If you’re craving a dish full of bold flavor, this tofu satay delivers. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, it’s finished with a creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce that brings everything together.
This recipe is an excellent option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. It stores well, reheats nicely, and easily adapts to dietary preferences.
Try my Spicy Peanut Noodles and Summer Rolls next!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegan/Vegetarian friendly: Easily made vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave.
- Gluten-free adaptable: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
- Meal prep friendly: Make ahead and store in the fridge for quick meals during the week.
Ingredient Notes
Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu and press it for 20–30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pressing improves texture and helps the tofu absorb the marinade.
Marinade: A simple mix of soy sauce, lime juice, sweetener (honey or agave), chili oil or flakes, fresh ginger, and garlic gives the tofu a savory, tangy base.
Peanut sauce: Creamy peanut butter combined with soy sauce, lime, ginger, sesame oil, a touch of sweetener, and sriracha creates a balanced sauce—smooth, salty, tangy, and slightly spicy.
See the recipe card below for quantities and full ingredient list.
Substitutions & Additions
Vegan sweetener: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave to keep the recipe vegan.
Adjusting heat: Omit sriracha and chili flakes for a milder sauce, or add more to increase the spice level.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Press the tofu for 20–30 minutes. While it presses, whisk together the marinade ingredients and prepare the peanut sauce, then set both aside.
Step 2: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized pieces, toss in the marinade, and let sit at least 5 minutes (longer if possible for more flavor).
Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Thread tofu onto skewers and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 4: Toss the cooked tofu in the peanut sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish as desired and serve warm.
Serving Recommendations
Serve this tofu satay with steamed rice, peanut noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables. Popular vegetable sides include garlic broccoli, edamame, or a simple stir-fry.
Garnish ideas:
- Sesame seeds
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Chopped peanuts
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh lime wedges
- Sliced scallions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can prepare the tofu and sauces ahead of time. Press and cut the tofu, make the marinade and peanut sauce, and refrigerate separately. Marinating overnight deepens the flavor.
This dish is best served warm, but it also tastes good at room temperature or cold as leftovers.
Expert Tips
- Press the tofu: Removing excess water improves texture and helps the tofu soak up the marinade—aim for at least 20–30 minutes.
- Marinate longer: If possible, marinate the tofu for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
More Recipes to Try
Spicy Peanut Noodles-
Tofu Buddha Bowl
-
Mandarin Crunch Salad
-
Sesame Tofu
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Tofu Satay with Peanut Sauce
Kelsey Riley
Ingredients
- 1 package extra firm tofu
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Marinade
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple/agave)
- 2 tsp chili flakes in oil
- 2 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Peanut Sauce
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp honey (or maple/agave)
- 2 tsp sriracha (optional)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp water (to thin, as needed)
Instructions
- Press the tofu for 20–30 minutes to remove excess liquid. While pressing, mix the marinade and the peanut sauce and set both aside.
- Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and thread onto skewers. Toss in the marinade and let rest at least 5 minutes, longer if time allows.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the skewers 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Toss the cooked tofu in the peanut sauce or serve the sauce alongside. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, lime, or cilantro as desired.