Spicy Peanut Tofu
Some recipes are born out of curiosity, and others… out of a craving so intense you can almost taste it before cooking. This Spicy Peanut Tofu was one of those dishes for me. I remember coming home after a long day, craving something bold, nutty, and spicy—something that would give me that perfect mix of crunch and saucy goodness. I wanted the addictive heat of my favorite takeout stir-fries but with a homemade twist, and of course, 100% plant-based. This recipe became an instant weeknight favorite, and now I’m sharing it with you so you can experience the same joy I did that first bite—crispy tofu coated in a fiery, savory peanut sauce with roasted peanuts for crunch.
Table of Contents
- About This Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make Spicy Peanut Tofu
- Have It Your Way
- Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)*
- Health Benefits
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Tofu Press
About This Recipe
This Spicy Peanut Tofu is the perfect mix of crispy air-fried tofu, stir-fried veggies, and a rich, spicy peanut sauce made with a blend of sriracha, hoisin, vegan oyster sauce, and Korean red pepper powder. The roasted peanuts add that irresistible crunch, while the sauce balances sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors beautifully. It’s quick enough for weeknights, but impressive enough to serve to guests who think tofu can’t be exciting (trust me, they’ll change their minds).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Flavorful – Air-fried tofu means maximum crunch with minimal oil.
- Restaurant-Style at Home – Packed with layers of flavor that rival your favorite takeout spot.
- Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice to suit your comfort zone.
- Protein-Packed – Firm tofu and peanuts make this a satisfying, filling vegetarian meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Keeps well for a few days and reheats beautifully.
Key Ingredients
Air-Fried Tofu:
- Firm Tofu – The star protein of the dish; holds its shape well and develops a crispy exterior when air-fried.
- Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the tofu and seasonings.
- Black Pepper Powder – Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- Korean Red Pepper Powder (Gochugaru) – Brings a smoky, slightly sweet spiciness unique to Korean cuisine.
- Cornstarch – Creates a light, crispy coating that helps the tofu brown beautifully.
- Avocado Oil – Adds richness and promotes even crisping without overpowering the flavor.
For the Sauce Mix:
- Sriracha Sauce – Provides bold heat with a touch of tanginess.
- Hoisin Sauce – Adds a sweet-salty umami depth to balance the spice.
- Vegan Oyster Sauce – Gives a rich, savory boost without any seafood.
- Dark Soy Sauce – Deepens the color and adds a robust, slightly molasses-like flavor.
- Black Vinegar – Brings a sharp, tangy contrast to the richness of the sauce.
- Water – Adjusts consistency so the sauce evenly coats the tofu and veggies.
- Black Pepper Powder – Adds a secondary layer of warmth and spice to the sauce.
For the Stir Fry:
- Whole Dry Red Chilis – Infuses the oil with a smoky, chili heat.
- Cooking Oil – Helps sear the vegetables and carry the chili flavor.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and texture to balance the spice.
- Green Pepper – Brings fresh crunch and mild bitterness.
- Red Pepper – Adds a pop of color and natural sweetness.
- Roasted Peanuts – Provide nutty crunch and complement the peanut-forward sauce.
How To Make Spicy Peanut Tofu
Air Fry Tofu
- Press the tofu for 20 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Corn starch, salt, gochugaru, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until even.
- Cut the tofu into bite sized pieces, and transfer the tofu pieces to the mixing bowl.
- Gently toss the tofu to coat evenly with the dry ingredients.
- Spray the tofu pieces with cooking oil and a little water to form a light batter. Gently tossing to prevent breaking.
- Transfer the tofu pieces to a parchment lined air fryer tray and air fry for 15-20 minutes at 375-425 F until golden brown.
Stir Fry Sauce
- Combine all the ingredients to a bowl, and whisk until evenly combined.
Spicy Peanut Stir Fry
- In a wok over medium low heat, add the unroasted peanuts, and continuously stir until lightly golden. Then remove and set aside to cool.
- In a wok over medium low heat, add 2 tbsp cooking oil, and allow it to heat up.
- Add red dried chilies to the oil, and cook for 30-45 seconds until smoky aroma wafts from the wok.
- Add white parts of the green onion, and the large onion pieces. Stir continuously and allow the onions to soften. Should take 30-60 seconds.
- Add the chopped bell peppers to the wok, and increase the heat to medium. Continuously stir to allow the moisture released from the veggies to evaporate, and the vegetables to brown arounds the edges.
- Lower the heat to simmer, and add the air fried tofu pieces, and pour the stir fry sauce over the tofu and the veggies.
- Stir to allow the tofu pieces to absorb a little bit of the sauce, and increase the heat to medium low. Stir all the ingredients, and allow the sauce to thicken to a desired consistency.
- Lower the heat to simmer, and add roasted peanuts and a garnish of green onions.
- Serve with a side of rice or noodles and enjoy!
Have It Your Way
- Less Spicy: Reduce Gochugaru and sriracha for a milder version.
- Nut-Free: Swap peanuts for toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms to bulk up the stir-fry.
- No Air Fryer? Bake tofu in the oven at 400°F until golden and crispy.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)*
Approximation based on 4 servings.
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
Health Benefits
- High in Plant-Based Protein – Tofu and peanuts provide muscle-friendly protein.
- Healthy Fats – Avocado oil and peanuts offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Vitamin-Rich – Peppers and onions boost your vitamin C intake.
- Mineral Support – Tofu contains calcium and iron for bone and blood health.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
Tofu Press
Using a good Tofu Press is crucial for enhancing the texture and flavor of tofu in your culinary creations. Pressing tofu removes excess water, allowing it to absorb marinades and spices more effectively, resulting in a richer and more robust taste. This process also improves the tofu’s texture, making it firmer and more suitable for grilling, frying, or baking. A well-pressed tofu holds its shape better and achieves a desirable crispy exterior while remaining tender on the inside. Investing in a quality tofu press simplifies this process, saving time and ensuring consistent results, ultimately elevating your dishes to a new level of deliciousness. Here is our favorite Tofu Press. It easily And quickly remove water from Tofu to Improve the flavor and give Perfect Texture every time.
Spicy Peanut Tofu
Ingredients
Air Fry Tofu
- 16 oz Extra Firm Tofu
- 1½ tsp Salt
- 1½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1½ tsp Gochugaru
- 2 tbsp Corn Starch
- Avocado oil Spray
- Water Spray
Sauce Mix
- 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 4 tbsp Vegetarian Hoisin Sauce
- 2 tbsp Vegan Oyster Sauce
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Black Vinegar
- 4 tbsp water
- ½ tbsp Corn Starch
- 1.5 tsp Black Pepper optional
For Stir-Fry
- 2 Dried Red Chilies Whole
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1.5 Cups Onion cubed
- 1 Green Bell Pepper cubed
- 1 Red Bell Pepper cubed
- ¼ Cup Peanuts Roasted
Instructions
Air Fry Tofu
- Press the tofu for 20 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Corn starch, salt, gochugaru, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until even.
- Cut the tofu into bite sized pieces, and transfer the tofu pieces to the mixing bowl.
- Gently toss the tofu to coat evenly with the dry ingredients.
- Spray the tofu pieces with cooking oil and a little water to form a light batter. Gently tossing to prevent breaking.
- Transfer the tofu pieces to a parchment lined air fryer tray and air fry for 15-20 minutes at 375-425 F until golden brown.
Stir Fry Sauce
- Combine all the ingredients to a bowl, and whisk until evenly combined.
Spicy Peanut Stir Fry
- In a wok over medium low heat, add the unroasted peanuts, and continuously stir until lightly golden. Then remove and set aside to cool.
- In a wok over medium low heat, add 2 tbsp cooking oil, and allow it to heat up.
- Add red dried chilies to the oil, and cook for 30-45 seconds until smoky aroma wafts from the wok.
- Add white parts of the green onion, and the large onion pieces. Stir continuously and allow the onions to soften. Should take 30-60 seconds.
- Add the chopped bell peppers to the wok, and increase the heat to medium. Continuously stir to allow the moisture released from the veggies to evaporate, and the vegetables to brown arounds the edges.
- Lower the heat to simmer, and add the air fried tofu pieces, and pour the stir fry sauce over the tofu and the veggies.
- Stir to allow the tofu pieces to absorb a little bit of the sauce, and increase the heat to medium low. Stir all the ingredients, and allow the sauce to thicken to a desired consistency.
- Lower the heat to simmer, and add roasted peanuts and a garnish of green onions.
- Serve with a side of rice or noodles and enjoy!
Notes
- Press the tofu for at least 15–20 minutes before cooking to remove excess moisture.
- Toasting peanuts before adding them to the stir fry deepens their flavor.
- If you love extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients—perfect for drizzling over rice.
Video
Nutrition
Want to save this for later? Post this Spicy Peanut Tofu Recipe to the “Delicious Dinner” OR “Food Recipe” Board!
