Bean Curd Peanut Salad (Best Protein)

Browse all Vegan Dinner Ideas →238 plant-based recipes

The foundation of this salad is simple: you’ll start by cutting fresh tofu into uniform 1/4-inch cubes, which matters because smaller, even pieces soak up the dressing better and give you the same texture throughout the dish. Once cubed, place your tofu in a medium bowl and sprinkle the remaining ingredients over it, except the peanuts. Now comes the important part: gently toss everything with your fingers to mix without breaking apart the delicate tofu. The vibrant herbs – fresh ginger, scallions, and coriander leaves – add brightness to the mild bean curd while sesame oil, soy sauce, and sherry add depth, turning simple ingredients into something really good. For best results, consider using a tofu maker set* to prepare consistently textured tofu cubes at home.

Fresh Tofu, Peanuts, Herbs

This vibrant salad combines creamy fresh tofu with aromatic Asian seasonings, creating a light yet satisfying dish. The recipe balances the mild creaminess of bean curd with bold flavors from ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce, while fresh herbs and dry-roasted peanuts add texture and depth. The combination of coriander and scallions provides a fresh, herbaceous quality that works well with the nutty undertones of the sesame oil and peanuts. For best results when preparing tofu, consider using a stainless steel tofu press* to remove excess moisture and achieve the ideal texture for your salad.

Ingredient List:

For sourcing ingredients, I grab fresh tofu from the refrigerated section of specialty or Asian markets for the best quality and texture. Fresh ginger root should be firm and fragrant, and both coriander leaves (cilantro) and scallions are best used on the day of purchase for maximum flavor. I like to adjust the recipe to suit my taste – you can add more coriander, scallions, or minced parsley into the salad or use it as garnish to boost the herbal notes. Sesame oil should be pure and of good quality, since it really makes a difference in how the dish tastes overall.

Gentle Finger Tossing Method

Begin by cutting 4 squares of fresh tofu (about 1 lb.) into 1/4-inch cubes and transfer them to a medium bowl. This uniform size helps spread flavors evenly throughout the salad. Next, gather your remaining ingredients: 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger root chopped, 3 tablespoons of scallions minced, 3 tablespoons of coriander leaves minced, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 1 dash of Tabasco sauce, 1 tablespoon of dry sherry, 1 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Sprinkle all of these ingredients directly over the tofu cubes, reserving the 3 tablespoons of dry-roasted peanuts for later garnish.

Using the gentle finger tossing method, I carefully use my fingers to toss the tofu and seasonings together lightly. This technique is really important because it blends all the flavors while keeping the delicate tofu from breaking apart or becoming mushy. The light touch lets the tofu soak up the aromatic oils and seasonings while keeping its texture and structure intact throughout the mixing process.

Once the ingredients are well combined, I mound the salad onto prepared plates lined with fresh lettuce, tomato, and cucumber slices. This looks nice and adds extra freshness and crunch to go with the soft tofu. Finally, I sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of dry-roasted peanuts over the top as a garnish, adding both texture and nutty flavor. For better flavor, think about adding more coriander, scallions, and minced parsley either mixed into the salad or sprinkled as extra garnish.

Adjust Herbs to Taste

Taste a small bite first, then adjust accordingly. The recipe calls for coriander and scallions, but you’re not locked in – I often add more coriander because its bright, citrusy flavor really complements the tofu’s mild taste. You might prefer extra scallions for sharpness or minced parsley for earthiness. Start conservative, then layer flavors gradually. Remember, fresh herbs get stronger as they sit, so I always underseasoned slightly initially. Taste multiple times while adjusting, and don’t rush this step – getting herbs right turns an okay salad into something really good.

Crisp Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber

Once you’ve nailed down your herb flavors, the bed you build matters just as much – and that’s where your lettuce, tomato, and cucumber come in. I recommend using crisp, sturdy lettuce varieties like romaine or iceberg because they won’t wilt under the tofu’s marinade. Slice your tomatoes thick enough to hold their shape, and cut cucumbers into half-moons so they catch the sesame oil dressing. These fresh vegetables cool down the spicy kick from the Tabasco and add crunch that works really well with the soft tofu cubes. The combination creates a salad with real texture and satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

With all your components ready – the silky tofu cubes, the vibrant herbs, the crisp vegetables, and that nutty peanut garnish – you’ve created a complete protein dish that delivers real nutrition without heaviness. The sesame oil brings everything together while the fresh ginger and coriander wake up your palate. This recipe adapts easily: adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, swap vegetables based on what’s available, or add extra herbs for more depth. It’s practical, satisfying, and quick to prepare.