein | 60.2 g | 120% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 651 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 7.8 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 868 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
