These crispy tofu bites are the perfect party appetizer or weeknight dinner. They're made with extra-firm tofu that's been pressed to remove excess water, then dredged in a cornstarch mixture and fried until golden brown. The tofu is served with a spicy peanut sauce that's made with peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and Sriracha.
I've been making these tofu bites for years, and they're always a hit. I first developed the recipe when I was looking for a way to use up some extra-firm tofu that I had on hand. I experimented with different breading mixtures and frying techniques, and I finally came up with this recipe that produces crispy, golden brown tofu bites that are packed with flavor. The spicy peanut sauce is the perfect complement to the tofu, and it adds a bit of heat and sweetness to the dish.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 block extra firm tofu
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha
Instructions
Press the tofu between two plates to remove excess water.
Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch and soy sauce.
Dredge the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the tofu cubes for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and Sriracha.
Serve the tofu bites with the spicy peanut sauce.
Why It Works
Pressing the tofu removes excess water, which helps the tofu to get crispy when it's fried.
Dredging the tofu in cornstarch helps to create a crispy crust.
Frying the tofu in hot oil helps to seal in the flavor and create a golden brown crust.
The spicy peanut sauce is made with a combination of sweet and savory ingredients, which creates a complex and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy tofu.