Crispy Tofu and Snow Peas with Peanut Sesame Sauce

Crispy Baked Tofu and Snow Peas with Peanut Sesame Sauce

Crispy Tofu and Snow Peas with Peanut Sesame Sauce

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Asian

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 30

Press the tofu: 30

Total Time: 1 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 383kcal

Author: Marvellina

This crispy tofu and snow pea dish is simple to make and packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you bake them in the oven or air-fry, you'll get a satisfying plant-based protein that is satisfying and delicious!

Print Recipe

US Customary - Metric

Ingredients

For the Crispy Tofu:

397 g extra-firm tofu pressed for at least 30 minutes
1 Tbsp oil
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp cornstarch

For the Roasted Snow Peas:

8 oz snow peas remove the tough strings
1 Tbsp oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the peanut sesame sauce: (adjust to your taste preference)

60 g smooth or crunchy peanut butter
1 Tbsp roasted sesame oil
1 tsp toasted white sesame seeds
1 tsp unseasoned rice vinegar
1 Tbsp soy sauce or more as needed
1 Tbsp brown sugar or more as needed

Topping: (optional)

Crispy fried shallots / bawang goreng

Instructions

Press the tofu:

Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain any excess liquid. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or absorbent paper towels.
Let it press for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Place the wrapped tofu on a plate or a rimmed cutting board (to catch liquid) and set a heavy object (such as a cast-iron skillet or a few cans) on top.

Prepare snow peas:

Not all snow peas have tough strings, but if they do, they will run along the edges.
Use your fingers to pinch or cut off the tip of the snow pea where the stem was attached. After snapping the stem, gently pull downward along the curved side of the pod to remove the fibrous string.
Once the strings are removed, rinse the snow peas under running water and pat them really dry with absorbent paper towel
Toss them in oil and some freshly ground black pepper and salt

Cook the tofu and snow peas (oven method):

The tofu and snow peas can be cooked on the same half-sheet baking pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can use aluminum foil too, just make sure you use non-stick spray so they won't stick to the foil
Put the pressed tofu cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Gently toss them to evenly coated the pieces as much as you can
Spread the tofu in a single layer on one half of the prepared baking sheet. Then I kinda fold the foil a bit to create a "separator" so I can spread the seasoned snow peas on the other half. Spread the seasoned snow peas in one layer
Bake for 20 minutes, then toss and flip the tofu and remove the snow peas from the pan as they should have been nicely roasted by now
Bake the tofu for an additional 10 minutes until the tofu pieces are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Cook the tofu and snow peas (Air-fryer method):

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Cook the snow peas separately from the tofu.
Arrange the tofu in a single layer, and cook in batches if needed. You don't want to overcrowd the air fryer basket
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket and flipping the tofu halfway through cooking.
Check after 5 minutes to ensure even crispiness.
Air fry the snow peas at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Cook until slightly charred and tender. The timing depends on the air fryer. So you it may cook faster or longer than the time I mentioned here

Prepare the peanut sesame sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, sesame oil, sesame seeds, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until smooth and well combined. Store in the fridge for up to one week if making in advance.

Assembling:

Arrange the crispy tofu and roasted snow peas on a serving plate. Drizzle with the peanut sesame sauce just before serving. Sprinkle some crispy shallots on top

Nutrition