Baked Tofu with Peanut Sauce
Baked Tofu with Peanut Sauce
Recipe Classification: Vegan • Vegetarian • Dairy-Free • Gluten-Free* • High-Protein • Plant-Based • Meal Prep Friendly
Ensure the red miso and sambal used are certified gluten-free if required.
Introduction
This Baked Tofu with Peanut Sauce is a flavour-packed plant-based dinner that's crispy, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Tender slices of baked tofu are marinated with fresh lime before being served with a rich peanut sauce infused with ginger, red miso, and sambal for the perfect balance of savoury, creamy, tangy, and spicy flavours.
This wholesome recipe is an excellent way to enjoy tofu in a delicious new way. Baking creates a firmer texture while allowing the tofu to absorb the vibrant flavours of the marinade. Combined with colourful bell peppers and fresh green onions, it's a nutritious meal that's ideal for both weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Whether you're looking for an easy vegan tofu recipe, a healthy plant-based dinner, or a high-protein meat-free meal, this Baked Tofu with Peanut Sauce is packed with wholesome ingredients and bold flavours that the whole family will love.
Benefits of the Main Ingredients
Extra-Firm Tofu
Extra-firm tofu is an excellent source of complete plant-based protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. It is naturally rich in calcium (when calcium-set), iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and plant compounds known as isoflavones. Its firm texture makes it ideal for baking, allowing it to become crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside.
Peanut Butter
Natural peanut butter provides heart-healthy unsaturated fats, plant-based protein, dietary fibre, vitamin E, magnesium, niacin, and copper. It creates a rich, creamy sauce while adding satisfying flavour and texture.
Lime Juice and Zest
Fresh lime juice and zest add vibrant citrus flavour while providing vitamin C and naturally occurring citrus oils. They brighten the peanut sauce and help balance its richness.
Bell Pepper
Bell peppers are naturally rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and antioxidant compounds such as beta-carotene. They add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant colour to the finished dish.
Green Onions
Green onions provide a mild onion flavour together with vitamins C and K. They add freshness and a subtle crunch that complements the creamy sauce.
Red Miso
Red miso is a fermented soybean paste that contributes deep umami flavour. Fermented foods are valued for their unique taste and can add variety to a balanced diet. Choosing a gluten-free variety makes this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Fresh Ginger
Fresh ginger adds a warm, aromatic flavour and naturally contains gingerol, a plant compound that contributes to its distinctive taste and antioxidant properties.
Sambal
Sambal provides a spicy kick while adding depth and complexity to the peanut sauce. The amount can easily be adjusted depending on your preferred level of heat.
Maple Syrup
A small amount of pure maple syrup balances the savoury and spicy flavours while contributing subtle caramel notes and trace minerals such as manganese.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Baked Tofu with Peanut Sauce combines creamy, spicy, tangy, and savoury flavours in one satisfying meal. It's an excellent way to enjoy more plant-based protein while using simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find.
The recipe is perfect for meal prep, as both the baked tofu and peanut sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It pairs beautifully with brown rice, coconut rice, quinoa, noodles, or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile recipe you'll come back to again and again.