Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-03 · Updated 2026-05-03

Golden pan-fried tofu cubes served with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce for a satisfying vegan appetizer or light meal. This asian-inspired vegan (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, vegetable oil, smooth peanut butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sriracha sauce
• 3 tbsp warm water
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts
• 2 tbsp thinly sliced scallions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until all sides are golden brown and crisp.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sriracha sauce, 3 tbsp warm water, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl until smooth.
3. Step 3: Remove tofu from skillet and arrange on a serving plate. Drizzle the spicy peanut sauce evenly over the tofu cubes.
4. Step 4: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts and 2 tbsp thinly sliced scallions. Serve warm or at room temperature.