Is your grill tired of the same old veggie burgers? Try this tofu satay recipe, bursting with bold, savory flavors and a satisfying crunch. Paired with a rich, creamy peanut sauce, it’s the ultimate way to spice up your cookouts and shake up your summer meal routine.
Get ready to transform your summer grilling with this decadent tofu satay recipe. Forget the same old BBQ routine—this combo is all about bold flavors and irresistible textures. Perfectly marinated tofu skewers are grilled to crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside perfection. And that peanut sauce? It’s rich, creamy, and delivers the perfect balance of spicy and savory.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a weekend warrior, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The tofu soaks up all the incredible flavors from the marinade, while the peanut sauce brings a savory, sweet, and spicy punch that’ll have everyone coming back for more. Ready to spice up your summer? Grab some skewers, fire up the grill, and get ready to make some magic!
What Is Satay?
Satay is a Southeast Asian dish that originated in Indonesia and features marinated skewers grilled over an open flame. The term “satay” refers to the skewering of marinated pieces of meat (or tofu, in our case) on sticks and grilling them to perfection. The secret to amazing satay? A rich blend of spices, including Indonesian satay seasoning, makes these skewers full of flavor! When grilled, the skewers develop a slight charring around the edges, creating bites full of savory umami that are irresistible.
In this vegan recipe, we’re using protein-packed tofu, which soaks up the marinade like a champ. After threading the tofu onto wooden skewers, they are grilled to crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside perfection.
While the tofu is the star of the show, the real magic happens when you pair it with a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy peanut sauce. This sauce makes each bite sing with a balance of savory and nutty sweetness, enhancing the flavors of the marinated and grilled tofu. This tofu satay brings all the bold flavors and satisfying textures of the traditional version, minus the meat.
Why You’ll Love This Tofu Satay Recipe
This tofu satay with peanut sauce is about to become your new summer favorite. It offers a perfectly balanced mix of flavors and textures that will win over both vegans and non-vegans alike. Here’s why:
- Flavor Bomb: The tofu soaks up the marinade like a sponge, resulting in skewers that are rich, savory, and perfectly spiced. The combination of Indonesian satay seasoning and a hint of spice makes every bite a flavor explosion. This vegan satay hits the spot on hot summer days!
- Grill Master’s Delight: Achieving that crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside perfection is effortless with this tofu satay recipe. The tofu grills beautifully, making it an ideal dish for both seasoned grillers and novices alike.
- Sauce Superstar: This sauce isn’t just a sidekick; it’s a superstar in its own right. Rich, creamy, and slightly spicy, it complements the satay tofu perfectly, balancing savory and nutty sweetness in every bite.
- Endlessly Adaptable: Serve it up with rice, fresh fruit, or grilled vegetables—the possibilities are endless. It’s a dish that can easily adapt to your favorite sides and add-ons, making it a versatile vegan satay option.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This isn’t just any dish; it’s a showstopper. Whether you’re hosting a casual barbecue or a more formal dinner, it offers a hearty, satisfying, and exciting plant-based dish.
Key Ingredients
Get ready to meet the dream team of flavors that make this tofu satay truly unforgettable. Each ingredient comes together to create a balanced dish that’s delicious and unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Tofu:
- Indonesian Satay Seasoning: This blend is the heart of our marinade, infusing the tofu with rich, savory, and slightly spicy notes. It typically includes coriander, cumin, turmeric, and gorgeously fragrant lemongrass, creating a complex, aromatic flavor that’s quintessentially satay.
- Firm Tofu: The star of the show, firm tofu absorbs all the marinade goodness, grilling to a perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture. Be sure to give it a thorough press using this method, or freeze your tofu then press for a meatier texture.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a zesty, aromatic kick that brightens up the entire dish.
- Garlic: Essential for its pungent, savory flavor, garlic enhances both the marinade and the peanut sauce, making everything taste more vibrant.
For the Peanut Sauce:
- Peanut Butter: The base of our creamy peanut sauce, peanut butter provides a rich, nutty sweetness that perfectly balances the spice.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to both the marinade and the sauce, balancing out the savory and spicy elements.
- Soy Sauce: This umami-packed ingredient deepens the flavors of the marinade and the peanut sauce, adding a savory depth that’s hard to beat.
- Sriracha or Sambal: Choose your heat! Both of these chili sauces add a spicy kick that makes the peanut sauce exciting and dynamic. Choose a little, a lot, or none at all. It’s up to you!
- Coconut Milk: Adds a luxurious creaminess to the peanut sauce, making it rich and smooth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cinnamon Stick: A surprising touch, the cinnamon stick infuses the peanut sauce with a warm, aromatic note that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a tangy brightness, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing zest.
- Fresh Herbs (Basil, Mint, Cilantro): These herbs add a burst of freshness and a pop of color, making each bite vibrant and fragrant.
- Crushed Peanuts: Sprinkled on top for added texture, crushed peanuts give a satisfying crunch and extra nuttiness to the dish.
How To Make Vegan Satay
Making tofu satay is simpler than you might think! Follow these basic steps to achieve delicious, grilled tofu satay with a rich peanut sauce. For the full recipe details, scroll to the end of this post.
For the Tofu:
Step 1: Start by pressing your tofu well. Check out our guide to how to press tofu with a towel. This step ensures that the tofu will more effectively soak up the marinade.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade. Combine all marinade ingredients in a shallow, wide dish. Place the tofu into the marinade, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Let it soak up the flavors for several hours or overnight. Thread the tofu onto wooden skewers that have been soaked in water.
Step 3: Grill the Tofu. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the tofu, flipping once to get that perfect char. We love to toss the grilled tofu back into the marinade and swish it around for an extra flavor boost. Up to you!
To Make the Peanut Sauce:
Follow these steps to create a delicious sauce. Feel free to make it in advance, making dinnertime a more relaxed event.
Step 1: Saute Aromatics. Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion until golden. Add ginger and garlic, stirring to soften.
Step 2: Add Spices. Stir in the satay seasoning and red pepper flakes, ensuring everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Sauce Ingredients. Add peanut butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sriracha or sambal. Stir, then whisk in coconut milk until smooth. Add the cinnamon stick and let it simmer.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce. Remove from heat, add lime juice, and adjust seasoning to taste. You can leave it chunky or puree it for a smoother texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Tofu Satay
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring your tofu stays perfectly skewered.
- Press Your Tofu: For the best texture, make sure to press your tofu well to remove excess water. This helps the tofu absorb more marinade and achieve a firmer texture. Check out my tofu pressing guide for detailed instructions.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: You can prepare the peanut sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and saves you time on the day you plan to grill.
- Use High-Quality Peanut Butter: Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils. It provides a purer, nuttier flavor that’s perfect for the sauce.
- Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, marinate the tofu overnight. This gives the spices and seasonings plenty of time to infuse the tofu, resulting in a richer taste.
- Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is fully preheated before placing the tofu skewers on it. A hot grill helps achieve those beautiful char marks and crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each skewer enough space to cook evenly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven grilling and steamed rather than charred tofu.
- Baste with Marinade: While grilling, occasionally baste the tofu with leftover marinade. This keeps the tofu moist and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Tofu satay is best enjoyed hot off the grill. Serve immediately with the peanut sauce for the ultimate flavor experience.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro not only add color but also enhance the flavor. Crushed peanuts provide a delightful crunch, making each bite exciting.
Add Some Thrill To Your Grill
Tofu satay is your ticket to summer grilling perfection, great both vegans and non-vegans alike. The bold, savory flavors of marinated tofu combined with a rich, creamy peanut sauce are sure to impress at any cookout. Whether you’re hosting a casual barbecue or looking for a new twist on weeknight dinners, tofu satay is a versatile and satisfying choice. Fire up the grill and enjoy the crispy texture and incredible flavors of this plant-based dish!
FAQs
Tofu satay pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with jasmine rice, fresh fruit, or a vibrant salad. You can also add grilled vegetables or a light cucumber salad to complement the rich flavors of the tofu and peanut sauce. For a more indulgent option, try coconut rice or a refreshing mango salad.
Satay refers to a popular Southeast Asian dish consisting of skewered and grilled meat, or in this case, tofu. The term “satay” originates from Indonesia and describes the method of marinating pieces of meat or tofu, skewering them on sticks, and grilling to perfection. The dish is often served with a flavorful peanut sauce that enhances its savory profile.
Yes, you can bake tofu satay if you don’t have access to a grill. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The Heat Is On! More Side Dishes And Grilling Recipes To Love
- Lime-Kissed Berry Salad
- Sweet and Spicy Mango Salsa
- Spicy Grilled Green Beans
- Lemongrass Tofu Bites
- Easy Beetroot Burgers
- Sweet Potato Burgers
- Thai-Style Pizza
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Tofu Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Fire up your grill for a summer game-changer! This tofu satay with peanut sauce blends savory, spicy, and nutty flavors into one irresistible dish. With marinated tofu grilled to crispy perfection and a rich, creamy peanut sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for vegans and non-vegans alike!
Ingredients
for the tofu
- 1/3 cup neutral-tasting oil, like grapeseed or canola
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Indonesian Satay Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon 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 tablespoons oil
- one small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon grated garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon satay seasoning
- few pinches of red pepper flakes
- few splashes of water
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha or sambal, more or less to taste
- 1 can coconut milk
- cinnamon stick
- juice from 1/2 lime
to serve
- rice (I tossed with some fresh cilantro and jalapeño, chopped)
- fresh fruit
- fresh herbs (basil, mint, cilantro)
- scallions, chopped
- lime wedges
- hot chiles (Fresno, jalapeño, 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
Make-Ahead Marvel: The peanut sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. When it’s time to serve, simply warm the desired amount in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Reheating Leftovers: Leftover tofu satay reheats beautifully, especially in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400°F and heat the tofu for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also reheat the tofu in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover tofu satay in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The peanut sauce should also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Marinated, Grilled, Sautéed
- Cuisine: Indonesian
