Tofu is one of the most versatile ingredients in cooking, yet it often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. With its ability to soak up flavors and its satisfying texture, tofu can truly shine in the right recipe. This Peanut Sauce Tofu Skewers dish is the perfect example of how tofu can be transformed into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal. With a rich peanut sauce, perfectly seared tofu, and a variety of fresh toppings, this dish is bound to become a favorite. The addition of Zindrew's garlic chili oil adds the final touch, bringing a kick of heat and depth that elevates the dish to new heights.

Whether you're already a tofu enthusiast or just starting to explore plant-based meals, this recipe will impress. The combination of crispy tofu, creamy peanut sauce, and the bold flavors from Zindrew's chili oil makes every bite delicious and satisfying. Serve this to your loved ones, and you'll see how quickly tofu can become the star of the meal.

Why Tofu Deserves the Spotlight

Tofu, made from soybeans, is a staple in many cuisines, especially in East Asian cooking. It’s not only versatile but also packed with nutritional benefits. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. It’s also low in calories, high in iron, and free of cholesterol, making it a healthy choice for many diets.
One of the best things about tofu is its ability to absorb flavors. Whether it's marinated, sautéed, or grilled, tofu can take on the taste of whatever ingredients it’s paired with, making it an ideal ingredient in flavorful dishes like this one. In this recipe, we use extra firm tofu, which holds up well during cooking and provides a satisfying bite. When seared to a golden brown and paired with a rich peanut sauce, tofu becomes a delicious, protein-packed centerpiece that even meat-eaters will love.

Peanut Sauce: The Perfect Pairing

Peanut sauce is a beloved component of many Asian dishes, known for its creamy, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness and spice. In this recipe, the peanut sauce is the star, complementing the tofu beautifully and bringing the dish together.
The peanut sauce in this recipe is made from simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry: peanut butter, coconut milk, maple syrup, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and lime juice. Each ingredient contributes to the sauce’s complex flavor:

• Peanut Butter: The foundation of the sauce, providing a creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a silky smoothness and a subtle sweetness, balancing the richness of the peanut butter.
• Maple Syrup: Introduces natural sweetness that complements the savory notes of soy sauce.
• Sriracha: Adds a touch of heat, which can be adjusted to your preference.
• Sesame Oil: Brings a toasty, nutty aroma that enhances the depth of the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, balancing the sweetness and richness.
• Garlic and Ginger: Offer a fresh, spicy kick that cuts through the creaminess of the peanut butter.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the sauce with acidity, balancing the other flavors and adding a refreshing tang.

This sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. While it works perfectly in this tofu skewer recipe, it can also be used as a dip for vegetables, a dressing for salads, or a sauce for noodles.

The Role of Zindrew's Garlic Chili Oil: Elevating the Dish

Zindrew's garlic chili oil is more than just a condiment in this recipe—it’s an essential ingredient that transforms the dish. While the peanut sauce provides a rich and creamy base, Zindrew's garlic chili oil introduces a layer of complexity that balances the sweetness and nuttiness of the sauce with its spicy and savory notes.

Here’s what Zindrew’s garlic chili oil brings to the table:

• Depth of Flavor: The garlic in the chili oil adds a robust, savory undertone that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. It provides a contrast to the sweet and nutty elements of the peanut sauce, ensuring that each bite is well-rounded and satisfying.
• Heat: The chili oil brings a subtle yet noticeable heat that elevates the dish without overpowering it. This heat is crucial as it cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce, creating a balanced flavor experience that keeps you coming back for more.

By incorporating Zindrew’s garlic chili oil, you’re enriching the entire dish with a depth of flavor that makes it truly memorable. It’s this addition that turns a simple tofu dish into something special, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Recipe Instructions

This recipe serves 4 and can be easily scaled up for larger gatherings.

Ingredients:

• For the Peanut Sauce:

  • 3 heaping tbsp peanut butter

  • 2/3 cup coconut milk

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 to 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp grated garlic

  • 1 tbsp grated ginger

  • 1 lime, juiced

• For the Tofu:

  • 1 block extra firm tofu, drained, dried, & cut into 16 cubes

  • Neutral cooking oil, salt, & pepper as needed

• Toppings:

  • 1 handful cilantro, chopped

  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup crushed peanuts

  • 1 tsp white & black sesame seeds

  • 1 tbsp Zindrew's garlic chili oil

  • Rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, maple syrup, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside.
2. Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu well and pat it dry with paper towels. Drying the tofu is crucial for achieving a good sear. Cut the tofu into 16 evenly sized cubes.
3. Sear the Tofu: Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Skewer the tofu cubes, with 4 cubes per skewer. Add 3-4 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil to the pan, then carefully place the tofu skewers into the pan. Sear the tofu on all four sides, about 1-2 minutes per side, until each side is golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Sauce the Tofu: Pour half of the peanut sauce over the tofu in the pan. Flip the skewers to coat them evenly, letting the sauce caramelize slightly. Continue to sear for another 1-2 minutes on each side, until the tofu is well-coated and reaches the desired texture.
5. Serve and Garnish: Serve the tofu skewers over a bed of rice. Drizzle with the remaining peanut sauce and top with chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, crushed peanuts, and a mix of white and black sesame seeds. Finish with a drizzle of Zindrew's garlic chili oil for an extra kick of flavor.
6. Enjoy: Savor the Peanut Sauce Tofu Skewers with Zindrew's chili crisp. Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors, making this dish a standout meal.

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