If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and satisfying crunch, this Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine crispy, perfectly seasoned tofu coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that packs just the right amount of heat with that tangy zing you love. It’s a brilliant plant-based spin on a classic bang bang sauce favorite, combining simple ingredients in a way that delivers on taste, texture, and color, making every bite irresistibly vibrant and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe comes from using straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crispy tofu that holds its shape beautifully to the spicy and creamy sauce that ties it all together, every component is essential.
- Extra firm tofu: Firmness is key for that perfect crispy texture without falling apart.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle richness and helps the tofu get golden and crisp.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Corn starch: The secret to extra crunchiness on the tofu’s surface.
- White pepper: A mild peppery kick to keep things interesting.
- Vegan mayo: Creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
- Sriracha: The perfect spicy element, adjusted to your heat preference.
- Rice wine vinegar: Brings a bright acidity to balance the richness.
- Cooked rice: The perfect canvas to soak up all the sauce and crispy bits.
- Chopped green onions: Adds freshness and a mild crunch.
- Sesame seeds: Provides a nutty finish and extra texture contrast.
How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Press Tofu
The first crucial step is pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture — this lets it crisp up wonderfully instead of steaming in the oven. Drain the tofu, cut it into bite-sized cubes, then wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for 10-30 minutes. This simple trick transforms your tofu into the perfect canvas for that bang bang sauce.
Step 2: Preheat Oven
While the tofu is pressing, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this prevents the tofu from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having a hot oven ready is key to getting that golden, crispy exterior on the tofu without drying it out.
Step 3: Season and Coat Tofu
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, corn starch, and white pepper. This blend not only seasons the tofu but also helps build a crispy coating when baked. Gently toss the pressed tofu cubes in the mixture until each piece is evenly coated—handle them carefully to avoid breaking.
Step 4: Bake Tofu
Arrange the tofu cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer with some space between each piece. This spacing ensures even cooking and maximum crispness. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown all sides beautifully.
Step 5: Prepare Bang Bang Sauce
The sauce is where the “bang” happens! While your tofu is baking, mix vegan mayo, sriracha, and rice wine vinegar until smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce strikes the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and tangy—trust me, you’ll want to drizzle it generously.
Step 6: Toss Tofu in Sauce and Serve
Once the tofu is golden and crispy, transfer it directly into the bowl with your bang bang sauce. Gently toss to coat each piece without breaking it apart. Serve the saucy tofu immediately over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra pop of flavor and texture. This is the moment everything comes together into one deliciously addictive dish.
How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe elevates both the look and the bite. Chopped green onions introduce a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that cuts through the richness, while sesame seeds bring a subtle nuttiness and a bit of crunch. You can even add a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten up the dish even more.
Side Dishes
While rice is the classic accompaniment, this Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed veggies, such as broccoli or snap peas, to add color and crunch. For a lighter meal, consider serving it over zoodles or a simple mixed green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or shake up your regular routine? Serve the tofu in lettuce cups for a refreshing, hand-held version or pile it atop crispy rice cakes for added texture contrast. You can even use it as a filling for vegan tacos or wraps, letting the sauce act as your flavorful binder.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the tofu and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keeping them apart helps the tofu stay crispier for longer. The tofu is best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
Freezing
While tofu can be frozen, it’s best not to freeze this dish after it’s tossed in sauce because the texture may get too soft upon thawing. If you want to freeze, freeze the baked tofu pieces alone in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and bake briefly to crisp up before saucing.
Reheating
To reheat, place tofu cubes on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to revive some crunch. Reheat sauce gently in the microwave or on the stove and toss together right before serving. Avoid microwaving tofu with the sauce as it can turn soggy.
FAQs
Can I use firm tofu instead of extra firm?
Extra firm tofu is preferred for this recipe because it holds shape better and crisps up nicely. Firm tofu can work but may result in a softer, less crispy texture. Pressing it well will help improve results.
Is the sauce very spicy?
The spiciness depends on how much sriracha you add. Start with less and adjust to your taste so you get the perfect balance of creamy heat that suits your heat tolerance.
Can I bake the tofu in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Baking tofu in an air fryer can yield excellent crispiness faster. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for vegan mayo?
If you don’t have vegan mayo, you can try using mashed silken tofu or a plant-based yogurt mixed with a bit of oil to achieve similar creaminess, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and make sure your sriracha doesn’t contain gluten ingredients. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe is such a rewarding dish to make and enjoy. The combination of crispy tofu and creamy, spicy sauce makes for a comforting meal that feels special but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a staple. Give it a try—you’ll love how it transforms everyday ingredients into something truly unforgettable!
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Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Bang Bang Tofu recipe offers a crispy, flavorful twist on a classic spicy dish. Crispy baked tofu pieces are coated in a creamy, tangy, and spicy bang bang sauce made from vegan mayo, sriracha, and rice wine vinegar. Served over cooked rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a perfect plant-based meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 package extra firm tofu
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tsp white pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo
- 2–3 tbsp sriracha (to taste)
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
For Serving and Garnish
- Cooked rice
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare and Press Tofu: Remove the tofu from the package, drain, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Place the tofu pieces on a clean kitchen towel, fold the towel over them, then place a heavy object on top. Press for 10-30 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps in achieving a crispy texture when baked.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the tofu from sticking during baking.
- Season and Coat Tofu: In a bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, olive oil, corn starch, and white pepper until well combined. Gently add the pressed tofu pieces into the bowl and toss carefully to evenly coat each piece with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake Tofu: Arrange the coated tofu pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping on all sides.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: While the tofu bakes, combine the vegan mayo, sriracha, and rice wine vinegar in a bowl. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture. Adjust sriracha quantity based on desired spice level.
- Toss Tofu in Sauce and Serve: Once the tofu is golden and crisp, remove it from the oven. Add the hot tofu pieces to the bowl with the bang bang sauce and toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly. Serve immediately over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is crucial for crispiness; do not skip this step.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispy tofu, consider broiling for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking while monitoring carefully.
- This dish pairs well with steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
