Name: Spicy & Crispy Peanut Tofu with Green Beans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: ½ cup natural peanut butter; ½ cup water; 1 clove garlic, peeled; 2-inch piece ginger, peeled; 2 tablespoons Tamari; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar; 1-2 tablespoons Sambal Oelek (or Sriracha, Gochujang, or other hot sauce/chili paste to taste); Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste; 1 lb (454 grams) firm or extra firm tofu; 3 ½ tablespoons avocado oil, divided; Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch; 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided; 2 teaspoons onion powder, divided; ¾ lb (340 grams) green beans, trimmed; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); Warm cooked rice, for serving; Chili crisp, for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 14 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures in one vibrant plate, this Spicy & Crispy Peanut Tofu with Green Beans Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful balance of crunchy, crispy tofu coated in a spicy peanut sauce paired with tender green beans, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re a tofu fan or just diving into plant-based cooking, this recipe is bursting with warmth, spice, and that irresistible peanut punch that will have you coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several ingredients placed on it. In the center, on a rectangular beige tray, there is a block of crumbled beige tofu with rough texture. To the left, there are fresh green onions with long green stalks and white roots. On the right side, a large bunch of fresh green beans is spread out. Near the top right, two clear glasses contain fine light brown powders, one of which has a spoon in it. Next to them, a clear jar filled with smooth orange sauce has a spoon inside. At the bottom, there is a small white dish with a black pattern holding white powder and a small oval copper dish with salt and black pepper. The arrangement is neat and bright, captured with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, straightforward ingredients form the backbone of this recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the creamy peanut butter that builds depth, to the fresh ginger and garlic adding a lively aroma, and the green beans bringing a fresh pop of color and crunch. Together, they craft the perfect harmony of flavor and texture.

Natural peanut butter: Opt for a smooth, unsweetened version to create a creamy, rich sauce with true peanut flavor.
Water: Used to thin out the peanut sauce to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
Garlic clove: A single clove adds just the right pungent kick to balance the sweetness.
Fresh ginger: Offers a zesty warmth that complements the peanuts beautifully.
Tamari: A gluten-free soy sauce variant that adds a deep, savory umami hit.
Maple syrup: Brings subtle natural sweetness that cuts through the spice.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, tangy note to enliven the sauce.
Rice vinegar: Adds gentle acidity to balance richness and intensify flavors.
Sambal Oelek (or preferred chili paste): Your choice of heat to tailor the spicy element just right.
Sea salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the components to life.
Firm or extra firm tofu: The star protein, chosen for its ability to hold shape and texture when baked.
Avocado oil: A healthy, high-heat oil to get the perfect crisp on the tofu and green beans.
Arrowroot starch: A great coating that crisps up the tofu without heaviness.
Garlic powder: Split between coating and green beans to deepen the garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Adds savory depth and sweet undertones to the tofu and veggies.
Green beans: Fresh and trimmed, they balance the richness with their garden-fresh crunch.
Green onions: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion bite.
Warm cooked rice: A neutral, comforting base that soaks up the spicy peanut sauce beautifully.
Chili crisp (optional): For an extra layer of crunchy heat if you love a little crunch in every bite.

How to Make Spicy & Crispy Peanut Tofu with Green Beans Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce

Start by blending together all the sauce ingredients – natural peanut butter, water, garlic, ginger, Tamari, maple syrup, lime juice, rice vinegar, Sambal Oelek, salt, and pepper. The magic happens here as these simple ingredients turn into a luscious, spicy peanut sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Blend until silky smooth to ensure every bite is creamy and well-coated.

Step 2: Prep the Tofu for Maximum Crisp

Tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces and gently blot dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to getting your tofu nice and crispy in the oven. Toss the tofu with avocado oil, salt, pepper, arrowroot starch, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a flavorful, crunchy coating. Spread the tofu in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure the pieces aren’t crowded for even crisping.

Step 3: Roast the Tofu

Bake the tofu at 425°F for 15 minutes. This initial roasting starts the crisp-up process while letting the flavors meld. Getting the tofu in the oven early lets it develop a golden, crunchy crust that’s the opposite of soggy – exactly the texture you want.

Step 4: Season and Prepare the Green Beans

While tofu starts baking, toss the green beans with the remaining avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a clean bowl. This simple seasoning keeps the beans bright and flavorful but lets their natural freshness shine through.

Step 5: Roast Green Beans and Finish Tofu

After the tofu’s initial 15 minutes are up, give it a stir and slide it to one half of the baking sheet. Spread the green beans on the other half. Roast everything together for another 15 minutes until the tofu is nicely browned and the green beans are tender with some browned spots. For an extra-special finish, you can broil for a few minutes to intensify crispness and color.

Step 6: Plate and Drizzle with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Serve your crispy tofu and tender green beans over warm rice. Generously drizzle with the spicy peanut sauce, sprinkle sliced green onions on top, and add a spoonful of chili crisp if you want to dial up the heat and texture. Each bite is a perfect blend of crispy, spicy, creamy, and fresh that is utterly addictive.

How to Serve Spicy & Crispy Peanut Tofu with Green Beans Recipe

A white bowl holds a dish with three main layers: at the bottom is a layer of light brown rice, topped with crispy golden-brown pieces of tofu or chicken and bright green sautéed green beans. The top layer is covered with a creamy orange sauce drizzled over the crispy pieces and beans, with some red chili flakes adding small dark red spots. Sliced green onions are sprinkled on top for a fresh green touch. Behind the bowl, there is a clear glass jar filled with the same orange sauce and a spoon inside it, sitting on a white marbled surface, with a tray in the background holding more crispy pieces and green beans. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding sliced green onions gives the dish a fresh, peppery crunch that contrasts with the creamy sauce. For those who love extra heat and texture, a drizzle of chili crisp brings both and amps up every bite with a smoky chili crunch.

Side Dishes

This Spicy & Crispy Peanut Tofu with Green Beans Recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up the sauce. For an extra veggie boost, serve alongside steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette to keep things bright and crisp.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish in a bowl topped with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro to elevate the texture and aroma. You can also put it on top of noodles or spiralized zucchini for an extra dose of veggies, or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fresh, DIY dinner experience that’s just as delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the spicy peanut sauce separate to prevent the tofu and green beans from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, simply reheat the components and combine fresh.

Freezing

While you can freeze tofu, the texture of crispy tofu and green beans may suffer once thawed. For best results, freeze the peanut sauce separately if you anticipate making this recipe in advance. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently before using.

Reheating

Reheat remnants in a preheated oven at 350°F to regain the tofu’s crispness and warm the green beans without turning them mushy. Microwave reheating is faster but may soften textures, so if you choose that method, keep it brief and stir occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter for this Spicy & Crispy Peanut Tofu with Green Beans Recipe?

Crunchy peanut butter will add some extra texture to the sauce, which can be delightful, but it may not blend as smoothly. If you love bits of peanut in your sauce, go for it! Otherwise, smooth peanut butter will give a creamier consistency.

What can I substitute for arrowroot starch?

Cornstarch is a fine substitute for arrowroot starch in this recipe and will help create a similar crisp coating on the tofu. Tapioca starch is another option, though arrowroot tends to result in a lighter crisp.

How spicy will this dish be?

The heat level depends mostly on the amount and type of chili paste you use. Sambal Oelek adds a bright, medium heat, but you can adjust with milder or hotter options like Sriracha or Gochujang to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free tamari and check your chili paste and other condiments to avoid hidden gluten. This recipe naturally leans gluten-free with these swaps.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! All ingredients in the Spicy & Crispy Peanut Tofu with Green Beans Recipe are plant-based, making it a fantastic vegan option full of flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy & Crispy Peanut Tofu with Green Beans Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special but comes together with ease. Its combination of crispy tofu, fresh green beans, and bold peanut sauce brings the comfort and excitement you want in a plant-based meal. I highly encourage you to try this recipe soon — it’s the kind of flavorful crowd-pleaser that makes weekday dinners something to look forward to!