The Best Bang Bang Tofu Recipe for Spicy Food Lovers

Bang bang tofu brings a vibrant explosion of flavor to your culinary repertoire, upgradeing ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish.

This tantalizing creation combines crispy textures with a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements that dance across your palate.

Crisp exterior and tender interior make this recipe a true crowd-pleaser for anyone seeking bold taste sensations.

The magic lies in the perfect balance of ingredients that create an irresistible harmony of crunch and zest.

Preparation requires minimal skill but delivers maximum impact, turning simple tofu into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts.

Sauces and seasonings play a crucial role in elevating this dish from basic to extraordinary, adding layers of complexity and depth.

Each bite promises a delightful journey of flavor that will leave you craving more.

Reasons to Try Bang Bang Tofu

• Texture-Transforming Technique: Pressing tofu removes excess moisture, creating an incredibly crispy exterior that crunches perfectly with each bite.
• Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: The bang bang sauce combines creamy vegan mayonnaise with spicy sriracha, delivering a tantalizing sweet-and-heat punch that makes taste buds dance.
• Foolproof Oven-Baking Magic: This method requires minimal cooking skills, transforming simple tofu into a restaurant-quality dish with just a few easy steps and basic pantry ingredients.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works wonderfully as an appetizer, main course, or party snack that appeals to vegans, vegetarians, and adventurous eaters looking for a delicious plant-based option.

Ingredients List for Bang Bang Tofu

Main Ingredients:

Tofu: – Extra Firm Tofu: High-protein base ingredient with a firm texture perfect for crispy preparation, best when well-pressed to remove excess moisture.

Coating Ingredients:

Dry Coating: – Cornstarch, Panko Breadcrumbs, Garlic Powder: Creates a crispy, golden exterior that provides crunch and seasoning for the tofu.

Sauce Ingredients:

Bang Bang Sauce: – Vegan Mayonnaise, Sriracha, Sugar, Salt: Provides a creamy, spicy, and sweet flavor profile that coats the crispy tofu with a tangy kick.

Garnish Ingredients:

Garnishes: – Red Pepper Flakes, Chives: Adds visual appeal and extra layers of heat and fresh herbal notes to the finished dish.

How to Cook Bang Bang Tofu to Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Tofu

Remove extra firm tofu from packaging and drain excess water. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, gently pressing to extract moisture. Place a light weight on top for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat Oven

Set oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).

Step 3: Slice Tofu

Cut pressed tofu into 32 uniform cubes.

Step 4: Create Crispy Coating

• Cornstarch
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder

Toss tofu cubes in the mixture until evenly coated.

Step 5: Arrange for Baking

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread tofu cubes evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Bake Tofu

Bake at 400°F for 40 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 7: Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

• Vegan mayonnaise
• Sriracha
• Sugar
• Salt

Step 8: Coat and Finish

Toss crispy tofu in bang bang sauce until well coated.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Plate tofu and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped chives. Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy.

Smart Tips for Making Bang Bang Tofu

• Drain Thoroughly: Press tofu completely to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier texture when baked.
• Coat Evenly: Use a light hand when tossing tofu in the cornstarch and panko mixture to create a uniform, crunchy coating.
• Space Strategically: Arrange tofu cubes with small gaps on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Sauce Technique: Mix bang bang sauce ingredients just before serving to maintain fresh, vibrant flavor and prevent sogginess.
• Customize Spice: Adjust sriracha quantity to control heat level, making the dish perfect for different spice tolerances.

How to Reheat and Store Bang Bang Tofu

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Bang Bang Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the tofu from any additional sauce to maintain crispiness. Wrap the container tightly to prevent moisture absorption and flavor transfer.
• Reheating: Restore the tofu's crispy texture by using an air fryer or oven. Preheat to 375°F and spread tofu pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Warm for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid microwaving, which can make the tofu soggy and lose its delightful crunch. Drizzle fresh bang bang sauce just before serving to revive the flavors and add moisture.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Tofu

• Spice Up with Asian-Inspired Beverage: Pair this crispy bang bang tofu with an ice-cold Thai iced tea. The sweet, creamy drink balances the spicy sriracha sauce perfectly, creating a refreshing contrast that cools down the heat.
• Create a Zesty Starter Combo: Serve these tofu bites alongside cucumber pickles or quick kimchi. The tangy, crunchy sides complement the crispy texture and add a bright, acidic note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Match with Complementary Wine: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to accompany the tofu. These wines have enough sweetness to tame the sriracha's heat while providing a smooth, elegant pairing that elevates the dish's complexity.
• Build a Complete Meal Partner: Plate the bang bang tofu over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. The neutral base absorbs the delicious sauce and creates a satisfying, filling meal that balances the crispy tofu's intense flavors.

Flavor Ideas for Bang Bang Tofu

• Spicy Air Fryer Tofu: Swap oven baking with air fryer cooking at 375º Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, creating a crispier exterior with less oil and faster preparation time.
• Gluten-Free Crunchy Option: Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, maintaining the same crispy texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Herb-Infused Bang Bang: Add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the coating mixture, enhancing the tofu's flavor profile with a subtle herbal undertone that complements the spicy sauce.
• Asian Sesame Adaptation: Incorporate sesame seeds into the breadcrumb mixture and drizzle toasted sesame oil over the finished tofu for an extra nutty, authentic Asian-inspired flavor experience.

Bang Bang Tofu Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Bang Bang Tofu brings Korean-inspired flavors to your plate with a spicy, creamy sauce that dances across perfectly golden cubes. Crunchy exterior and silky interior create an irresistible texture you cannot resist savoring.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 15.5 ounces (439 grams) Extra-firm Tofu
• ¼ cup (30 grams) Cornstarch
• ¼ cup (30 grams) Panko breadcrumbs

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon White Sugar
• ¼ teaspoon Salt

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Vegan Mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Sriracha

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Instructions

1. Carefully extract the extra firm tofu from its packaging, ensuring complete drainage of liquid.
2. Envelop the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or absorbent paper towels, applying gentle pressure to eliminate excess moisture.
3. Position a lightweight object atop the wrapped tofu for a minimum of 5 minutes to further extract water.
4. Calibrate the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
5. Transform the pressed tofu into approximately 32 uniform cubic pieces using a sharp knife.
6. Construct a crispy coating mixture by combining cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic powder in a spacious mixing vessel.
7. Meticulously tumble each tofu cube within the seasoned coating, guaranteeing comprehensive and even coverage.
8. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, then distribute the coated tofu cubes in a single, non-overlapping layer.
9. Roast the tofu in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the exterior to achieve a golden, crisp texture.
10. Simultaneously, craft the signature bang bang sauce by whisking together vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, granulated sugar, and salt in a separate mixing bowl.
11. Upon completing the baking process, gently coat the crisp tofu cubes with the prepared sauce, ensuring thorough and uniform coverage.
12. Present the sauced tofu with optional garnishes such as red pepper flakes and finely chopped chives.

Notes

• Master the tofu pressing technique to ensure maximum crispiness by removing excess moisture before coating and baking.
• Create a perfectly seasoned breading mixture using cornstarch and panko for an irresistibly crunchy exterior that locks in flavor.
• Bake tofu at a high temperature for an extended period to achieve golden-brown, restaurant-style crispy texture without deep-frying.
• Whip up a tangy bang bang sauce that balances sweet, spicy, and creamy elements for an explosive flavor profile.
• Customize your dish by experimenting with garnishes like red pepper flakes or chives to add extra visual appeal and zesty kick.
• Store leftover tofu in an airtight container to maintain crispiness, reheating in the oven to restore its original crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg