If you love dishes that are crispy, saucy, and bursting with spicy-sweet flavor, the Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe will be your new go-to for any night of the week. This crave-worthy tofu transforms simple pantry ingredients into a plant-based showstopper, perfect for easy dinners, meal prep, or surprising guests with a punchy appetizer. The sauce alone is reason enough to keep eating, while the crunchy tofu makes every bite a celebration of texture and taste you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how quickly these ingredients come together—each one plays a starring role in creating the ultimate Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe. The tofu gives us that satisfying chew, while the sauce layers on all the tangy, creamy, and spicy notes that make this dish unforgettable.
- Extra-firm tofu (1 block, 14 ounces): For best results, press it and cut into 1-inch cubes—extra-firm is key for that crisp, meaty texture.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): This is the secret to the tofu’s shatteringly crisp exterior, so don’t skip it.
- Neutral oil (2 tablespoons, like avocado or canola): It helps achieve golden-crisp perfection, whether you pan-fry, bake, or air fry.
- Vegan mayo (1/4 cup): This adds creamy richness and balances out the heat of the sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): For that iconic bang bang sweetness and a touch of zing.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon, or to taste): A little goes a long way for spicy depth—adjust to your preference.
- Maple syrup (1 teaspoon): Just a touch rounds out the spice and vinegar with subtle natural sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): This brightens up the sauce and brings all the flavors together.
- Chopped green onions & sesame seeds: For garnish, adding pops of color, crunch, and freshness at the finish line.
How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Press the Tofu
Begin by pressing your extra-firm tofu to remove as much moisture as possible—this will help it crisp up beautifully. Simply wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then set something heavy (like a skillet or a few cookbooks) on top for 10-15 minutes. Once it’s pressed, cut the tofu into even 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook up evenly crispy in every bite.
Step 2: Coat the Tofu in Cornstarch
Place your tofu cubes in a large bowl and sprinkle them with the cornstarch. Gently toss or shake the bowl to completely coat each piece—this magic cornstarch step is what guarantees an irresistibly crispy finish every time.
Step 3: Crisp Up the Tofu
If you’re pan-frying, heat the neutral oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Arrange the tofu in a single layer and cook until each side turns golden and crunchy, turning occasionally—about 10-12 minutes. Prefer setting and forgetting? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway. No matter the method, you’ll end up with golden cubes packed with crunch!
Step 4: Mix Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While your tofu works its crispy magic, whisk together vegan mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, maple syrup, and rice vinegar in a mixing bowl. The sauce should be silky-smooth and well integrated, with just the right balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy. Taste and tweak the heat level by adding a touch more sriracha if you want to amp things up!
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Once your tofu is perfectly crispy, add it to a large bowl and pour over the bang bang sauce. Gently toss to coat every cube with that vibrant, creamy glaze—don’t be afraid to use every drop! Finish off your Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe by sprinkling generously with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Prepare for a round of applause!
How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe

Garnishes
This dish is all about fresh finishes! Sprinkle plenty of sliced green onions, scatter over some toasted sesame seeds, or even add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if that’s your style. These simple garnishes highlight the bold colors and balance the flavors, giving your Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe an extra pop both visually and on the palate.
Side Dishes
Serve your bang bang tofu atop steaming rice, warm noodles, or tucked into crisp lettuce wraps for instant, Asian-inspired comfort. Try pairing it with quick stir-fried veggies, cucumber salad, or a zippy slaw to round out the meal with extra crunch and color—truly, the combinations are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
This Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe isn’t just dinner—it’s a versatile showstopper. Skewer the saucy tofu cubes for a party-ready appetizer, use them as the main filling in pita pockets, or pile them onto a vibrant grain bowl with avocado and pickled veggies. However you serve it, this tofu’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe is just as much of a treat the next day! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tofu will lose a bit of crispness but still soaks up all that dreamy sauce, making it extra flavorful.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your tofu, do so before tossing it in the sauce for best results. Arrange the cooled, cooked tofu cubes in a freezer-safe container or bag (with parchment between layers), and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and saucing for that freshly-tossed texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop tofu cubes (sauced or plain) in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and slightly crisped up. The microwave works too, but the exterior won’t regain its crunch—so oven or air fryer is best if you want those crispy edges back!
FAQs
Can I make this Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just confirm that your chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free (most are, but check labels), and you’ll enjoy all the flavor without the gluten. It’s a fuss-free swap for anyone with sensitivities.
Is this recipe too spicy for kids?
The Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe is easy to tailor for spice levels—just reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce for a milder flavor. The sweet chili sauce keeps things flavorful and kid-friendly all on its own.
What’s the best way to press tofu?
The old stack-of-books method works beautifully, or you can use a tofu press if you have one. Drain and gently press your tofu with towels before cubing for the best crispy results.
Can I use a different protein instead of tofu?
Definitely! This sauce is magical on crispy cauliflower, tempeh, or even chickpeas. Feel free to swap in your favorite plant-based protein using the same cornstarch-and-crisping method.
How do I keep the tofu extra crispy when serving?
For maximum crunch, coat the tofu with sauce just before serving, and if it will sit awhile, keep some sauce on the side for dipping. This way, you get the best of both worlds: crispy exteriors and creamy, spicy bang bang flavor!
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe, you’ll be hooked on the irresistible combo of crispy, spicy, and sweet. It’s a joyful dish that begs to be shared, experimented with, and enjoyed whenever you want something both comforting and fun. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and let this recipe bring a little extra excitement to your table tonight!
Print
Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the spicy and crispy goodness of this Vegan Bang Bang Tofu recipe. Perfectly cooked tofu coated in a tangy and sweet sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is a delightful Asian-inspired vegan main course that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
Tofu:
- 1 block (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
Cornstarch Coating:
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Others:
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado or canola)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Tofu: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F. Coat tofu in cornstarch and cook until crispy.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: Mix vegan mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, maple syrup, and rice vinegar.
- Toss Tofu: Coat crispy tofu in bang bang sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free chili sauce and tamari-based sriracha.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg