Tamarind-Glazed Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce and Fresh Herbs
Pan-fried tofu with a tangy tamarind glaze, served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce and fresh herbs for brightness. This thai-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends vegetable oil, tamarind paste, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup peanut butter, smooth
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
- Step 3: Return tofu to the skillet on medium heat, pour the tamarind glaze over tofu and cook for 2 minutes, turning gently to coat the tofu pieces evenly until the glaze thickens and becomes sticky.
- Step 4: For the peanut sauce, whisk 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter, 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a bowl until creamy and smooth.
- Step 5: Plate the tamarind-glazed tofu and drizzle with peanut sauce. Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, and 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts.
- Step 6: Serve immediately as a flavorful appetizer or side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind-Glazed Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce and Fresh Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tamarind-Glazed Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce and Fresh Herbs?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Glazed Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce and Fresh Herbs?
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 Tamarind-Glazed Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce and Fresh Herbs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Tamarind-Glazed Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce and Fresh Herbs vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
