by Erin
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In search of some tastysauces for tofu? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide. From creamy sauces, to spicy sauces, tangy sauces and more!
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Tofu, with its mild flavor and versatile texture, serves as an excellent canvas for an array of delicious sauces.
Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, these 15 tantalizing sauces will take your tofu dishes to the next level.
From sweet and tangy to spicy and savory, get ready to explore a world of flavors that will leave you craving more. Here’s 15+ sauces that will elevate your tofu from delish to amazzzing! 🤩 🤩 🤩
The BEST Sauces for Tofu
Classic Peanut Sauce
A staple in Asian cuisine, peanut sauce adds a rich and nutty flavor to your lettuce wraps. Made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness, this sauce pairs perfectly with lettuce wraps filled with grilled chicken or tofu.
Yumm Sauce
Yumm Sauce is a must-try condiment. Originating from Cafe Yumm, a popular restaurant in the Pacific Northwest, this creamy and zesty sauce has gained a devoted following. Its unique combination of ingredients makes it a versatile accompaniment for tofu, bringing a burst of tanginess and creaminess to your favorite dishes.
Buffalo Sauce
While traditionally associated with chicken, Buffalo Sauce can also take your tofu dishes to new heights by adding a fiery kick and zesty tang.
Coconut Curry Sauce
Indulge in the exotic flavors of a coconut curry sauce with your tofu. Combine coconut milk, curry powder, ginger, garlic, and a dash of lime juice for a creamy and aromatic delight.
Sweet Soy Sauce
Sweet soy sauce is a thick, syrupy sauce that originates from Indonesian cuisine. It has a unique balance of sweetness and umami flavors, making it an excellent choice for adding depth to your tofu.
Stir Fry Sauce
Stir fry sauce is a versatile and savory option that can add depth and richness to your tofu.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Give your tofu a tangy twist with a classic sweet and sour sauce. Mix pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar for a lip-smacking marinade.
Tangy Lime Cilantro Dressing
Brighten up your tofu with a refreshing cilantro lime sauce. Blend fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a vibrant and citrusy accompaniment.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo
For those who enjoy a little heat, a spicy sriracha mayo is the perfect choice. Blend mayonnaise with Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and a dash of garlic powder for a creamy and fiery sauce.
Ginger Sesame Sauce
A combination of toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar creates a zesty and aromatic sauce that adds depth of flavor to pan-fried tofu.
Sweet Chili Sauce
Add a touch of sweetness and tanginess to your lettuce wraps with a sweet chili sauce. This versatile sauce can be made with red chili peppers, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and a hint of fish sauce. It pairs exceptionally well with lettuce wraps filled with crispy tofu.
Miso Glaze
Harness the umami-rich flavors of miso by creating a delectable glaze. Whisk together miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from honey for a mouthwatering coating.
Hoisin Glaze
Create a tantalizing glaze by mixing hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and honey. Brush it over baked tofu for a caramelized and flavorful finish.
Korean BBQ Sauce
Experience the bold and savory flavors of Korean cuisine with a delectable BBQ sauce. Combine soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar for an irresistible glaze.
Chimichurri Sauce
Add a burst of freshness to your tofu by pairing it with zesty chimichurri sauce. Blend fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a vibrant and herbaceous flavor.
How to make ahead & store
Many of these sauce recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
Moresauce recipes
- Sauces for Noodles
- Sauces for Lettuce Wraps
- Sauces for Rice Bowls
- Sauces for Hibachi
- Sauces for Buddha Bowls
- Sauces for Udon Noodles
- Sauces for Rice Noodles
- Sauces for Egg Rolls
- Sauces for Korean BBQ
Did you make any of these sauces?
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of tofu dipping sauces.Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me onInstagramusing the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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15+ Sauces for Tofu
In search of some tastysauces for tofu? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide. From creamy sauces, to spicy sauces, tangy sauces and more! Try these Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowls served on a bed of coconut-lime rice, with quick pickled red peppers.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Ingredients
- 2 14-ounce packages extra-firm tofu (drained)
- 2-3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (full fat)
- ½ cup lime juice (divided, and zest of 1 lime (for rice) (from about 5 medium limes))
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 2/3 cup peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 Tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 habanero pepper (stem and seeds removed)
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 3 cups arugula
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced, divided)
- Salt and pepper
- Black sesame seeds to garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut tofu in half lengthwise. Sandwich slices between paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Cube tofu and toss with cornstarch, until coated. Arrange on a baking sheet and cook 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Coconut Rice:
In a small pot, combine rice with 1 cup water, coconut milk and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Simmer, covered for 15 minutes, until rice is tender. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, until ready to serve.
Peppers:
While tofu and rice are cooking, in a small bowl, stir ¼ cup lime juice with 1/2 teaspoon salt until salt dissolves. Add the sliced peppers, and a pinch of pepper. Toss to combine and set aside.
Peanut Sauce:
Add ¼ cup lime juice, peanut butter, oil, ginger, maple syrup, habanero and ¾ cup water to a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and season to taste with salt.
Remove 1 cup peanut sauce to a small bowl and add rice wine vinegar and soy to make the dressing; set aside.
Finishing:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add tofu and remaining peanut sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until tofu is coated in the sauce.
Add the lime zest and HALF of the sliced scallions to the rice, then fluff with a fork.
Divide the rice between bowls. Top with tofu, arugula and peppers. Drizzle the peanut dressing over top and garnish with remaining sliced scallions and black sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
Peanut sauce can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored refrigerated until ready to use.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
Equipment
Nutrition
Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 309mg | Potassium: 396mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 944IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg