Bang Bang Tofu Recipe That’s Crispy and Creamy

Crispy bang bang tofu enhances ordinary plant-based ingredients into a flavor explosion that tingles taste buds and challenges culinary expectations.

Irresistible textures merge with tangy, spicy elements creating a dish that speaks to adventurous eaters seeking bold sensations.

Each golden-brown morsel promises a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with creamy interior layers.

Incredibly versatile, this recipe invites you to experiment with heat levels and personal preferences.

Pantry staples become magical when combined with strategic techniques that elevate simple tofu into something extraordinary.

The magic happens through careful preparation and strategic seasoning that unlocks complex flavor profiles.

Strategic coating methods ensure maximum crispiness while maintaining a tender core that melts in your mouth.

Flavor Switch-Ups for Bold Tofu Lovers

• Spicy Air Fryer Method: Skip oven baking and use an air fryer at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for extra crispiness.
• Asian Street Food Style: Add finely minced ginger and five-spice powder to the cornstarch coating for a more complex flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, maintaining the crispy texture.
• Protein-Packed Version: Mix in ground hemp seeds or nutritional yeast with the cornstarch coating to boost protein content and add a nutty undertone.

What Makes Bang Bang Tofu So Satisfying

• Texture Transformation Magic: Turn bland tofu into incredibly crispy, golden-brown cubes that crunch perfectly with every bite, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy bang bang sauce.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Whip up a spicy, sweet, and tangy bang bang sauce in minutes that elevates simple tofu into a mouthwatering dish bursting with bold, restaurant-quality flavors.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Bake instead of deep-fry for a healthier approach that guarantees consistent crispiness without the mess of traditional frying, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy as a protein-packed main dish over rice, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a protein-rich addition to salads and bowls, perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone craving a delicious plant-based meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need for That Crunch

• Extra-firm Tofu: Provides the protein-packed core of the dish, best when pressed to remove excess moisture for maximum crispiness.
• Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating that helps the tofu become golden and crunchy.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds extra texture and creates a delightful crunch to the exterior of the tofu.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the tofu.
• Salt: Helps to balance and intensify the other flavors in the recipe.
• White Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness to complement the spicy elements.

• Vegan Mayonnaise: Serves as a creamy base for the bang bang sauce, offering a smooth and tangy foundation.
• Sriracha: Brings heat and a vibrant red color to the sauce, creating the signature bang bang flavor.

Cooking Crispy Tofu with a Kick

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Remove tofu from packaging and drain completely. Use a clean kitchen towel to pat dry, removing excess moisture. Pro tip: press tofu gently with a plate for 5-10 minutes to eliminate water.

Step 2: Slice with Precision

• Each cube should be about 1 inch in size
• Aim for approximately 32 total cubes
• Use a sharp knife for clean cuts

Step 3: Create Crunchy Coating

• Cornstarch
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder

Gently roll each tofu cube in the mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Set Up Baking Station

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or 204 degrees Celsius).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread coated tofu cubes in a single layer, not touching each other.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place baking sheet in preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, turning cubes halfway through.

Look for a golden brown, crispy exterior.

Step 6: Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

• Vegan mayonnaise
• Sriracha sauce
• Sugar
• Salt

Adjust consistency with water if needed.

Step 7: Final Flavor Fusion

Remove tofu from oven.

Toss hot tofu cubes in bang bang sauce until evenly coated.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plate.

• Red pepper flakes
• Chopped chives
• Sliced scallions

Enjoy your crispy, saucy tofu creation!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Tips to Keep Every Bite Crispy

• Drain Like a Pro: Press tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispier texture and better sauce absorption.
• Coat with Care: Use light, even hand movements when coating tofu cubes to create a uniform, crunchy exterior that locks in flavor.
• Spacing Matters: Spread tofu cubes on the baking sheet without touching to guarantee maximum crispiness from all sides.
• Sauce Consistency is Key: Adjust bang bang sauce thickness with water to achieve perfect drizzling and coating coverage.
• Garnish for Impact: Sprinkle red pepper flakes and fresh chives just before serving to add color, texture, and an extra flavor punch.

How to Store Tofu Without Losing Texture

• Refrigeration: Store leftover crispy bang bang tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce separate to maintain crispiness.
• Reheating Oven: Spread tofu cubes on a baking sheet, bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crunchiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
• Freezing Option: Freeze plain baked tofu cubes in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven before adding sauce.

Pairing Ideas for Bang Bang Tofu

• Spice Up Your Rice Pairing: Serve the crispy bang bang tofu over fragrant jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the creamy, spicy sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast.
• Cool Down with Refreshing Drink: Pair this zesty dish with a cold Thai iced tea or a crisp Asian-style lager to balance the heat and complement the tofu's crunchiness.
• Fresh Side Salad Companion: Add a light cucumber and mixed greens salad with a tangy rice vinegar dressing to cut through the richness and provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the spicy tofu.
• Quick Veggie Harmony: Roast some broccoli or snap peas with a touch of sesame oil to create a simple vegetable side that enhances the overall flavor profile and adds nutritional balance to the meal.

Crispy Bang Bang Tofu Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy bang bang tofu delivers a spicy-sweet sensation from Asian cuisine. Crunchy panko-coated tofu pieces drizzled with creamy chili sauce create an irresistible experience you cannot resist sampling.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 15.5 ounces (440 grams) extra-firm tofu

Coating Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (30 grams) cornstarch
• ¼ cup (30 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegan mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sriracha
• ½ teaspoon white sugar

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Instructions

1. Extract the tofu from its packaging, ensuring complete drainage if water-packed.
2. Envelop the tofu blocks in a clean kitchen towel, applying gentle pressure to eliminate excess moisture.
3. Position a lightweight object like a dinner plate atop the wrapped tofu for thorough moisture extraction.
4. Slice the pressed tofu into precise cubes, aiming for approximately 32 uniform pieces.
5. Activate the oven, setting the temperature to a crisp 400º Fahrenheit.
6. Craft a textural coating by blending cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, and aromatic garlic powder in a mixing vessel.
7. Meticulously coat each tofu cube with the seasoned mixture, using fingertips to ensure comprehensive coverage.
8. Arrange the seasoned cubes on a parchment-lined sheet pan, distributing them evenly for optimal crispness.
9. Roast the tofu in the heated oven, allowing 40 minutes for transformation into golden, crunchy morsels.
10. Simultaneously construct the signature bang bang sauce by whisking vegan mayonnaise, fiery sriracha, subtle sugar, and a hint of salt.
11. Adjust sauce consistency with water if necessary, creating a smooth, pourable texture.
12. Once tofu reaches peak crispiness, lavishly coat the cubes in the zesty sauce.
13. Present the sauced tofu atop fluffy rice or as a standalone dish, embellishing with vibrant red pepper flakes and finely chopped chives or scallions.

Notes

• Squeezing out moisture is crucial for achieving that irresistible crunch in every tofu bite.
• Cornstarch and panko create a magical coating that transforms bland tofu into a crispy sensation.
• Sauce brings explosive flavor, turning simple baked cubes into a mouthwatering masterpiece that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg