If you’re craving a dish that is bursting with flavor, packed with satisfying textures, and entirely plant-based, this Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Crispy, golden tofu cubes coated in a luscious, creamy, and spicy bang bang sauce create a perfect harmony in every bite. This recipe balances heat, cool creaminess, and that irresistible crunch, making it an absolute standout whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or even a special gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and success of the dish. This simple list brings together basics that each play a crucial role: the tofu for protein and texture, spices and sauces for flavor layers, and garnishes for freshness and visual appeal.
- Extra firm tofu: The essential base offering a hearty texture that crisps up beautifully when baked.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness that helps the tofu crisp while keeping it moist inside.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Brings savory depth and umami without overwhelming saltiness.
- Corn starch: Key to creating that irresistible crispy outer layer on the tofu.
- White pepper: Adds a gentle subtle heat that blends seamlessly with the other spices.
- Vegan mayo: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce that carries flavor and smooth texture.
- Sriracha: Delivers the signature spicy kick that makes this dish so addictive—you can adjust it to your preference.
- Rice wine vinegar: Introduces a mild tang that balances the richness of the mayo and heat of the sriracha perfectly.
- Cooked rice: The comforting, neutral base for serving that lets the tofu shine.
- Chopped green onions: Provide a fresh, slightly sharp contrast that brightens each bite.
- Sesame seeds: Add nuttiness and a bit of visual flair as a finishing touch.
How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Press Tofu
Start by draining your extra firm tofu and cutting it into bite-sized cubes. Pressing is crucial here to remove excess moisture—this helps the tofu crisp up rather than steam when baked. Wrap the cubes in a towel and place a heavy object on top for 10 to 30 minutes. This simple act transforms the tofu’s texture, setting the foundation for perfection.
Step 2: Preheat Oven
While your tofu is pressing, get your oven ready at 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, keeping your tofu’s crisp coating intact.
Step 3: Season and Coat Tofu
In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, cornstarch, and white pepper to create a flavorful coating. Gently toss the pressed tofu cubes in this mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This step not only flavors the tofu but sets up the magical crispness that you’re after.
Step 4: Bake Tofu
Lay out the tofu in a single layer on your baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching to allow even air circulation. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that crunchy, golden exterior on every side. The oven does the hard work here, giving you perfectly baked tofu ready to soak up sauce.
Step 5: Prepare Bang Bang Sauce
While the tofu is getting golden and crisp, mix vegan mayo, sriracha, and rice wine vinegar until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the dish—rich, spicy, and tangy all at once. Adjust the sriracha to match your preferred spice level.
Step 6: Toss Tofu in Sauce and Serve
Once the tofu is out of the oven and delightfully crisp, toss it gently in your bang bang sauce so each cube is luxuriously coated. Serve immediately over a bed of fluffy, cooked rice, and finish with a shower of chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This final presentation brings freshness, texture, and a pop of color.
How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds aren’t just decorative—they add crunch and brightness, cutting through the creamy, spicy sauce for a balanced bite. Feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for some extra crunch or a squeeze of fresh lime for zing.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with simple steamed or sautéed greens like bok choy or snap peas to add a crisp, vibrant contrast. A fresh Asian-style cucumber salad also works wonderfully as a cooling counterpoint to the spiciness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this bang bang tofu in lettuce cups for a hand-held delight or toss it with spiralized veggies to make a bright, nourishing bowl. You can also pile it on a crispy grain base like quinoa or farro for added texture and a hearty meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bang bang tofu keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The tofu may lose some of its crispness but soaking the sauce in overnight truly amplifies the flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the tofu, it’s best to do so before adding the sauce. Place the crispy tofu cubes in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat before tossing in fresh bang bang sauce for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover tofu by spreading it out on a baking sheet and warming it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to regain some crispiness. Alternatively, a quick sauté in a hot pan works well. Add the sauce after reheating for a fresh experience.
FAQs
Can I use soft or medium tofu for this recipe?
Extra firm tofu is best because it holds shape and crisps nicely. Softer tofu tends to fall apart when baked and won’t develop the same satisfying texture.
Is the bang bang sauce very spicy?
The heat comes from sriracha, so you can tailor the spice level to your taste. Start with less and add more if you like it hotter.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce, and double-check that your vegan mayo and sriracha don’t contain gluten ingredients.
What can I use instead of vegan mayo?
You can use store-bought or homemade vegan mayonnaise alternatives, or for a lighter sauce, try blending silken tofu with a little lemon juice and oil as a creamy base.
How do I prevent tofu from sticking to the baking sheet?
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat is key to avoiding sticking while ensuring easy cleanup.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and textures that anyone can master in their own kitchen. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or simply looking to try something deliciously different, this dish delights with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Dive in, share it with friends, and enjoy the magic of crispy tofu kissed by a creamy, spicy sauce—there’s nothing quite like it!
Print
Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A flavorful and crispy Vegan Bang Bang Tofu recipe featuring oven-baked tofu coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. Perfect as a hearty vegan main dish served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
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
To Serve
- 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, and put a heavy object on top to press out excess moisture for 10 to 30 minutes.
- 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. Gently add the pressed tofu pieces and toss carefully to evenly coat each piece with the mixture.
- Bake Tofu: Arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through to ensure even crisping and golden texture.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: While the tofu is baking, combine the vegan mayo, sriracha, and rice wine vinegar in a bowl. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Tofu in Sauce and Serve: When the tofu is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven and immediately add it to the bowl with the bang bang sauce. Toss gently to coat all pieces. Serve immediately over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is essential to achieve a crispy texture by removing excess moisture.
- Adjust the sriracha amount to control the spiciness of the bang bang sauce.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- For extra crispiness, flip the tofu pieces carefully halfway through baking.
- This recipe can be served with rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain.
