Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Sesame Spinach
Golden pan-fried tofu served with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce alongside garlicky sesame spinach for a satisfying vegan meal. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs firm tofu, peanut butter, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 cubed firm tofu
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Press a 14 oz block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Step 2: While tofu cooks, whisk together 3 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.
- Step 3: Remove tofu from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 6 cups fresh spinach. Sauté over medium heat for 3 minutes until spinach wilts and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 4: Drizzle 1 tsp toasted sesame oil over the spinach and sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 5: Plate the crispy tofu cubes and drizzle generously with the spicy peanut sauce. Serve alongside the sesame garlic spinach for a rich, flavorful vegan dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Sesame Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Sesame Spinach?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Sesame Spinach?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Sesame Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Sesame Spinach vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
