Savory marinated tofu satay dipped in a creamy peanut sauce. Perfect when you're craving some Thai-inspired flavors but don't feel like going out for a meal. This dish is not only delicious, but it's also super easy to make at home. This vegan Tofu Satay with Peanut Sauce has the flavors of a classic Thai-style satay with creamy coconut milk and spicy red curry.
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What is Tofu Satay?
Satay means small pieces of grilled meat skewers and served with a sauce. In this case, we are using tofu as it is a vegan peanut satay tofu recipe. This vegan satay recipe includes Thai-inspired flavors, however, Satay is commonly made in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries.
Why You'll Love This Vegan Satay
- It's vegan.
- Savory, sweet, and creamy peanut sauce.
- Can be made ahead.
- They are made as tofu satay skewers which makes them great for serving guests or laying out for a party.
- High protein
📋 Ingredients
Tofu Satay Marinade Ingredients
- Extra firm tofu. Do not use soft tofu, your satay will fall apart and won't stick on the skewers.
- Aromatics. Garlic, ginger
- Spices. I used turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and paprika.
- A Touch of sweetness with maple syrup and creaminess with coconut milk (preferably full fat).
Satay Peanut Sauce Recipe Ingredients
This version makes 2 cups. I like to keep extra for salads or as a dip.
- Peanut butter. I like to use unsweetened, creamy peanut butter.
- Coconut milk. Adds the creaminess to this satay sauce. I used full fat but you can use the light version for less fat, the taste and creaminess may be slightly altered but still delicious!
- Red curry paste. Gives it a little kick and burst of flavor.
- Maple syrup. for a touch of sweetness.
- Rice vinegar and lime. For the tang.
- Soy sauce for flavor.
- Garlic and ginger for the aromatics.
📖 Instructions for Tofu Satay
- Press the Tofu. To press tofu, place it on a paper towel-lined plate, cover it with another paper towel, and place a heavy object on top. Allow the tofu to press for 10-20 minutes.
- Prep the Marinade. While the tofu is pressing, combine all of the marinade ingredients for the tofu.
- Marinate. After pressing, cut the tofu into one-inch long slices. Remember to slice the tofu thick enough to go through skewers. Make sure to thoroughly coat each piece of tofu to maximize flavor. Place the tofu in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, longer marination periods can intensify the flavors and improve the overall taste. If you prep ahead, you can complete this step the day before.
- Prep The Satay Peanut Sauce. Combine all the ingredients for the satay sauce and mix until smooth. You can do this in a blender to get the consistency completely smooth.
- Grill. Oil a grill pan for the stove or grill grate and preheat thoroughly. If using bamboo skewers, remember to soak them in water for 15-20 minutes before use. This prevents the skewers from burning when placed on the grill or in the oven. Add the tofu longways through the skewer on each skewer, careful not to cut through the tofu. While grilling, turn every 3-4 minutes, until browned and beginning to char in spots — about 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the skewers with the satay peanut sauce and serve immediately.
💭 Tips
- The tofu must be pressed to help the marinade absorb and for the tofu to cook with the flavors.
- Marinating for the best results overnight is best. But 30 minutes still packs in a lot of flavor.
- Serve alone as an appetizer or with rice and pickled cucumbers as a meal. To incorporate vegetables, you can serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
- Save the extra satay sauce for salads, dressing, dip, or with some tofu!
- Alternatives to using a grill:
- You can use a stove top grill pan like this one.
- You can also use a panini press! The tofu marinade leaks a bit as it's pushed down but that's what the drip tray is for so it works wonderfully!
Recipes Similar to Tofu Satay with Peanut Sauce
- Teriyaki Grilled Tofu Skewers
- General Tso's Tofu
- Tofu Poke Bowl
- Instant Pot Thai Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup
- Vegan Gochujang Cauliflower Wings
- Vegetarian Pad Thai with Marinated Tofu
Spice up your dinner routine with this delicious tofu satay recipe - it's sure to become a new favorite. Next time you're looking for a tasty and healthy snack or appetizer, try tofu satay! With its deliciously savory marinade and satisfyingly chewy texture, it's sure to become a favorite in your weekly menu. Plus, it's super easy to make - just marinade, skewer, grill, and enjoy!
If you loved this Tofu Satay recipe, please let me know in the comments below! I’d love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my weekly emails at the bottom so you never miss a new recipe!
📖 Recipe
Tofu Satay
Ingredients
For the Tofu
- 1 16 oz package extra firm tofu
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 inch piece ginger, finely minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ⅔ cup coconut milk, (I used the remaining from the satay sauce -from a 13.66 oz can )
For the Satay Peanut Sauce (Makes about 2 cups)
- 1 cup unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Press the Tofu. To press tofu, place it on a paper towel-lined plate, cover it with another paper towel, and place a heavy object on top. Allow the tofu to press for 10-20 minutes.
- Prep the Marinade. While the tofu is pressing, combine all of the marinade ingredients for the tofu.
- Marinate. After pressing, cut the tofu into one-inch long slices. Slice the tofu thick enough to go through the skewers. Make sure to coat each piece of tofu thoroughly. Place the tofu in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, longer marination is best. If you prep ahead, you can complete this step the day before.
- Prep The Satay Peanut Sauce. Combine all the ingredients for the satay sauce and mix until smooth. You can do this in a blender to get the consistency completely smooth. Note: if using bamboo skewers, soak them in cold water at this time for 15-20 minutes to prevent burning of skewers.
- Grill. Oil a grill pan for the stove or grill grate and preheat thoroughly. Add the tofu longways through the skewer on each skewer, careful not to cut through the tofu. While grilling, turn every 3-4 minutes, until browned and beginning to char in spots — about 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the skewers with the satay peanut sauce and serve immediately!
Notes
- If prepping ahead and saving for later, you can reheat them in the oven at 350F for about 5-10 minutes.
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You can use a stove top grill pan like this one.
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You can also use a panini press! The tofu marinade leaks a bit as it's pushed down but that's what the drip tray is for so it works wonderfully!
Nutrition Info
Ieva
Just lovely, we had a little home-cooked Asian feast last night, and this recipe really impressed us. The sauce was to die for!
Shweta
Thank you so much!
Harriet Young
Wow! That satay sauce is just a dream. So flavourful. I cooked this for dinner for myself and can’t wait to make it for my vegan friend
Shweta
Thank you! I love eating the satay sauce as a dip too!
DK
Ah, I was looking for a good tofu satay recipe and I'm sure glad I found yours! By the way, that peanut sauce is fire!
Shweta
Thank you so much!
Katherine
The satay marinade made this tofu next level! Soooo much flavor.
Shweta
Thank you!
Tiff
The satay marinade! 👏🏽
Vicky
The tofu satay recipe is perfect for vegetarians! It's so wonderful to find a flavorful, plant-based option that's both hearty and satisfying.The peanut sauce flavor was spot on!
Shweta
Thank you so much! Yes, this one is a favorite for us!
Rajesh
This is the best tofu satay recipe I have seen - that satay sauce is on point!
Shweta
Thank you!! We love it too!