Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Thai Chili-Peanut Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-31 · Updated 2026-07-31

Golden pan-fried tofu served with a vibrant Thai chili sauce topped with crushed peanuts, perfect with steamed jasmine rice. This Thai-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, Thai red chili paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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 firm tofu
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp Thai red chili paste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts
• 2 cups steamed jasmine rice

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 20 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and fry the tofu cubes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp on all sides.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp Thai red chili paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is well blended.
3. Step 3: Remove tofu from the skillet and arrange on a serving plate. Drizzle the spicy chili sauce evenly over the tofu, then sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts on top.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately alongside 2 cups steamed jasmine rice to balance the heat and savor the contrasting textures.