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15+ BEST Dipping Sauces for Tofu (Easy Recipes!)

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

August 21, 2024

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5 from 1 vote

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In search of some tasty tofu sauce recipes? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide. From creamy sauces, to spicy sauces, tangy sauces and more!

Collage of sauces for tofu with text overlay.

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Tofu, with its mild flavor and versatile texture, serves as an excellent canvas for an array of delicious sauces.

Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, these 15 tantalizing sauces will take your tofu dishes to the next level.

From sweet and tangy to spicy and savory, get ready to explore a world of flavors that will leave you craving more. Here’s 15+ sauces that will elevate your tofu from delish to amazzzing! 🤩 🤩 🤩

The BEST Tofu Sauce Recipes

Overhead shot of peanut tofu on bowl of rice.
The Very Best Peanut Sauce
A staple in Asian cuisine, peanut sauce adds a rich and nutty flavor to your lettuce wraps. Made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness, this sauce pairs perfectly with lettuce wraps filled with grilled chicken or tofu.
Classic Peanut Sauce
Overhead close up of finished yumm bowl with avocado, tomatoes, black olives cheese cilantro and sour cream.
Yumm Bowls with Copycat Cafe Yumm Sauce
Yumm Sauce is a must-try condiment. Originating from Cafe Yumm, a popular restaurant in the Pacific Northwest, this creamy and zesty sauce has gained a devoted following. Its unique combination of ingredients makes it a versatile accompaniment for tofu, bringing a burst of tanginess and creaminess to your favorite dishes.
Yumm Sauce
Buffalo tofu bites on grey speckled plate next to side of blue cheese and celery.
Buffalo Tofu Bites
While traditionally associated with chicken, Buffalo Sauce can also take your tofu dishes to new heights by adding a fiery kick and zesty tang.
Buffalo Sauce
Creamy harissa sauce in small bowl next to spoon.
Creamy Harissa Dressing
This naturally dairy-free and gluten-free Creamy Harissa Sauce is addictively delicious! Tahini, harissa paste, lemon, and maple syrup are whisked until smooth, leaving you with a bold and tangy sauce to drizzle over everything, from salads to eggs to meat.
Creamy Harissa Sauce
Bowl of chili crisp on pink countertop.
Homemade Chili Crisp
This homemade Chili Crisp Recipe is ready in 15 minutes and adds a bold pop of flavor to noodles, dumplings, scrambled eggs, and more. It’s the ultimate spicy, tangy, and crunchy condiment to keep in your fridge!
Chili Crisp
Golden Tofu Coconut Curry
Indulge in the exotic flavors of a coconut curry sauce with your tofu. Combine coconut milk, curry powder, ginger, garlic, and a dash of lime juice for a creamy and aromatic delight.
Get the RECIPE from The Simple Veganista
Coconut Curry Sauce
Spoon drizzling kecap manis into bowl.
Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis)
Sweet soy sauce is a thick, syrupy sauce that originates from Indonesian cuisine. It has a unique balance of sweetness and umami flavors, making it an excellent choice for adding depth to your tofu.
Sweet Soy Sauce
Overhead shot of stir fry sauce in small glass jar next to pepper flakes and whisk.
Easy Stir Fry Sauce
Stir fry sauce is a versatile and savory option that can add depth and richness to your tofu.
Stir Fry Sauce
Side view of bowl of miso sauce next to bowl of miso paste.
Miso Sauce
This easy Miso Sauce delivers bold umami depth in minutes – perfect as a dressing, dip, spread, or marinade. Once you taste its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!
Miso Sauce
Sweet and Sour Tofu (糖醋豆腐)
Give your tofu a tangy twist with a classic sweet and sour sauce. Mix pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar for a lip-smacking marinade.
Get the RECIPE from Omnivore's Cookbook
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Crema arranged on plate with limes and cilantro.
Cilantro Lime Crema
Brighten up your tofu with a refreshing cilantro lime sauce. Blend fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a vibrant and citrusy accompaniment.
Tangy Lime Cilantro Dressing
Spoon drizzling sriracha mayo into small glass jar.
Sriracha Mayo
For those who enjoy a little heat, a spicy sriracha mayo is the perfect choice. Blend mayonnaise with Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and a dash of garlic powder for a creamy and fiery sauce.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo
Overhead shot of sesame sauce swirled in bowl and topped with sesame seeds.
Sesame Sauce
Japanese Sesame Sauce is a creamy and nutty condiment you can pair with salads, hot pot, noodles, gyoza, stir fry, vegetables, and more! An easy 8-ingredient recipe that’s ready in just 5 minutes.
Sesame Sauce
Miso Glazed Tofu
Harness the umami-rich flavors of miso by creating a delectable glaze. Whisk together miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from honey for a mouthwatering coating.
Get the RECIPE from Healthy Simple Yum
Miso Glaze
Overhead shot of chimichurri in small rustic bowl with gold spoon.
Easy Chimichurri Sauce
Add a burst of freshness to your tofu by pairing it with zesty chimichurri sauce. Blend fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a vibrant and herbaceous flavor.
Chimichurri Sauce

How to make ahead and store

Many of these tofu sauces can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

More sauce recipes

  • Sauces for Noodles
  • Sauces for Lettuce Wraps
  • Sauces for Rice Bowls
  • Sauces for Hibachi
  • Sauces for Buddha Bowls
  • Sauces for Udon Noodles
  • Sauces for Rice Noodles
  • Sauces for Egg Rolls
  • Sauces for Korean BBQ

Did you make any of these tofu sauce recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of tofu dipping sauces. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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Full Recipe

15+ Sauces for Tofu

In search of some tasty sauces for tofu? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide. From creamy sauces, to spicy sauces, tangy sauces and more! Try these Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowls served on a bed of coconut-lime rice, with quick pickled red peppers.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Serves 6 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 50 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Baking Sheet
  • Small Pot
  • Small Bowl
  • Food processor
  • Microplane

Ingredients

  • 2 14-ounce packages extra-firm tofu (drained)
  • 2-3 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (full fat)
  • ½ cup lime juice (divided, and zest of 1 lime (for rice) (from about 5 medium limes))
  • 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 2/3 cup peanut butter
  • 2 Tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 Tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 habanero pepper (stem and seeds removed)
  • 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 3 cups arugula
  • 3 green onions (thinly sliced, divided)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Black sesame seeds to garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cut tofu in half lengthwise. Sandwich slices between paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  • Cube tofu and toss with cornstarch, until coated. Arrange on a baking sheet and cook 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Coconut Rice:

  • In a small pot, combine rice with 1 cup water, coconut milk and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Simmer, covered for 15 minutes, until rice is tender. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, until ready to serve.

Peppers:

  • While tofu and rice are cooking, in a small bowl, stir ¼ cup lime juice with 1/2 teaspoon salt until salt dissolves. Add the sliced peppers, and a pinch of pepper. Toss to combine and set aside.

Peanut Sauce:

  • Add ¼ cup lime juice, peanut butter, oil, ginger, maple syrup, habanero and ¾ cup water to a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and season to taste with salt.
  • Remove 1 cup peanut sauce to a small bowl and add rice wine vinegar and soy to make the dressing; set aside.

Finishing:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add tofu and remaining peanut sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until tofu is coated in the sauce.
  • Add the lime zest and HALF of the sliced scallions to the rice, then fluff with a fork.
  • Divide the rice between bowls. Top with tofu, arugula and peppers. Drizzle the peanut dressing over top and garnish with remaining sliced scallions and black sesame seeds, if desired.

Notes

Peanut sauce can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored refrigerated until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 309mg | Potassium: 396mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 944IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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Hi, I’m Erin!

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