Vegan Cashew Tofu

If you’re looking for a delicious, plant-based dish that’s both savory and satisfying, let me introduce you to Vegan Cashew Tofu! Crispy tofu coated in a sweet and savory sauce, paired with crunchy cashews and colorful veggies—this dish is everything you’ve been craving. The best part? It’s so easy to make, and you’ll feel like a chef in no time. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for a healthy meal, this dish is an absolute winner. Every bite is a perfect combination of crispy, crunchy, and umami-packed goodness.

Why You’ll Love Vegan Cashew Tofu

If you’ve been hesitant about tofu, this recipe will make you a convert! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

Crispy Tofu

The tofu in this recipe is crispy on the outside while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside. It’s the kind of tofu that even non-tofu lovers will adore. The secret? A quick bake in the oven that gives it that perfect golden-brown crunch.

Flavorful Cashew Sauce

This sauce is the real star of the show. It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy, with a touch of heat if you like things spicy. The cashews add a delightful crunch and richness that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Quick & Easy

This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Nutritious & Filling

Tofu is packed with plant-based protein, while cashews provide healthy fats. Together, they make for a satisfying meal that keeps you feeling full and energized.

Versatile

This dish is incredibly versatile—serve it over rice, quinoa, noodles, or even just on its own. You can easily customize the veggies to whatever you have on hand, making it perfect for whatever you’re craving.

Ingredients

Let’s gather up everything you need to make these Vegan Cashew Tofu bowls. It’s all about balance—crispy tofu, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce that’ll have you hooked from the first bite.

Tofu

Extra-firm tofu is your best friend here. It holds its shape perfectly when baked, and the texture is just right for soaking up that delicious sauce.

Cashews

Cashews are the perfect nut for this dish. They add a creamy richness to the sauce and a satisfying crunch when sprinkled on top. You can use unsalted cashews to keep the dish balanced.

Soy Sauce

A splash of soy sauce brings that umami flavor that really enhances the tofu and sauce. Tamari or coconut aminos work great as gluten-free alternatives.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the sauce, balancing out the saltiness from the soy sauce and the richness of the cashews.

Rice Vinegar

A bit of rice vinegar adds tanginess to the sauce, brightening it up and bringing everything together.

Garlic and Ginger

These two aromatics are essential for building that deep, savory base for the sauce. They bring so much flavor and fragrance to the dish.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is the secret ingredient to achieving crispy tofu. It creates a light, crispy coating when baked.

Sesame Oil

A drizzle of sesame oil gives the sauce a nutty, aromatic flavor that takes the dish to the next level.

Veggies

Choose your favorite veggies—bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and green onions are all great options to add freshness, color, and crunch to your dish.

Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make this easy and mouthwatering Vegan Cashew Tofu.

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent the tofu from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Press and Cube the Tofu

Press the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top (like a cast-iron skillet) for about 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

Coat the Tofu

In a large bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a little sesame oil. Make sure the tofu is evenly coated, then spread it out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Tofu

Bake the tofu for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy.

Make the Cashew Sauce

While the tofu is baking, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking. If you like some heat, feel free to add a splash of sriracha or chili flakes!

Stir-Fry the Veggies

In a large pan or wok, heat a little sesame oil over medium heat. Add your choice of veggies and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until they’re crisp-tender. You want them to be vibrant and still have a little crunch.

Combine Everything

Once the tofu is crispy and the veggies are ready, add the tofu to the pan with the veggies. Pour the cashew sauce over the tofu and veggies, and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the dish with cashews, green onions, and any other toppings you like. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or noodles, and enjoy the crispy, savory goodness!

How to Serve Vegan Cashew Tofu

These Vegan Cashew Tofu bowls are perfect as they are, but here are a few ways to take them up a notch:

Rice or Quinoa Base

Serve the tofu and veggies over a bed of steamed rice (brown, white, or jasmine rice) or quinoa for a filling and healthy base.

Fresh Herbs

Top the bowls with fresh cilantro, basil, or mint for a burst of freshness.

Pickled Veggies

For a tangy contrast, add a handful of quick-pickled vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, or onions.

Avocado

Add slices of creamy avocado for extra richness and a beautiful contrast in texture.

Additional Tips

Press the Tofu Well

For the best crispy tofu, make sure to press it for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu achieve that perfect texture when baked.

Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more maple syrup. For a spicier kick, throw in some sriracha or chili paste.

Make it Spicy

If you like a little heat, add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili to the sauce. Sriracha is also a great addition for extra spice.

Meal Prep Friendly

This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store the tofu, veggies, and sauce separately, and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Play with the Veggies

Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, baby corn, and mushrooms would all make excellent additions to this dish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 18g
Vitamin A: 50%
Vitamin C: 60%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 20%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different nut instead of cashews?
A1: Yes! Almonds or peanuts would work well as a substitute for cashews, but cashews give the dish a unique creaminess.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

Q3: How can I make the tofu even crispier?
A3: For extra crispiness, coat the tofu cubes in a little cornstarch before baking. It gives a fantastic crunch!

Q4: Can I use frozen tofu for this recipe?
A4: Yes! Freezing tofu changes its texture, making it spongy and great for soaking up the sauce. Just be sure to thaw and press it before cooking.

Q5: Can I make this dish in advance?
A5: Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can prepare the tofu, sauce, and veggies ahead of time and store them separately.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store the tofu, sauce, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Q7: Can I add more veggies?
A7: Definitely! Add more veggies like snap peas, broccoli, or even spinach for added texture and nutrition.

Q8: Is this dish spicy?
A8: The dish has a mild flavor, but you can easily add heat by stirring in sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.

Q9: Can I serve this over noodles?
A9: Yes, absolutely! Noodles, like soba or rice noodles, are a great base for this dish.

Q10: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A10: Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It will save you time when preparing the dish!

Conclusion

This Vegan Cashew Tofu is a flavor-packed dish that’s crispy, savory, and perfectly balanced with a sweet, tangy sauce. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re enjoying it for a weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your rotation!

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