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Baked Eggplant and Tofu in Peanut Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 35 reviews

A delicious and healthy baked eggplant and tofu dish coated in a rich and flavorful peanut satay sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines the creaminess of peanut butter with zesty lime juice, ginger garlic paste, and a spicy kick from sambal oelek. Perfectly baked until the tofu is crisp on the edges and the eggplant is tender, it’s ideal served over rice, quinoa, or as a refreshing lettuce wrap.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

Peanut Satay Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (brought to room temperature or warmed)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1.5 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste (or finely minced 1/2 inch ginger and 2 cloves garlic)
  • 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (or Asian chili sauce, or gochujang)
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1.5 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Main Ingredients

  • 7 ounces firm or extra firm tofu (pressed 15 minutes, cubed or torn into shapes)
  • 1.5 cups chopped eggplant (cubed or 2” slices, 1/2” thick)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • Rice, quinoa, or lettuce (for serving)
  • Green onion, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and lime juice (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Tofu and Eggplant: Preheat the oven to 415° F (213° C). Press and cube the tofu into 3/4” cubes or tear into organic shapes. Slice the eggplant into cubes or thick slices without peeling.
  2. Make the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger garlic paste, sambal oelek, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Warm in microwave if peanut butter is too solid.
  3. Reserve Dressing: Set aside 2-3 tablespoons of the peanut sauce. Thin with water or lime juice and set aside for drizzling later.
  4. Thicken Remaining Sauce: To the remaining sauce, add 2 teaspoons cornstarch and mix well to incorporate.
  5. Coat Tofu and Eggplant: Add the thickened peanut sauce to tofu and eggplant, tossing to coat thoroughly. If sauce is too thick, add small amounts of warm water to loosen it.
  6. Bake the Mixture: Spread the coated tofu and eggplant evenly on a parchment-lined baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking at 20 minutes. If eggplant is not tender, cover and bake an additional 5-10 minutes. Stir if needed.
  7. Check for Doneness: Ensure tofu is crisp on edges and eggplant is soft in the middle before removing from oven.
  8. Alternative Stir Fry Method: Sprinkle another teaspoon of cornstarch over tofu and eggplant mixture and toss well.
  9. Heat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons oil.
  10. Cook in Skillet: Add tofu and eggplant in one or two batches without overcrowding. Cook about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping 2-3 times until edges are crisp and eggplant is soft.
  11. Prepare to Serve: Add cooked rice or quinoa to a serving bowl. Top with baked tofu and eggplant mixture. Drizzle reserved peanut sauce over the top.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with green onion, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice for freshness. Alternatively, serve in lettuce wraps with the same garnishes and sauce.

Notes

  • Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water for better texture.
  • Adjust sambal oelek quantity to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • If peanut butter is too thick, warm it slightly to incorporate better into the sauce.
  • Stir halfway through baking for even cooking if tofu and eggplant are stuck to the paper.
  • Can be served over rice, quinoa, or wrapped in lettuce for a lighter option.
  • Extra cornstarch helps to crisp the tofu when pan-frying.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/baked-eggplant-and-tofu-in-peanut-sauce-recipe/