Get Hooked on Crispy Peanut Tofu with Sugar Snap Peas and Peppers!

Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with veggies? Look no further! This Crispy Peanut Tofu with Sugar Snap Peas and Peppers is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in a flash. Imagine perfectly pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a luscious, velvety smooth peanut sauce, all tossed with crisp-tender sugar snap peas and vibrant bell peppers. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more.

This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly simple to make, making it a true weeknight hero. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you’ll find this dish a breeze to prepare. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable to your preferences. Get ready to add this to your regular rotation!

Prep Time: 30 mins Total Time: 30 mins Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Peanut Tofu dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:

• Incredible Flavor Combination: The rich, nutty peanut sauce with a hint of sweetness and a touch of heat perfectly complements the fresh, crisp vegetables and savory tofu.
• Satisfying Textures: You get the delightful crunch of the crispy tofu, the tender-crisp bite of the sugar snap peas and peppers, and the smooth coating of the sauce in every mouthful.
• ** lightning Fast:** From start to finish, you can have this delicious and healthy meal on the table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Veggie-Packed Goodness: Loaded with vibrant sugar snap peas and bell peppers, this dish is a delicious way to get your daily dose of vegetables.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily swap out vegetables, adjust the spice level, or change the protein to suit your taste and what you have on hand.
• Dietary Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, divided
• 14 oz extra-firm tofu, drained
• 3 tbsp canola oil
• 3 cups sugar snap peas
• 1 bell pepper, cut into ¼-inch strips
• 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 2 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp Sriracha
• Toasted sesame seeds, for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Crispy Peanut Tofu:

1. Cook the Rice: Prepare the long-grain white rice according to the package directions, adding ½ teaspoon of salt to the cooking water.
2. Press the Tofu: While the rice is cooking, cut the drained extra-firm tofu into 1-inch cubes. Place the tofu cubes on a baking sheet or cutting board lined with two layers of kitchen towels. Cover with two more layers of towels and gently press to remove excess water. This step is crucial for achieving crispy tofu!
3. Season the Tofu: Sprinkle the pressed tofu cubes with ¾ teaspoon of salt, ensuring they are evenly seasoned.
4. Crisp the Tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the seasoned tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Transfer the crispy tofu to a towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Sauté the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of canola oil to the same skillet. Add the sugar snap peas and cook, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the sliced bell pepper and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper is slightly lighter in color and crisp-tender, and the sugar snap peas are slightly blistered, about 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle the cooked vegetables with the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt and toss to coat.
6. Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and Sriracha until smooth. Gradually stir in 2 tablespoons of warm water, a little at a time, until the sauce is pourable and has a smooth consistency.
7. Combine and Serve: Add the crispy tofu to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the tofu and vegetables and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Serve the crispy peanut tofu and vegetable mixture immediately over the cooked rice.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

You Must Know

• Pressing the Tofu is Key: Don’t skip the step of pressing the tofu! Removing excess water is essential for achieving that coveted crispy exterior.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: When cooking the tofu, make sure to cook it in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan will steam the tofu instead of frying it, resulting in a less crispy texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust Spice Level: The amount of Sriracha can be adjusted to your preference. Add more for a spicier kick or less for a milder flavor.
• Peanut Butter Alternatives: If you have an allergy or prefer not to use peanut butter, almond butter makes a delicious substitute in the sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: The rice can be cooked ahead of time. The peanut sauce can also be whisked together a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to add a little warm water to loosen it before tossing with the tofu and vegetables.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Keep in mind that the tofu may lose some of its crispiness upon refrigeration and reheating.

Seasonal Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to seasonal produce. While sugar snap peas and bell peppers are readily available, consider these variations:

• Spring: Add asparagus spears or snow peas along with the sugar snap peas.
• Summer: Incorporate zucchini, yellow squash, or cherry tomatoes.
• Fall: Toss in some broccoli florets or shredded carrots.
• Winter: Use frozen peas or stir-fry mixes if fresh options are limited.

Serving Suggestions

This Crispy Peanut Tofu is delicious served simply over rice, but here are a few other serving ideas:

• Rice Noodles: A fantastic alternative to rice for a different texture.
• Quinoa: For a protein boost and nutty flavor.
• Lettuce Wraps: Serve the mixture in crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing and light meal.
• Steamed Greens: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, spinach, or bok choy.
• Garnish: Alongside sesame seeds, consider chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, or sliced green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.

No-Bake Alternative

While the “crispy” aspect is a highlight, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of this dish without frying the tofu. For a no-bake alternative:

• Skip the pan-frying step for the tofu. Instead, gently crumble or cube the pressed tofu and add it directly to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through. Then, toss everything with the peanut sauce as directed. The tofu won’t be crispy, but it will still absorb the delicious sauce.

Pro Tips

• Use Extra-Firm Tofu: Extra-firm tofu holds its shape best and becomes the crispiest when pan-fried.
• Properly Pressing Tofu is Crucial: Invest in a tofu press or use the towel method effectively to remove as much water as possible.
• Hot Skillet for Crisping: Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding the tofu for optimal crisping.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give the tofu and vegetables space in the pan to cook properly and develop color.
• Taste and Adjust: Before tossing everything together, taste the peanut sauce and adjust the sweetness, acidity (vinegar), and spice level to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of tofu? Extra-firm tofu is recommended for the best crispy texture. Silken or soft tofu will not crisp up in the same way.
• Is this recipe spicy? The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Sriracha, which provides a subtle kick. You can adjust the amount to make it milder or spicier.
• Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets, carrots, or mushrooms. Add them to the skillet based on their cooking time.
• Is this recipe vegan? Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as written, as long as you ensure your maple syrup is pure maple syrup.
• How can I make this gluten-free? Ensure your Sriracha and soy sauce (if using any in variations) are gluten-free. Serve with rice or gluten-free noodles.

This Crispy Peanut Tofu with Sugar Snap Peas and Peppers is a delightful and easy meal that proves healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Give it a try tonight!

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