Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice

Name: Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: (2) 14-ounce blocks extra-firm tofu, pressed; 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce ((tamari for gluten free)); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; spray oil; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk; 1 1/4 cups water; pinch of salt; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup full fat coconut milk; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce ((tamari for gluten free)); 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime); chopped cilantro, peanuts; steamed kale or broccoli

Make this 30-minute Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice for an outstanding takeout-inspired dinner! Every piece of peanut sauce-covered tofu and fluffy coconut rice is rich, flavorful, and satisfying.

For more easy and unforgettable tofu dinners, check out my Black Pepper Tofu, Gochujang Tofu, Sweet and Sour Tofu, and Easy Teriyaki Tofu recipes while you’re here!

peanut tofu and coconut rice topped with peanuts and cilantro in a white bowl.

I have no doubt that this recipe for Peanut Tofu with Coconut Rice will be on repeat in your kitchen. It checks all the boxes:

It’s easy to make with simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
Its swoon-worthy flavors are irresistible to both kids and adults.
All you need is 30 minutes to put it all together!

There are two tasty elements in this dish: (1) peanut butter tofu and (2) creamy and fluffy coconut rice. The baked tofu pieces are tossed in a homemade peanut sauce, then served over a bed of rice to leave you with a takeout-inspired dinner. It’s absolutely delicious as-is or can be served with blanched vegetables for a healthy twist.

Why you’ll love this easy vegan peanut tofu recipe

Anything but boring – This peanut tofu recipe will convince any skeptics that tofu is amazing and delicious! It’s baked until crispy, tossed in a rich and creamy peanut sauce, and served with coconut rice to give you an unforgettable meal.
Better than takeout – Close your wallet and put the takeout menu down—this tastes so much better!
A quick and easy weeknight staple – You can’t go wrong making this dish on a weekly basis. It only takes 30 minutes to make and everyone at the table (yes, even your kids!) can’t get enough.

How to make peanut tofu

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Press the brick of tofu in a tofu press or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place heavy books on top. Set aside to drain for 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.

Slice the pressed tofu into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the soy sauce over top and gently toss to coat. Add the cornstarch and toss again.

Arrange the coated tofu pieces in an even layer on a lined baking sheet and bake until they’re crispy and lightly golden brown.

baked tofu cubes in rows on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Meanwhile, make the coconut rice by combining the rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a medium pot.

Heat to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is cooked. Take the pot off the heat and fluff the rice with a fork.

fluffing coconut rice with a fork in a black pot.

To make the peanut sauce, add all of the sauce ingredients to a large pan over medium heat and stir until it’s smooth and creamy.

Add the baked tofu to the pan with the sauce and gently stir until the pieces are well coated. Serve the peanut butter tofu over the coconut rice in bowls, garnish with peanuts and cilantro, and enjoy!

a white spatula stirring peanut sauce in a black skillet.

bake tofu cubes tossed in peanut sauce in a black skillet.

Frequently asked questions

What should I serve with peanut tofu?

Serve the peanut tofu with a generous scoop of coconut rice for a quick, simple, and flavor-packed dinner. It’s quite filling on its own, or you can pair it with a side of steamed kale or broccoli or stir-fried vegetables, like red bell peppers, cauliflower, and edamame.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! For a gluten-free option, replace the soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Almond butter or cashew butter will work just as well as peanut butter here, although the flavor of the sauce will be different. You can also use sunflower seed butter or tahini if you need a nut-free option but, again, the flavor of the sauce will change.

I’m allergic to coconut. What can I use instead?

You could try substituting unsweetened cashew, almond, soy milk or another rich dairy free cream (I like Ripple’s half and half) for the coconut milk in the rice and peanut sauce. The dish will be lighter and won’t have the sweet and tropical coconut flavor but it will still be tasty!

Can I fry the tofu instead of baking it?

Sure! Make this recipe with my Air Fryer Tofu or Pan Fried Tofu instead.

How do I make coconut rice with brown rice?

Brown rice takes a little longer to cook but will still pair well with the peanut tofu stir fry. Combine 1 cup of brown rice, 1/2 cup of coconut milk, and 1 1/2 cups of water in a medium pot, then simmer for about 40 minutes or until the rice is tender and all of the liquid is absorbed.

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