This easy satay tofu recipe has fresh chopped vegetables & high protein tofu in a thick and creamy peanut satay sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, for an easy weeknight dinner you can get on the table quickly.
The creamy peanut tofu pairs so well served over rice or noodles, it’s hearty, filling, and flavorful. I love enjoying this tofu with my old fashioned cucumber salad for a tasty, refreshing pairing!
If you’re looking for an easy 30-minute vegan or vegetarian dinner recipe, this satay tofu is the perfect weeknight meal! It’s a great hearty dinner to make, and is great served over rice or noodles.
The peanut satay sauce is made by cooking soy sauce or liquid aminos, peanut butter, and coconut milk together into a thick and creamy sauce. The tofu and vegetables slow simmer in this sauce which gives it a perfect flavor.
This Satay Tofu with Peanut Sauce Recipe Is
- Thick
- Creamy
- Bright
- Fresh
- Nutty
- Versatile
- Vegan & Vegetarian
What Is Satay Sauce?
Satay sauce is a creamy peanut sauce which originates from Indonesia. It can be used as a marinade or a sauce to simmer protein and vegetables in (like in this dish).
It’s often served with skewers of meat but I like to make a vegan version with tofu instead. Satay is made from peanuts, which pairs nicely with a creamy and salty elements (coconut milk and soy sauce) that you get from this dish.
One of the Best Pantry Sauces
This satay tofu recipe is a fantastic pantry-staple meal! It uses many staple ingredients kept in a dry pantry or cupboards – most of which you may already have on hand. Keeping a well-stocked pantry makes it easy to come up with delicious and healthy meals using a few staples you can rotate.
I made a list of my Top 125 Plant-Based Pantry Staples that always keep stocked. And you can check out all my favorite pantry staples here. By stocking up on healthy whole ingredients you can cook delicious recipes without a trip to the store!
What’s In Satay Sauce Tofu?
- Coconut Oil: I always keep a few jars of this organic coconut oil on hand, it’s great for cooking and baking. If you make your own beauty products, it also makes a fantastic moisturizer too!
- Garlic
- Onion
- Bell Pepper
- Extra firm tofu – I like to use the firmest tofu available!
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce – I like using a low sodium soy sauce to reduce the amount of salt overall in my recipes.
- Coconut Milk: I use unsweetened full-fat coconut milk, which I’d definitely recommend over lite coconut milk. It makes this dish super rich and creamy without any dairy.
- Peanut Butter: I only use unsalted peanut butter to keep it healthier.
- Cayenne Pepper, optional for spice!
- Lime Juice
- Cilantro, or chopped parsley if you prefer
- Lightly Salted Peanuts: for a yummy, nutty crunch! I like to use only unsalted or lightly salted peanuts when I cook. Lightly salted peanuts won’t alter the taste of my recipes, which I prefer. I will always choose a lower sodium option if available!
How Do I Make This Creamy Satay Sauce Tofu Recipe?
- In a large pot, melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to shimmer.
- Add the bell pepper and tofu, and sauté for an additional 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the soy sauce, coconut milk, peanut butter, cayenne pepper, and water to the pot. Stir well until peanut butter dissolves and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a low simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the lime juice, cilantro, and green onions to the pot.
- Serve satay tofu over rice or noodles, and garnish with the chopped peanuts. Enjoy!
Dietary Modifications for this Tofu Satay
- This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, dairy free and high in protein.
- To make gluten free, substitute the soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten free soy sauce. Ensure that all ingredients are certified gluten free before using.
One of The Best Tofu Recipes You’ll Make Again & Again
Whether you’re new to cooking tofu or are a seasoned pro, this satay tofu is a fantastic tofu recipe to add to your monthly menu. Tofu is made from pressed soybeans, and is high in protein and is anti-inflammatory.
Tofu also has a long list of health benefits, so it’s great to add to lots of meals. I have dozens of tofu recipes here on The Herbeevore, it’s one of my favorite ingredients to cook with! I love enjoying crispy baked tofu in the oven, blending it into a flavorful sauce for vegetables, or scrambling it up for breakfast.
More Easy Tofu Recipes You’ll Love
Crispy Tofu Wraps Recipe (Vegan)
Miso Tofu Recipe (Vegan, High in Protein)
Get the Same Ingredients for this Creamy Satay Tofu Recipe
As always, if you make this easy satay tofu recipe be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe, and tag me @theherbeevore on Instagram so I can feature you. I love seeing all your photos of my recipes!
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Satay Tofu with Peanut Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large onion sliced
- 1 large bell pepper sliced, I used a red bell pepper
- 1 14 ounce package extra firm tofu
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 13 ounce can coconut milk
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup water
- 2 limes juiced
- 1 cup cilantro chopped
- 3 green onions sliced
- 1/2 cup peanuts chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to shimmer.
- Add the bell pepper and tofu, and sauté for an additional 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the soy sauce, coconut milk, peanut butter, cayenne pepper, and water to the pot. Stir well until peanut butter dissolves and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a low simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the lime juice, cilantro, and green onions to the pot.
- Serve satay tofu over rice or noodles, and garnish with the chopped peanuts. Enjoy!
Notes
Dietary Modifications for this Tofu Satay
- This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, dairy free and high in protein.
- To make gluten free, substitute the soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten free soy sauce. Ensure that all ingredients are certified gluten free before using.
Nutrition
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so delicious and well explained
It’s a tasty and economical alternative to meat