Tofu Satay

Tofu is marinated, then skewered and baked (traditionally grilled), and served with a flavorful peanut sauce. Tofu Satay is my version of the classic Southeast Asian dish.

This is one of my favorite recipes on my website, it is delicious as an appetizer but can also be served as a main with rice. I adapted the recipe from an Asian cookbook I had several years ago that used chicken. The sauce is made from a blend of peanut and coconut milk and I must say it tastes delicious.

Also try Tofu Fries, Tofu Meatballs, and Tofu Nuggets.

This dish was made out of necessity, my dear. As a vegetarian, I don’t exactly remember how many times I’ve been disappointed at Asian-style restaurants since the only option on the menu was Chicken Satay. I used to constantly ask if it could be made with tofu instead of meat, but with the same delicious peanut sauce. Because they always said no, I gave up asking and began making it ourselves instead!

South-East Asian food called satay is made from meat that has been seasoned and grilled. When we traveled across Asia, we discovered some vegan choices, but they are not common. Satay meals are distinguished by the delicious peanut sauce that is often served with them.

Filled with Asian flavors like ginger, soy sauce, or lime juice, the peanut sauce must be rich, creamy, sour, and sweet.

I marinate and bake tofu for our Tofu Satay. Although tofu may be grilled or fried, baking saves time and energy.

What Exactly Is Tofu?

Tofu is a product made from soybean cards. It is naturally gluten-free and low in calories. There is no cholesterol in it, and it is abundant in calcium and Iron.

Soy milk curds are coagulated to make tofu. Tofu is a gelatinous white block made by squeezing and compacting curds.

Vegans and vegetarians alike should consume it since it is a fantastic source of protein. Tofu may be acquired both online and at health food shops.

What Exactly Is Satay?

Satay, or sate in Indonesian and Malay, is a widely consumed street food in Asian nations such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The ingredients may vary significantly from place to place, but the basic concept is marinated meat grilled over charcoal. They’re often served with a peanut sauce and freshly cut vegetables like onion and cucumber.

Tofu is used as a meat replacement in this meal to make it vegan. And they taste just as delicious, if not better, than the non-vegan version!

Why Will You Love This Recipe?

Asian spices abound – Several Asian spices are used in the marinade for this vegan tofu satay, giving tofu cubes a tonne of flavor! They’re served with a thick and flavorful peanut dipping sauce.

Simple to prepare and fuss-free – you’ll be astonished at how simple it is to prepare this delicious meal! All you have to do now is marinate the tofu, prepare the sauce, and grill it.

Protein-rich and nutritious – Tofu and peanut sauce are also excellent sources of plant-based protein.

Friendly – Family-friendly and meat-eater-favorite!

Delicious – It’s delicious as an appetizer or as a main dish with a number of side dishes.

How To Make Tofu Satay?

Tofu is considered tasteless by some. That is not the case with this tofu! To make flavorful tofu, you must first learn how to cook and prepare it correctly. Marinating tofu is a terrific way to make flavorful tofu, and that’s precisely what we’ll do in this recipe. You just need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

Marinade

• Cumin
• Ground fennel
• Ground coriander
• Turmeric
• Sea salt
• Soy sauce, or coconut aminos
• Onion
• Garlic
• Lemongrass stalk
• Cayenne pepper, (optional)
• Raw sugar, or maple syrup
• Veggie broth, or water (optional)

Tofu

• Coconut oil, (optional)
• Extra-firm tofu

Peanut Sauce

• Coconut milk
• Peanut butter, (natural unsweetened)
• Lemon juice
• Sesame oil
• Ginger
• Curry powder

Instructions

1. Cut tofu into strips and place into a bowl.
2. In a food processor place the cumin, fennel, coriander, turmeric, sea salt, soy sauce, onion, garlic, lemongrass, cayenne pepper, sugar, and oil, and process until a smooth paste is formed. Add an extra ¼ cup of veggie broth or water if using a blender. May need to add extra soy sauce.
3. Remove the paste and rub onto the tofu, and allow to marinate for 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Bake in the oven at 450 degrees on a greased baking sheet for 12 minutes then turn and bake for 12 more minutes. Serve with peanut sauce.
5. To prepare peanut sauce place all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil on medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Simmer until it thickens.

Serving Suggestions

Tofu satay with peanut sauce is the most typical method to serve it as an appetizer. In some cases, it is also served with some chopped raw vegetables on the side to know the richness of the dipping sauce.

It may also be served as a main dish with rice and stir-fried or steamed vegetables. Serve it with Copycat Trader Joe’s Japanese Fried Rice or Riced broccoli.

Give this Rice Pilau or Turmeric Quinoa a try if you’re searching for something light to go with it!

Recipe Tips:

• Dry the tofu chunks as much as possible. This helps them to absorb as much marinade as possible and helps them crisp up even more in the oven.
• Marinate the tofu as long as possible. The longer the tofu sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes. A minimum of 30 minutes is recommended, however overnight is much better!
• Bake until golden and crusty all around. The total baking time may vary depending on how wet tofu is when you put it in the oven and a variety of other variables. To get a deep golden brown, keep flipping and brushing the tofu with marinade until the edges are just beginning to char.
• Adjust the peanut sauce’s consistency to your preference. If it’s too thick, add a little water until it’s the right consistency for dipping. If it’s too runny, just cook it for another minute in the saucepan until it thickens.
• This dish is better with firm tofu; silky tofu does not slice, marinate, or skewer well in this recipe.
• Before marinating, some hard tofu may need to be pressed to remove even more water.
• Use high-quality peanut butter to give the satay sauce its greatest flavor. Peanut butter should ideally include just peanuts and a little amount of salt.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I Make It Ahead Of Time?

The tofu cubes may be marinated in the fridge overnight. They’ll be even tastier as a result of this. You may also prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for later use.

What’s The Best Way To Keep Leftovers?

Refrigerate any leftover tofu satay for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Peanut sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week or you can also freeze it for a month.

Is This Gluten-Free?

Because none of the ingredients in this vegan tofu satay include wheat, it is naturally gluten-free. Ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free, or substitute tamari, because some soy sauce may have wheat in it.

Can I Freeze The Sauce?

Yes, you may freeze this peanut satay sauce. Leftovers may be freezer for up to a month in airtight containers.

Allow it to defrost overnight in the fridge or for a few hours on the counter before serving. Stir it well, and if necessary, thin with coconut milk or water.

What Can I Do With Leftover Satay Sauce?

If you have any leftovers, use them as a dipping sauce for raw vegetables, add to stir-fries, or mix it with cooked noodles! You may even thin it down and use it as a salad dressing.

Note that the sauce may thicken after being refrigerated, so dilute it up with extra coconut milk or some water before serving if necessary.

What Is The Healthiest Kind Of Tofu To Eat?

There are fewer calories and fat in silken tofu than in firm tofu, but there is more protein in the firm kind. The cause for this is due to the presence of water. Soft tofu has more water than firm tofu, while firm tofu is dry and dense.

Is Tofu A Healthy Food?

Tofu is high in fiber, which is good for your colon and lowers your risk of cancer. Memory and mental well-being. According to several studies, soy foods such as tofu may help to reduce memory loss and cognitive impairment as you age.

Is Soy Sauce Vegan?

So, can vegans use soy sauce? They can since soy sauce is made completely of plants. Soy sauce has no animal products, and it is manufactured using animal-free ingredients and vegan-friendly manufacturing procedures.

Is It Possible To Eat Raw Tofu?

Tofu may be eaten raw, regardless of texture (silken, firm, or very firm). Before eating raw tofu, drain any excess liquid from the package. Tofu should be carefully preserved to avoid germ development on any leftovers.

Friends, let me know if you try this delicious Tofu Satay! Share your thoughts in the comments. Everyone who reads your thoughts and experiences benefits, including me!

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