Glazed Tofu Bites with Peanuts and Ginger

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Glazed Tofu Bites are the perfect balance of textures—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—with a sticky, sweet glaze that coats each bite. The peanuts add a satisfying crunch, while the fresh ginger brings a spicy, aromatic kick. With the tofu being high in protein and the glaze rich in savory umami, these bites make for an excellent snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal. Plus, they’re easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a great addition to any plant-based or Asian-inspired menu.

Ingredients

For the tofu bites:

• 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil for frying)

For the glaze:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave for a vegan option)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon water (to thin the glaze)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the glaze)

For garnish:

• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

• Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the tofu:

   • Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into 1-inch cubes. Pat the tofu cubes dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up when cooking.

2. Coat the tofu:

   • Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and toss with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This will help create a crispy exterior.

3. Fry the tofu:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

4. Make the glaze:

   • In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, water, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes syrupy.

5. Combine tofu with glaze:

   • Once the glaze has thickened, add the crispy tofu cubes to the pan and gently toss them in the glaze until evenly coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors.

6. Garnish and serve:

   • Transfer the glazed tofu bites to a serving platter and top with chopped roasted peanuts, sesame seeds (if using), and fresh cilantro or green onions. Serve immediately as an appetizer or snack.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 2-4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.

• Gluten-free option: Use tamari in place of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

• Crispy baked tofu: For a healthier alternative, bake the tofu instead of frying it. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch and a little oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Nutritional yeast: Sprinkle some nutritional yeast over the tofu bites for a cheesy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Glazed Tofu Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat and cook for a few minutes until heated through, or you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I make these tofu bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the tofu and glaze in advance, then reheat and combine them just before serving for the freshest result.

2. Can I use soft tofu instead of firm tofu?

For best results, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Soft tofu will not hold its shape during frying and may become too mushy.

3. Can I make the glaze spicier?

Yes! To make the glaze spicier, add some chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Adjust the spice level to your liking.

4. Can I bake the tofu instead of frying it?

Yes! Toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch and a little oil, then bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy.

5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with agave syrup, honey (for non-vegan), or coconut sugar, depending on your preference.

6. Can I freeze the tofu bites?

While it’s best to enjoy these tofu bites fresh, you can freeze the cooked, unglazed tofu for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven or skillet and then toss with the glaze.

7. Can I make these tofu bites spicy?

Absolutely! Add chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze to give the dish a nice spicy kick that will complement the sweet and savory flavors.

8. Can I use a different type of nut instead of peanuts?

Yes, you can substitute the peanuts with other nuts like cashews, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a different texture and flavor.

9. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! You can serve these tofu bites with a side of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for a more well-rounded meal.

10. How do I make these tofu bites extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, double coat the tofu by dipping it in cornstarch, then lightly frying it. The cornstarch creates a crispy outer layer that makes the tofu even crunchier.

Conclusion

Glazed Tofu Bites with Peanuts and Ginger are a flavorful and satisfying plant-based dish that will wow your guests with their savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. The crispy tofu, paired with the rich, aromatic glaze and crunchy peanuts, makes for an unforgettable bite. These tofu bites are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!