This recipe is vegan and gluten-free for those of you out there who abide by those kind of dietary restrictions. It is a perfect #meatlessmonday recipe as well. Tofu doesn’t have to be boring mushy stuff that scares you away. The more I’ve used tofu in recipes the more versatile I’ve found it to be. Marinating the tofu in this citrus, peanuty sauce was a whole new flavor for us…and it was very good!

Peanut Sauce Tofu Stir-Fry ©EverydayCookingAdventures

I found that broiling the tofu versus the usual stir-fry method on the stovetop made it crispier and healthier because it wasn’t fried in oil. I used a maple syrup and honey mix instead of the agave because I didn’t have any. Otherwise I stuck to the recipe and it came out really nice. I served it atop jasmine rice and with stir-fried vegetables: asparagus, bell pepper, garlic and carrot. This made 3 servings because of the rice.

Peanut Sauce Tofu Stir-Fry ©EverydayCookingAdventures

Peanut Sauce Baked Tofu

By: Averie Cooks
Serves: 2-3 people

Ingredients:

• 1/2 package tofu, pressed (select firm or extra firm)
• 3 tbsp orange juice
• 1 1/2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp agave (or honey/maple syrup or combo)
• 3/4 tsp ground ginger
• Pinch of cayenne (more to taste, if desired)
• Pinch of chili powder (more to taste, if desired)
• Optional: 1/2 Tbsp EVOO or use more sesame oil

Directions:

1. Press your tofu between heavy plates/objects and get the paper towels handy, and slice pressed tofu into 1/4 inch strips.

2. Whisk all marinade ingredients together in a bowl (it will not be pretty) and allow tofu to marinate for at least 20 minutes but a few hours or overnight is ideal.  The longer the better.  Reserve a couple tablespoons of the marinade that’s likely at the bottom of the bowl.

3. Line a cookie sheet with foil to save on cleanup time and spray with cooking spray.

4. Broil the marinated tofu for 5-6 minutes on the first side.

5. Flip, and broil for another 3 to 5 minutes on the second side.  Apply what’s remaining of the reserved marinade to the top side of the flipped tofu. Serve with other stir-fried vegetables on top of rice if desired.

Cooking Tip: Do not leave your kitchen while you are broiling as peanut butter and agave can go from not done to charred in 90 seconds flat.  You need to be right there your tofu does not go up in flames.