We recently got a new grill, and I’ve been trying to come up with new ideas for things to throw on it. For the 4th, we made this grilled tofu with peanut sauce. It’s easy, non-fussy and delicious! The peanut sauce can be made in advance, and leftovers reheat very well in an air fryer.
Start with a slightly sweet and salty marinade. This one has a neutral oil, grated garlic, satay seasoning, soy sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Be sure to press your tofu really well before marinating for a few hours. Towel-pressed tofu works great here!
Pull together your spicy peanut sauce ingredients, fresh herbs and hot peppers to garnish.
After several minutes on the grill for each side, you’ll have a crispy, chewy outside and succulent inside. Drag and dip into your peanut sauce. Serve with rice and fresh fruit if you’re into that.
Tofu Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
for the tofu
- 1/3 cup neutral-tasting oil, like grapeseed or canola
- 2 TB soy sauce
- 1 TB Indonesian Satay Seasoning
- 1 TB grated garlic
- few pinches of red pepper flakes
- 2 packages firm tofu, cut into 4 thick slabs and pressed well
for the peanut sauce
- 2 TB oil
- one small onion, finely diced
- 1 TB grated ginger
- 1 TB grated garlic
- 1/2 TB satay seasoning
- few pinches of red pepper flakes
- few splashes of water
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 TB brown sugar
- 2 TB soy sauce
- 2 TB sriracha or sambal, more or less to taste
- 1 can coconut milk
- cinnamon stick
- juice from 1/2 lime
to serve
- rice (I combined fresh cilantro and jalepeno, chopped)
- fresh fruit
- fresh herbs (basil, mint, cilantro)
- scallions, chopped
- lime wedges
- hot chile (fresno, jalepeno, thai)
- crushed peanuts
Instructions
for the tofu
- Combine all marinade ingredients. Place the well-pressed tofu into the marinade, flipping until all surfaces are covered. Allow to marinade for several hours or overnight, flipping once or twice to allow the marinade to soak up.
- Preheat your grill and reduce to medium-high heat. Place the tofu on the grill for about 6 minutes with the cover closed. Flip and repeat the process on the other side.
- You can toss the grilled tofu back into the marinade and flip it around, allowing it to soak up any leftover marinade.
for the peanut sauce
- Heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Warm the oil, then add the onion, sauteing for about 5 minutes, or until slightly golden. Add in the ginger and garlic, stirring and allowing to soften for a couple of minutes, adding a few splashes of water here and there to prevent sticking.
- Add in the satay seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute more, adding more splashes of water to prevent sticking.
- Add in the peanut butter, brown sugar, soy sauce and sriracha or sambal. Stir to combine. Whisk in the coconut milk until well combined. Add in the cinnamon stick and reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching on the bottom, reducing the heat as bit more if needed.
- Remove from heat. Add in the lime juice and adjust any ingredients to taste.
- Leave it chunky or puree until smooth.
- Serve immediately with the tofu, rice and fresh fruit.
Notes
The peanut sauce can be made beforehand and refrigerated until ready to use. Just warm the desired amount in a small saucepan over low heat.
The leftover tofu reheats very well in an air fryer at 400 for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Marinated, Grilled, Sautéed
- Cuisine: Indonesian
FAVORITE PODCASTS FROM THIS WEEK + SOME GRATITUDE ?
Terrible, Thanks for Asking | ARFID
Have you ever heard of ARFID? Me neither. This episode explains what it is, from someone who has it.
WTF with Marc Maron| Episode 1012 РBren̩ Brown
I like Marc. I like Brené. This episode has both, where they discuss shame and vulnerability.
TED Talks Daily | The Power of Introverts – Susan Cain
I’m a super mega introvert, and always feel bad about it. This episode made me feel like this is a superpower, not a flaw.
WHAT I’M GRATEFUL FOR THIS WEEK:
1. I bought some large houseplants a few weeks ago. They are still green + perky, livening up our space, and making it feel cozier. I’ve never kept green plants alive for this long, so yay!
2. My car. I had a little issue and no car for a week, which is tough in this non-walkable neck of the woods. I’m back in business, and super grateful for the ability to get out and about.
3. Salad Samurai, by Terry Hope Romero. Great recipes that I can just make and not think too much about. Perfect for summer!
Sue says
This was delicious! We loved the tofu, even without sauce. Great, simple recipe.
★★★★★
Allison says
This looks delicious! You really can’t go wrong with tofu and peanut sauce, and yours sounds particularly delicious! 🙂
★★★★★
Rom says
Simple I see vegan options I like , While I have not had this particular one I had something similar and whenver you dont hurt animals I see 5 stars
★★★★★
Kate says
I am so up for that! The tofu looks amazing and so full of flavors! Thank you for the inspiration, as tofu ideas are always needed.