Try this simple vegan tofu satay with peanut sauce for a quick, scrumptious, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion! The easy peanut satay sauce is creamy, savory, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy and tangy. 

Satay is a popular dish from Indonesia that’s enjoyed in many countries in Southeast Asia. It refers to marinated meat skewers grilled over charcoal, typically served with a peanut sauce. Indonesian satay sauce is a flavorful combination of peanuts, sweet soy sauce, lime, chili, and spices, and it’s often used as a dipping sauce or dressing for various dishes. 

This vegan tofu satay recipe is a plant-based take on the classic dish. It features marinated tofu skewers that are grilled to perfection and served with a mouthwatering peanut satay sauce. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, and it gorgeously absorbs the flavors of the marinade.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Tofu Satay With Peanut Sauce Recipe

This recipe is easy and quick to make, making it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal. The tofu only needs to marinate for about 30 minutes, and you can whip up the peanut sauce in no time.

Tofu satay with peanut sauce is packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. It’s great for getting your daily dose of nutrients in a deliciously satisfying way.

The tofu satay marinade and Indonesian satay peanut sauce in this recipe are full of flavor, and they can be customized to your taste preferences. Adjust the level of spiciness, sweetness, and tanginess to your liking.

What Do I Need To Make Easy Vegan Tofu Satay With Peanut Sauce?

There are just a few ingredients you’ll need for this simple vegan tofu satay recipe with peanut sauce:

For the tofu satay:

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 tsp. ground turmeric (for color)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
• 1 tsp. chili flakes or to taste
• 8-10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

For the peanut sauce:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tsp. grated ginger
• 1 tsp. chili flakes or to taste

How Do You Make Tofu Satay Skewers With Peanut Sauce?

Step 1: Prepare the marinade with soy sauce and spices

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, turmeric powder, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes to make the marinade.

Step 2: Cube Tofu and combine with marinade

• Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and add them to the marinade.

Step 3: Toss tofu in marinade and allow to marinate

• Toss to coat and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Grill the tofu

• Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the tofu cubes onto the presoaked skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until nicely charred.

Step 5: Whisk together ingredients for peanut sauce

• To make the peanut sauce, whisk together the peanut butter, water, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes until smooth.

Step 6: Serve tofu skewers with peanut sauce

• Serve the tofu skewers with the peanut sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

Notes & Tips

• Don’t forget to press the tofu before marinating it. If you don’t have a tofu press, you can use a clean kitchen towel and a large plate to drain the excess liquid.
• If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can also cook the tofu skewers in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
• You can also bake the satay tofu skewers in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
• Taste the satay peanut sauce before serving and adjust the level of sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness to your liking.

Variations & Substitutions

Instead of tofu, you can use tempeh, seitan, or even vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. Or texturized plant protein (TVP) for a meatier version.

If you have a peanut allergy, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter in the sauce.

For a more authentic satay flavor, you can add lemongrass, galangal, tamarind, or coconut milk to the marinade or sauce.

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more maple syrup or any other sweetener of your choice to taste. For a sugar-free option, try monk fruit sweetener.

You can also add other toppings to this vegan satay recipe, such as chopped peanuts, fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, or sliced cucumbers.

FAQs

---

Recent Recipes